Skip to Content

12 of Satan’s Lies and How to Combat Them With God’s Word

This page/post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, as well as an affiliate of other programs, this means if you purchase something using these links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you! For more detailed information, please visit our Affiliate Disclaimer page

Satan’s lies are everywhere. He whispers or shouts them everyday to you and others. He, however, is a bold-faced liar.

In this post, we’ll cover the serpent’s lies and God’s responses. We’ll help you battle back when the evil one lies to you. Are you ready to fight Satan’s lies with God’s Word?


Let’s do this.

12 of Satan's Lies and How to Combat Them With God's Word 1

First of all, I want you to know that you are flipping amazing. You have incredible potential – I’m not just talking about your gifts and talents or even your career. (although those are awesome, too!)

God tells us your true potential in His Word:


Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, – Ephesians 3:20

Our potential is through Him and it is boundless. No matter how wonderful you envision your life and future to be, it’s even more wonderful than what you imagine.

That is why the lying, scheming evil one is jealous of you. Satan doesn’t have the bright future that you do. He is bound by limitations and you are not. He is miserable and wants you to be miserable alongside him.

Satan will do all he can to thwart you along your way to eternal life. He will try everything from telling you every lie imaginable to tripping you up when he can.

The Father of Lies

The lies that we hear are from the master of lies himself, the devil. His whole being, his entire system is based on lies. Satan lies because he is the father of lies.

Jesus said:


“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44

His motive: murder. His method: the lie. Satan wants to bring death — physical, spiritual and eternal — and he does it through deception.

Satan isn’t interested in telling lies about little things, although he does that, too. He wants you to believe the biggest lies of all – lies about God. Satan lies to try to twist your mind about who God is and his character. If he succeeds, then he has won.

These lies, repeated often enough, can slowly drown out the promises of God.

Twelve of Satan’s Lies

Lie #1: God Does Not Love Us.

By planting that seed of doubt, Satan wanted Eve to believe God was withholding goodness from her; therefore, God Himself was not good. She would think God was cruel, harsh, and unloving.

Now the serpent was craftier than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:1-5

Lie #2: God is Not Truthful.

By casting doubt on His truthfulness, Satan wanted Eve to believe God had lied to her. His question mark at the end of what God said implies God’s Word cannot be trusted.

Any person, from professor to pastor and everyone in between, who is skeptic or plants seeds of skepticism is promoting Satan’ lies and authenticity of the Word of God. They are doing the work of Satan.

Out to destroy God’s truthfulness, Satan introduced relativism, rationalism, pragmatism, post-modernism — all based on lies about God. Today’s society has been infiltrated by these substitutes for the truth of God. The father of all lies is behind them all.

Lie #3: God is Not Righteous.

When Satan said, “you shall not surely die”, he wanted Eve to believe God would not really hold Eve’s sin against her. Some today think, “God is too good to punish sin.” He’s too good not to punish sin. He is holy and righteous.

Lie #4: God is Not Gracious.

Satan’s temptation here is for Eve to believe God’s plans for her were not good, and she should look out for herself. He tells Eve, “If God is not gracious, then you’d better take charge on your own, become your own god and take care of yourself.”

But what is the truth about God’s desires for us?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

green path; Satan's lies; Jeremiah 29:11

But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

    nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—He has our best interests in His heart if we will follow His plans. –

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

Lie #5: With Enough Effort, You Can Follow the Law

You want to be successful? With enough effort, you can earn a degree, get your dream job, climb the corporate ladder. You want to lose weight or get in shape? With enough determination, you can go to the gym, exercise and eat right. You just have to want it bad enough, right? Do more. Work harder. With enough effort, you can do whatever you set your mind to.

This typical can-do, American attitude becomes the default theology we bring to the Christian life. It becomes the lens through which we read the Bible. Anything God commands us to do, our response is, “With enough effort, I can do that.” Pray enough, be godly enough, go to church enough, and I’ll be able to lead an obedient, God-pleasing life. He’ll be happy with me. I’ll be a devoted, serious Christian.

But they are all lies. Satan’s lies. The more you think you’re doing the law of God, following the law of God, you may be falling deeper into sin.

The more you’re convinced that if you pray enough and read your Bible enough, talk “Christianese” you’ll be able to achieve a life of obedience, the more trapped you become in Satan’s lies.

The law is not kept by us keeping it, but by believing that Christ has kept it for us. Faith in Jesus puts you into the body of the commandment-keeper.

