Has God indeed said, or did Christians say? (Genesis 3:1-5, 11)

Sermon on 12 April 2026 by Pastor Justin

Introduction

Whatever we hear, we must always go back to the authority, clarity, and accuracy of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

Message

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” - Genesis 3:1-5

Adam was told that he would die if he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Disobedience would lead to physical and spiritual death. The serpent was very cunning. It targeted Eve, who was not the direct recipient of God’s command. The devil attacks the word, through questions that contradict God. Once Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they became aware of sin.

And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” - Genesis 3:11

Spiritual deception happens when God’s Word is doubted, distorted, or replaced (Revelation 22:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2). Any attack of the Word that creates doubt, results in disobedience, which leads to spiritual death.

Let us turn to the bible to check for the truth, to protect ourselves against lies often told. Ask yourself, who said that? God, or man?

1. “God won’t give you more than you can handle”

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Many Christians often speak of this. However, the truth has been twisted. The verse is about temptation, not suffering. However, Christians have applied it to all of life’s burdens. This is dangerous because a believer who is suffering greatly may doubt God.

The bible tells us the opposite of popular speak. Jesus never promised easy of manageable lives (John 16:33; Luke 9:23; Psalm 23:4). The apostle Paul also talked about suffering beyond measure.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. - 2 Corinthians 1:8

2. “Follow your heart”

All of us fall short of the glory of God. Telling someone to follow their heart is leading them into destruction.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? - Jeremiah 17:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5

Feelings are not the same as truth.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. - Proverbs 14:12

The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. - Proverbs 14:15

Jesus did not say “follow your heart”. He said, “follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

3. “God knows my heart”

This is biblical (1 Samuel 16:7). God knows our every secret. However, Christians used this wrongly, to justify themselves for things they do not want to do. They may say things like, “God knows my heart, so my actions don’t matter”, or to excuse disobedience, or to avoid correction.

Instead, what we should be saying, are - “God knows my heart, so I will be sincere and not hypocritical”, “God knows my heart, so my hidden motives will be revealed”, and “God knows my heart, so let this be a warning of my accountability”. True heart devotion shows up in how you live.

Closing

The enemy uses questions to attack God’s Word (Genesis 3:1). The enemy uses questions to distort God’s Word (Genesis 2:17). The enemy uses questions to contradict God’s Word (Genesis 3:4).

Let us be like Jesus, who responded “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10).

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” - Matthew 4:4

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” - Matthew 4:7

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” - Matthew 4:10