1. Satan The Bible introduces Satan from a point of existence, rather than a point of origin- he is “on the scene” from the beginning, cf. Gen.3. While the Scriptures have little to say about his origin, they have much to say about his purposes:  To blind people to the truth, 2Cor.4:3-4;  To lie, deceive, and even to disguise himself to mislead, 2Cor.11:3,14;  To destroy, 1Pet.5:8; and  With all his power and tactics, to kill, John 8:44. Thus, in every way, Satan is completely opposed to God and His purposes, 2Cor.6:14ff.

2. Given all these things…. How is he so successful in his opposition to God and His people? Isn’t a “roaring lion” easy to identify? Think about it this way:  God has invested His power to save in the gospel, Rom.1:16-17.  If Satan can just distort the truth of God’s word in the minds/hearts of people, its power to save is thwarted, Gal.1:6-9. How, then, does Satan accomplish this distortion of the truth of God’s word? Sometimes, he does so by changing just one word…

3. Consider Satan’s first distortion of truth, Gen.3:1-7. Let’s analyze what happened:  Satan started with truth, v.1; cf.2:16;  And Eve supplied the rest of the truth, including the consequence of disobedience, vv.2-3; 2:17;  Then all Satan did was add one word to her correct restatement of God’s word…  Do you know which word Satan added? “You surely shall not die!” v.4 cp.2:17 After further impugning God’s motive, the deception and destruction was complete, vv.5-6. All Satan did was add one word to the truth!

4. Modern “Nots” in Satan’s “Tale” Accomplished by just adding one simple word: “Baptism does not save you.” cp. 1Pet.3:21 “Baptism does not wash away sins.” cp. Acts 22:16 “You do not have to be baptized.” cp. Acts 2:38 “There is not just one body/church.” cp. Eph.4:4; 1:22-23 “Denominationalism/division is not wrong.” cp. 1Cor.1:10-13; John 17:17-21 “It does not matter what you believe and practice as long as you’re honest and sincere.” cp. Matt.7:21; John 3:36 “God does not care how you worship Him.” cp. John 4:23 “Your heart is not wrong- follow it.” cp. Matt.15:19; Acts 8:22 “Millions of people can not be wrong about Jesus’ requirements for salvation, His church, His doctrine, and His worship.” cp. Matt.7:13-27

5. Now, Do you see how Satan works, even in the disguise of “truth,” “religion,” and “right,”? 2Cor.11:13-15 Only two questions remain: 1.If you have been previously deceived by Satan or his emissaries into believing a lie, will you now believe and obey the truth of God’s undistorted word as we’ve read it together today? 2.If you haven’t believed Satan’s lies, will you now go and help those who have by sharing the truth of God’s word with them?