What Christ has done becomes what you have done. BUT God sees you in Jesus. And since he sees you in Jesus, he sees you as complete, sin-free, obedient, perfect. What you could never do with enough effort, Jesus has done for you with all the effort required.

Lie #6: With Enough Sin, You Can Undo the Gospel

Notice who the subject is in both of Satan’s lies: YOU. With enough effort, you can follow the law and you’ll be good. With enough sin, you can undo the Gospel.

This is why it’s so easy to believe both of these. Because we labor under the impression that everything is about us. That everything revolves around us.

We can’t take their minds off our own efforts. Satan’s lie #5 – if we work hard, we earn God’s favor. If we sin too much, then we fall out of God’s favor and love. (Satan’s lie #6).

Both of those of Satan’s lies make God seem to be fickle.

How much does the Gospel depend on you? None. Not one little bit. Just like you getting out of bed doesn’t make the sun rise, so your works (or lack or sin) don’t make the Gospel true.

With enough sins, with enough unbelief; no matter what you do, you can never undo the Gospel. The Gospel is what God has done for us and what you receive. The Gospel isn’t about you doing something or not doing something. It’s about God doing everything for you. Living for you. Dying for you. Rising for you. On the cross, when Jesus said, “Father, forgive them,” all humanity—past, present, future—was absolved. It’s done. Everyone has been declared justified in Jesus Christ

Here is the truth: Christ has kept the law for you. In the Gospel, he keeps you in himself. Your goodness didn’t earn it and your badness won’t destroy it. Jesus gives, you receive. It is all his effort, all his gift. Believe it. It is yours.

Lie 7: God Doesn’t Want to Hear from You Anymore. It’s Been Too Long Since You’ve Talked to Him.

Satan’s lies never end. The truth is that God always wants to hear from you, even if it’s been many years since you’ve spoken to Him.

He hears us. He hears our cries, our fears, our complaining, our petitioning and he cares for us.

If it’s been awhile (or even just a day), since you’ve had fellowship with our Father, do it today. He longs to hear from you.

Lie #8: This World is too Wicked and Sinful for You to Ever Find Happiness or Peace.

Yes, the world is wicked. We see evidence of that every day. One of Satan’s lies, perhaps one of the greatest, is fear. Don’t let him win by believing the fears he shouts in the wars, murders, rapes, corruption and other terrifying things we read in the news each day. Even when things are hard, even when they’re horrible, God’s plan provides hope and joy.

Lie #9: Because God Loves You, Your Sin and Behavior Doesn’t Matter That Much.

The evil one is the ultimate trickster. Satan lies and tells you a part-truth, that God loves you, but tells you that because He loves you, your sinful behavior not important. The truth is that our actions are important. We are still to love God, love others and care for others. Our behavior does matter. But our behavior doesn’t make God love us more or less. His love for us is enduring and infinite.

Lie #10: Confessing your sins will only hurt the people you love.

It’s easy to think that in order to spare them that pain, you shouldn’t admit your sins or betrayals. Another of Satan’s lies. This one where he gets you to think and act like him by using deception. Don’t fall for this one, my friends.

Yes, it may hurt them, but the truth will truly set you free.


God’s Word has a lot to say to refute this one of Satan’s lies. Here is just a partial look:

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. – Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)

truth; Satan's lies; Ephesians 4:25

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. – Proverbs 12:22 (ESV)

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, – Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (ESV)

Lie #11: The Church’s Teachings are Outdated.

Just look at how most of the world believes and behaves today. Millions of people can’t be wrong!

The truth is that each day, the world and its people are becoming more wicked. That is true. But God’s Word is in fallible and never becomes outdated. His Word is true today and forever. Eternal truths always will be eternal truths.

Lie #12: You Just Aren’t Good Enough

You’ve tried and tried, but you’re just not good enough. You’ll never please God enough or make it to heaven. Stop! This is one of Satan’s lies that is most popular, sadly.

When Satan gets you to believe that you aren’t good enough, he wins a victory.

When we fall short of perfection, and we always do, it’s easy to get discouraged and want to throw in the towel.

I wear a bracelet 24/7 that says “Beloved, Beautiful, Redeemed, Cherished “It reminds me that God says that I am all those things and therefore more than good enough.

When you hear Satan boldly telling you this lie, here are a few verses to remind you that you are more than good enough, my friend:

So God created man in his own image,

    in the image of God he created him;

    male and female he created them. –

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

(If we are made in His image, how can we NOT be good enough?)

