Let us look more closely on Satan’s first successful attempt at deceiving Eve and Adam.
Genesis 3:1-6 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?"
The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'"
The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.
What can we learn about Satan’s schemes from this?
First, Satan came to her with a plan in mind.
Second, he is very crafty and deceiving.
Third, Eve was not afraid of Satan or uncomfortable talking with him. He does not appear to be someone to avoid or mistrust.
Fourth, he questioned her understanding of what God has said. He knew what God had said. In today’s context, Satan knows the Bible better than anyone else in the world.
Fifth, Eve knew enough to resist and to be wary.
Sixth, Satan subtly implied that God was a liar and was withholding something from them. God was not letting them have the blessings they deserved.
Seventh, Eve was close enough to be enticed by her physical desires. The closer you get to temptation, the better it looks. The fear fades as the desires swell up within you.
Eighth, Adam said nothing and did nothing.
We have been warned many times as well. But Satan keeps putting the world’s sinful pleasures within reach.
1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
James 1:14-16 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
John and James warnings are for us today. Don’t go near, don’t touch, don’t mention, don’t think about, don’t desire, and don’t be deceived. Remember, Satan is a murderous, roaring lion seeking to devour you.