Theme
Understanding Satan’s tactics helps us pray effectively, and achieve spiritual victories.
Biblical Foundation
Introduction
God created Adam and Eve to rule over the earth. Satan launched his assault on God’s plan by introducing evil through deception, thus setting up his own agenda to defeat God’s plan.
▶ The Story of Eden (click to expand/collapse)
- God’s Plan: God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-27). They lived in perfect harmony with Him.
- The Choice: God placed the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden, giving them a choice to obey or disobey (Genesis 2:16-17). Love must be voluntary; it cannot be imposed.
- Satan’s Deception: Satan tempted Eve to doubt God’s word, leading to disobedience (Genesis 3:1-6).
- The Result: Their choice brought separation from God, broke their connection with Him, and passed a sinful nature to all humanity (Genesis 3:6-8, 2 Corinthians 4:4).
Four Consequences
- Sin (Romans 3:23)
- A Curse (Genesis 3:17-19)
- Death (Ezekiel 18:4)
- Terror (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Key Insight
- Adam’s sin involved submission to Satan, transferring human authority from God to Satan (Romans 5:12).
- Satan’s tactic is to replace God’s authority with self-will. Each generation faces this choice, but through prayer, we can resist and restore God’s rule.
- Prayerlessness yields tragic consequences.
Action Points
- In small groups, read Genesis 3:1-11
- Discuss your reaction to what happened in the Garden of Eden.
- Discuss how Satan’s tactics (doubt, pride, deception) appear in today’s world.
- Do you have a family member or friend who is still stuck in darkness, under Satan’s dominion?
Remember, he masquerades as an angel of light. In Part 2, Session 3, we gave you tools to help share Jesus. This site has multiple tools to prepare you.
Prayer Time
“Lord, fill me with Your truth and strength to resist deception. Let Your will rule my life. Please work in my friends and family who are stuck in darkness, bring them into Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”