For you formed my inward parts;

    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

    my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

    the days that were formed for me,

    when as yet there was none of them. –

Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV) (bold text mine)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) (italics mine)

How to Deal with Satan’s Lies

If Satan is out to deceive us, how do we overcome him? It’s OK to get mad at Satan’s lies and deceit, but you can fight back at least four ways.

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. – Revelation 12:11 (ESV)

  1. By Calvary’s Conquest

The blood of the Lamb. On the cross, Satan’s back was broken. He is exposed — a fake, fraud, and imposter. But you’ll never overcome him until you come to Jesus.

2. By Complete Commitment 

Total surrender. “They loved not their lives unto the death.” They said, “I’m going for God even if I die serving Jesus.”

This is the only way you will defeat Satan. The Word of God pulls the veil of darkness away and exposes Satan’s lies

3. By Confession

The word of their testimony. This is not just standing up and saying, “I want to tell you what Jesus has done for me.” The Bible is the Word of our testimony — the Word of God. Bring the Word of God against these lies.


4. By Remembering Who God Says You Are

The below are more of Satan’s lies and scripture to remember God’s truths. Satan’s lies mean nothing against the Word of God. Write these truths upon your heart. Pray them. Write them in your journal. Read them in your Bible and fight Satan’s lies with God’s truths.

  1. I say (or have said) I am unlovable, but God says I am forever loved.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

Open Bible with red heart on it; Satan's lies; Romans 8:38-39

2. I say (or have said) I am scarred or broken, but God says I am healed.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions;

    he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

    and with his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)

3. I say I am weak, but God says He makes me strong.

“the God who equipped me with strength

    and made my way blameless.” – Psalm 18:32 (ESV)

4. I know that I am a sinner, but God says I am forgiven.

“I am writing to you, little children,

    because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.” – 1 John 2:12 (ESV)

5. I was abandoned, but God says I am adopted.

“he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,” – Ephesians 1:5 (ESV)

6. I say I am broken, but God says He makes me whole.

That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. – Ephesians 5:26-27 (ESV)

7. I have been rejected, but God says I am His!

“But now thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

    he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

    I have called you by name, you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1 (ESV)

8. I say I am alone or feel alone, but God says He is always with me.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

9. I say I am hopeless, but God says because of Him, I am hopeful.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

10. I say I am purposeless, but God says I was created with purpose.

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 (ESV) (italics mine)

11. I say I have failed, but God says I am victorious in Christ.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

12. I say I am lost, but God says He gives me direction.

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)

13. I say I am worried, anxious, or afraid, but God says with Him I am peace-filled.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27 (ESV)

14. I say I am unhappy, but God says I am joyful.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:11 (ESV)

15. I say I am afraid, but God says I am powerful, loved, and have a self-control.

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” –  2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

16. I say I am nothing special, but God says I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

    my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

17. I say I am worthless, but God says Jesus died because I am worth it.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (ESV)

For more Bible verses about Satan’s lies, see this list.

Satan’s lies will hit you often and it’s all right to get mad at the devil! After all, who likes being lied to? He wants to make you miserable, remember? Next time you find yourself facing one of these lies, or others like them, focus instead on your eternal potential and the many blessings Heavenly Father has prepared for you both now and in the eternities.

Truth. It beats lies every time.

You may enjoy this video “Why are Satan’s Lies so convincing?” to go along with today’s post.

You also may enjoy Art Journaling Through the Bible: Your Identity in Christ to help you remember who He says you are.

Or perhaps, for further reading, one of these recommended resources:

12 of Satan's Lies and How to Combat Them With God's Word 412 of Satan's Lies and How to Combat Them With God's Word 512 of Satan's Lies and How to Combat Them With God's Word 612 of Satan's Lies and How to Combat Them With God's Word 7

Which of Satan’s lies do you hear most often? How are you at combatting them? Tell me in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Because He Lives,

Sue

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Bible Guy

Tuesday 23rd of August 2022

And do not forget the truth of the Heavenly Father that it is not shameful or embarrassing for a man to be killed by a woman that they are trying to murder, it is a righteouse, awesome and proud thing! Do not listen to Satan's lie in Judges 9:54 through the mouth of his servant Abimelech, real men don't think like that. Listen to Our Heavenly Father's truth in Judges 4:9 through the mouth of his servant Deborah! Women have a right to bear arms to defend themselves when they need to! May the Heavenly Father bless you!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.