In our day-to-day life, Satan constantly works to trick us into falling away from our Savior. There are plenty of pitfalls and traps he makes for us, hoping that we will turn away from God and embrace more of our own sins. Fortunately, we were given the beautiful, soul-saving Word of God to fight back against Satan’s lies. Read below ten lies that Satan loves to tell (or whisper, or yell) into our ears. Then, see how God’s Word shows us the truth, and cling to specific verses from His Word when you feel yourself falling prey to the lies.
Lie 1: You cannot trust God.
Everything God says turns out to be true. He keeps all His promises. One way to defend ourselves when Satan attacks us with this lie is to immerse ourselves in God’s promises, for in His Word we will see that we can trust Him to do what He says.
Bible passage to remember: Proverbs 3:5–6.
Lie 2: Your value is based on your performance.
The world is filled with examples and relationships where this is too often true. School and work are full of grades and performance reviews. But your value to God is not based on your performance. Your value before God is based on Jesus’ performance on your behalf. Your value comes from being a child of God who has been redeemed and forgiven by Jesus’ death and resurrection for you.
Bible passage to remember: Hebrews 4:14–16.
Lie 3: You need and deserve more.
In Western culture, we are surrounded by messages encouraging an insatiable desire for more, for bigger and better everything. This lie can leave us constantly dissatisfied with what God has provided. To fight against this lie, gratitude is key. Our thankfulness for God’s provision helps us recognize how much and how well God is taking care of us. Such gratitude can help us steward the resources we have with discernment.
Bible passage to remember: Matthew 7:–11.
Lie 4: Life will be better if you seize more control.
Power is a dangerous idol. This lie tempts us toward power through our tendencies toward pride, arrogance, and ego. And it’s not only about power on some large political scale. It’s also about power within homes, families, and churches. Humility is important in fighting against this lie. We are called to remember that Jesus is risen from the dead with all power and authority, not us.
Bible passage to remember: Matthew 5:38–44.
Lie 5: You are exempt. (That doesn’t apply to you).
We often will make excuses for ourselves for things like being late, forgetting something, or disobeying traffic laws and other rules. Satan wants us to think we are the center of the universe. The key to fighting this lie is embracing our place in the Body of Christ. We are unique creations, but we are also a part of God’s family.
Bible passage to remember: 1 Corinthians 12:27.
Lie 6: You should cover up your sins.
Whenever God’s people try to hide their sins, it doesn’t go well. From Adam and Eve to Cain to Joseph’s brothers to David. We know this lie isn’t true because it doesn’t work. We also know it isn’t true because God invites us to confess our sins and receive forgiveness. We don’t need to cover up our sins because they are already covered in the robe of Christ’s righteousness.
Bible passage to remember: Romans 4:7.
Lie 7: God does not love you.
We know this lie isn’t true because God tells His people on countless occasions that He does love us. He has loved us with an everlasting love. Nothing can separate us from His love. He sent Jesus out of love for the world. You can remind yourself of God’s love and fight against this lie every time you look at a cross. For there we see God’s love poured out for us.
Bible passage to remember: John 15:12
Lie 8: You can and must save yourself.
Satan uses this lie to focus us on our own abilities and strength. And when those fall short (as they always do), he pushes us to just try harder. But you do not have to save yourself. Also, you are not capable of that. That is not bad news. Jesus has already saved you. By His death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. To fight this lie, remember that your salvation has already been won, not by you, but by Jesus.
Bible passage to remember: Ephesians 2:8–10.
Lie 9: You are alone.
This lie often stems from relationship struggles. Sometimes we feel unsupported. Sometimes we feel like it would just be easier to self-exclude and go forward alone. We may feel alone when we are isolated, or we may feel alone in crowded rooms where nobody seems to notice us. God frequently reminds His people in the Scriptures that they are not alone. He creates other humans for community. And He is with us always.
Bible passage to remember: Matthew 28:20.
Lie 10: You are too dirty/broken/flawed/sinful to be forgiven.
Any time we make a mistake or something bad happens to us, Satan is quick to flood us with shame. He seeks to persuade us that our entire identity is found in what we have done wrong or in how others have sinned against us. To fight back against this lie, look away from yourself and look to Jesus. Look to all He has done for you. He has forgiven you by His death and resurrection. He has healed, cleansed, and perfected you on the cross. Your identity is in Him and in His redemption.
Bible passage to remember: Ephesians 1:7
Read more in-depth truths about these ten lies and how you can fight against them with God’s Word in Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell.
