The first recorded question in Scripture didn’t come from a seeker of truth—it came from the father of lies.
“Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
— Genesis 3:1
It’s subtle. It sounds harmless. But that question was more than a simple inquiry—it was a seed of doubt. It was the enemy’s first tactic in war against humanity: twist God’s Word just enough to confuse, then conquer.
Eve’s downfall didn’t begin with the bite. It began with a question—a question that made her unsure of what God had actually said.
The enemy still whispers that question today. When we’re tired, uncertain, afraid, tempted, or discouraged, we hear echoes of Eden:
- “Did God really say you’re forgiven?”
- “Did God really say He has a plan?”
- “Did God really say He loves you?”
- “Did God really say you can’t do that?”
If we don’t know how to answer that question—if we don’t know what God has said—we’re vulnerable to the same deception.
The War Over Truth
We live in a culture where truth feels negotiable. But spiritual warfare has always been a battle over truth. That’s why Scripture calls the devil “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He doesn’t come at us with horns and pitchforks. He comes with clever distortions of what God has said.
“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:14
That’s the terrifying part. Lies don’t always look like lies. They sound close enough to the truth to get by. They sound comforting. Sensible. Spiritual even.
Satan’s question to Eve wasn’t blatant rebellion. It was spiritual confusion. It was designed to cast doubt on God’s character and Word: “Did God really say?”
The first temptation wasn’t about appetite—it was about authority. Whose voice gets to define good and evil? Who gets to be trusted?
Eve answered the serpent’s question—but with a slight distortion of her own:
“God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”
— Genesis 3:3
But God never said they couldn’t touch it. She added to God’s word. Satan twisted it; Eve misquoted it.
And just like that, the ground for disobedience was set.
Know the Word or Fall for a Lie
If the devil can get us to doubt or distort what God says, he can get us to disobey. That’s why knowing God’s Word isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Jesus Himself, when tempted by Satan in the wilderness, answered every lie with truth:
“It is written…” (Matthew 4)
He didn’t argue. He didn’t reason. He didn’t even appeal to feelings. He responded with Scripture—precisely and correctly. That’s the only weapon that works.
If Jesus needed the Word to resist temptation, how much more do we?
When the Thought Comes: Is This God?
In your daily life, you’ll hear thoughts—some you recognize, others you don’t. Some sound spiritual. Others feel accusatory. And still others come in the form of “leadings” or “nudges” we assume are from God.
So how do you discern? When a thought enters your mind, how do you know if it’s:
- From the Holy Spirit?
- From your own flesh?
- From an evil spirit?
Here’s a biblical framework to help.
1. Does It Align With Scripture?
God will never contradict Himself. The Spirit of God authored the Word of God. So He won’t lead you to do something that violates His written truth.
- Feeling led to walk away from a hard marriage? What does Scripture say about covenant and perseverance?
- Feeling like you’re beyond redemption? What does Scripture say about forgiveness?
- Want to justify a sin? Scripture won’t let you.
Scripture is the filter for revelation. If it doesn’t align with the Bible, it’s not from God.
2. Does It Bear the Fruit of the Spirit?
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
— Galatians 5:22–23
If a thought brings anxiety, shame, confusion, or despair—it’s not from the Holy Spirit. God may convict us, but His voice doesn’t crush. His Spirit always leads to peace, even when calling us to repentance.
The enemy accuses. The Holy Spirit convicts—and restores.
Ask: Does this thought sound like a loving Father?
3. Does It Glorify Christ or Self?
The Holy Spirit’s job is to glorify Jesus (John 16:14). So any prompting, vision, or idea that elevates self, ego, or platform over Christ is suspect.
We live in an age of self-importance disguised as calling. But not every “open door” is a divine one. Not every desire is from God. Sometimes, our own ambition speaks louder than the Spirit. The goal of the Spirit is not to make much of us—but of Jesus.
4. Does It Stand Up Under Wise Counsel?
God speaks personally, but not privately. He places us in a body—the church—for discernment. If you feel God is speaking, share it with mature believers. See if it aligns with their wisdom and understanding of Scripture.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
— Proverbs 15:22
If a word from God requires secrecy, can’t withstand scrutiny, or contradicts wise counsel—it’s likely not God.
What to Do When You’re Unsure
Sometimes, you simply don’t know. You’ve prayed. You’ve read. You’re still confused. What then?
Wait on God. He is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). If you ask Him for wisdom, He gives it generously (James 1:5).
In the meantime:
- Stay in the Word
- Stay in community
- Stay in obedience to what you already know
God isn’t playing games. He wants you to know His will more than you do.
The Voice of the Shepherd
Jesus said,
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27
Hearing God’s voice is part of the Christian life—but it’s developed through time, trust, and truth.
The more time you spend in the Word and with the Lord, the more clearly you’ll hear Him—and recognize imposters.
The enemy may still whisper, “Did God really say?” But you’ll be able to respond with confidence, “Yes. He did.”
Final Encouragement
You are in a spiritual battle, but you are not without a weapon. God has given you His Word, His Spirit, and His people to help you stand firm.
Don’t let a twisted question undermine a firm foundation. Know what God has said. Test every voice. And when in doubt, cling to what is written.
Because when you know the truth, the truth will set you free.
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