Good News from the Stony Creek Church of Christ

Do not believe Satan’s lies! (Part 3)

We have been going through a series where we look at a few of Satan’s lies.

The first sin was a result of Eve doubting what God said on account of Satan’s lies (Genesis 3:1, 4-6). Believe me, he has not stopped lying. His whole mission is one of lies and deception (John 8:44; Revelation 20:7-9). And people have not stopped doubting God and believing Satan’s lies. Look around – we see the results of this deception everywhere in our culture (Romans 1:25).

As I said before, we have all rejected the truth and believed the lie (Romans 3:23) and because of that we have all given ourselves over to the “futility of our minds,” had our “understanding darkened” and our lives bore the fruit of it (Ephesians 4:17-18). That is why God revealed truth through scripture and has given us all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yet, there are many today who continue to believe these lies. Thankfully, God has not left us ignorant (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Let’s look at a few more today.

“Prioritize yourself first.”

We might say it this way, “Look out for number one.” Or we might call it self-seeking, self-serving, self-involved, self-centered, or selfish – with emphasis on self.

That is what Satan says, but what does God say about this?

Jesus said in Mark 10:44 “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” It’s hard to sell Christianity with lines like this. You could tell them, “If you want to achieve greatness … to be first … to make it to heaven … then be a slave.” They might say, “No! I am against slavery.” But Jesus says, “Volunteer for it!”

Paul says something challenging along this line in Philippians 2:3-5. This passage teaches that Jesus thought in His mind in every humble act (including being on the cross), “You are more important than I am!” I wrestle with that thought. How could He have thought that? He is God. He is the creator of the universe. Yet, that is what the Bible says here. That is the same mindset that this passage says we need to have.

This is what makes Christianity so different. It’s not about putting yourself first, but last. It is not about serving yourself. It is about denying yourself. It’s about serving and prioritizing others.

“Self-esteem is important.”

You may have heard someone say something like, “The most important thing is for you (especially young people) to believe in yourself … or esteem yourself highly.”

Do you know why this is considered so important in our culture? Because it stems from another lie, when people tell kids, “You are not created. You were an accident. You are a product of different processes and evolution. You are a highly evolved monkey adapted for survival over billions of years. You have no Creator. You certainly were not created in the image of any Creator. Your only value comes from the survival of the fittest.”

Do you know what they have to do with kids because of this lie? They have to go from biology to trying to convince them, “You matter!” If this lie is true, then what gives value is survival of the fittest, and only the smartest, strongest, most talented, popular, beautiful, or successful really matter.

That is what Satan wants you to believe, but what does God say?

Our value (proper self-worth) comes not from being the fittest, but from the fundamental truth that we were all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 5:1-2; Psalm 8:4-8; James 3:9; etc.). Male or female. Yellow, black, or white. Rich or poor. Born or unborn. Successful or not. Popular or not. No matter your physical circumstances, God made you. God loves you. God (your Creator) wants to have a relationship with you (His creation). This makes you inherently valuable. This is where we have to find our true value.

God loves you so much, and despite your sin, He sacrificed his only begotten Son for you – to recreate you back into the image He made you (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; etc.). God longs to have a deeper relationship with you and adopt you as His child (1 Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1).

That’s what the Bible says about just a few of the many lies Satan continues to tell.

Visitors are welcome and valued. We meet at 15530 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville. Our phone number is (317) 219-5852. We meet for Sunday morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. and have classes for all ages. Worship begins at 11 a.m. and we have a Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. A warm welcome awaits!