Sermon Outline Title: Four Seeds of Destruction in the Garden
Bible Text: John 8:44, Genesis 3:1-5
Theme: The devil has deceived humanity with four lies since the Garden of Eden, and these same lies continue to destroy lives today
Big Idea: Satan is the father of lies who uses deception to lead people away from God, but by recognizing his tactics and keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can avoid falling into his traps and live a blessed life.
1. The Devil Is the Father of All Lies (John 8:44)
a. Jesus called him a murderer and liar from the beginning
b. The devil has a big target on every believer to keep them discouraged
c. Lies have caused death, ruined reputations, caused divorces, and led to suicide
2. The Devil Is a Sower of Bad Seeds (Genesis 3:1-5)
a. Just as Jesus is the sower of good gospel seeds, Satan sows seeds of sin and evil
b. He is sly and subtle—he plants bad seeds in hearts and lets people stumble
c. One small, seemingly insignificant decision can lead to a life-destroying trap
3. The First Lie: Dissension – “Has God Really Said?” (Genesis 3:1)
a. The devil got Eve to question God’s Word
b. When you question whether God’s Word is infallible truth, you’re on the road to a great fall
c. The world is full of doubters, atheists, backsliders, and scoffers who believed this lie
4. The Second Lie: Doubt – “You Shall Not Surely Die” (Genesis 3:4)
a. Satan planted seeds of doubt about God’s love and care
b. Eve believed the lie, and now we all face death, sickness, pain, grief, and trouble
c. When you doubt God and take your eyes off Jesus, trouble is waiting at the door
5. The Third Lie: Defiance – “Your Eyes Will Be Opened” (Genesis 3:5)
a. The devil told Eve she wouldn’t need to depend on God’s Word anymore
b. Today’s world says, “I don’t need God to show me how to live—I know what’s best for me”
c. Defying God’s Word leads to a place reserved for those who reject Him
6. The Fourth Lie: Disobedience – “You Will Be Like God” (Genesis 3:5)
a. This was the biggest lie—the one that pushed Eve over the edge
b. The world still searches for ways to replace God and get to heaven without Jesus
c. If you will be saved, you must go through Jesus—there are no other gods offering salvation
Illustration
I want to tell you about my cousin who greatly influenced my life. He came up hard, a product of poverty, and never learned to read because he didn’t go to school long enough. But he was a follower of Christ with faith enough to move mountains. When the Lord called him into ministry, his wife would read the Bible to him, and that’s how he prepared his messages. In church, she would read the Scripture and he would preach it. That’s a mountain very few believers would be able to move, but he did—he pastored a church for years. You know what it takes to work for the Lord? A willing heart. God will make a way if you are willing to work for Him. Don’t let the devil lie to you about whether you are worthy, qualified, or needed in the kingdom of God.
Alliterated Main Points
• Dissension (Questioning God’s Word)
• Doubt (Questioning God’s Love)
• Defiance (Rejecting God’s Authority)
• Disobedience (Replacing God Altogether)
Conclusion / Invitation
The devil has been sowing lies and deception since the Garden of Eden, and he’s still using the same four lies today. If a person winds up in hell, it is because they have believed a lie of the devil. Don’t be one of them. If you will give your life to Jesus and walk by faith, He can keep you away from the lies of the devil and keep you safe from his web of deception. Keep your eyes on Jesus, don’t doubt God’s love, don’t question His Word, don’t defy His authority, and don’t try to replace Him. There is only one way to heaven, and that’s through Jesus Christ. Will you trust Him today and reject the devil’s lies?