Four Lies of the Devil Still at Work Today

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Text: John 8:44 – “He was a murderer from the beginning…he is a liar and the father of it.”

Theme Statement: Every lie originates from the devil, the father of lies, but God has given us His truth to stand against deception.

Big Idea: Satan uses the same old lies he used in the garden, but believers can recognize and resist them by clinging to God’s Word.

1. The Father of Lies (John 8:44)

Jesus identifies Satan as a murderer and a liar from the beginning.
Every lie originates from the devil, just as every truth flows from God.
Satan’s mission: keep the lost lost, and the saved discouraged and defeated.
A lie nailed Jesus to the cross and has destroyed countless lives.
If Satan isn’t fighting you, check whether you’re truly saved — he targets Christians.
Illustration: Like a con artist who’s been running the same scam for centuries, the devil hasn’t changed his tactics, just the packaging.

2. The Setup of Subtlety (Genesis 3:1-5)

Satan doesn’t always tell outright lies — he plants seeds of suggestion.
He lays traps and lets people walk into them.
Most destruction begins with one small decision made under temptation.
He is “more subtle than any beast” — good at making sin look harmless.
Illustration: Like a hunter setting a hidden snare, Satan places traps that look harmless until it’s too late.

3. Lie #1 – “Can You Really Believe God?” (Genesis 3:1)

Satan’s first tactic: question God’s Word. “Has God said…?”
Doubt is sin — Romans 14:23.
Once Eve doubted God’s Word, sin entered the human race.
Satan still attacks the foundation of our faith: believing God.
Salvation begins by faith in hearing and believing God’s Word.
Illustration: Like termites weakening a foundation from the inside, doubt can silently undermine your faith until the whole structure collapses.

4. Lie #2 – “Does God Really Care About You?” (Genesis 3:4)

Satan twists the truth: “You shall not surely die.”
He plants the thought that God doesn’t care about you.
Many see God as distant and unconcerned — but that’s a lie.
John 3:16 proves God’s love; 1 Peter 5:7 says cast all your cares on Him.
If Satan convinces you God doesn’t care, you’ll stop serving Him.
Illustration: Like a rumor that spreads mistrust in a marriage, Satan whispers lies to make you doubt God’s care and love.

5. Lie #3 – “God Doesn’t Have Your Best Interest at Heart” (Genesis 3:5)

Satan suggests God’s rules are to hold you back, not help you.
He implies you’ll be better off deciding for yourself.
Truth: God’s commands are protective boundaries for our good.
When left to ourselves, we always choose the low road; God gives rules to help us help ourselves.
Letting people have their own way often brings judgment on themselves.
Illustration: Like guardrails on a mountain road, God’s commands are there to keep you from going over the edge — not to ruin your drive.

6. Lie #4 – “God Will Hold You Back” (Genesis 3:5)

“You shall be as gods” — Satan implies God is holding you back from fullness.
Many delay salvation thinking they’re “enjoying life” now.
Truth: God doesn’t hold you back, He lifts you up to a new life.
The Christian life isn’t about missing out — it’s about moving up.
Illustration: Like a bird freed from a cage, salvation doesn’t limit you — it lets you soar higher than you ever could alone.

7. The Lie of No God (Modern Age)

The only lie Satan didn’t tell Eve — “There is no God.”
Today it’s his biggest lie to keep people from salvation.
If there’s no God, then no Jesus, no sin, no salvation, and no point to life.
This lie feeds despair, hopelessness, addiction, and destruction.
The answer: Jesus Christ is real, and He alone gives life meaning.
Illustration: Like turning off the lighthouse in a storm, denying God leaves the world in darkness and despair.

Conclusion / Invitation

The devil’s lies are old but still effective: doubt God’s Word, doubt His care, doubt His goodness, and believe He’s holding you back.
Jesus is the truth who sets us free (John 8:32).
Don’t fall for Satan’s lies — stand on the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
Do you know Jesus today, the One who is the way, the truth, and the life?

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