You Have An Enemy

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

Genesis 3:1

Genesis 3 never directly identifies this serpent as Satan, but we have every reason to believe that’s exactly who it was. First, the fact that this snake talks suggests that there is some spiritual being operating behind the scenes. And it begs the questions “Who could that be?” As we read the rest of the Bible, we find that there is a spiritual being who opposes God, deceives His people and tempts them to sin. He is called Satan. The conduct of this serpent in Genesis 3 is perfectly in keeping with what we know of him. 

Second, several New Testament passages seem to identify Satan with this serpent. Revelation 12:9, for example, describes Satan as, “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” So, I think we have every reason to believe this serpent was Satan.

And that's important, because if this serpent was Satan... then he's still around. And that means that this passage serves as a warning for you and I still today. 

Genesis 3 is the first passage in all of Scripture that reveals to us that we have an enemy… someone who is actively working to separate us from God, to draw us into sin and destroy us. It’s important that you don’t forget that. It’s pretty easy for a snake to hide in the grass and wait to strike when you don’t know he’s there, but the Fall teaches us that he is there and it warns us to be careful.

This same warning is echoed throughout the Bible in passages like 1 Peter 5:8.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Are you aware today that you have an Enemy? There is an intelligent and powerful being who is trying to deceive and tempt you… who is working to lure you into sin so he can destroy you. You are under attack! Beware! Be careful! Don’t allow yourself to be deceived like Adam and Eve were.