Did God Actually Say That?

Kindling the Word: “Now the serpent was more crafty 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”?’”—Genesis 3:1

Stoking the Spirit: When I was a kid, I remember hearing Flip Wilson, a comedian who had his own TV show back in the day, do a skit where, anytime he did or said something he knew was wrong, he’d avoid taking ownership by conveniently putting blame on the devil by saying, “The devil made me do it.” Little did I know as a small boy—about eight years old—that I’d pick up on that and start using it myself whenever I got in trouble. One day, I decided to haul off and hit my brother as he was walking around the corner of the house. My parents asked, “Why did you do that?” Without missing a beat, I said, “The devil made me do it.”

That story became one of those legendary family moments, and they still remind me of it to this day. Looking back, I realize there’s some truth in what I said—Satan tempts us—but it wasn’t the whole truth. I chose to hit my brother. The devil may have tempted me, and that temptation may have appealed to me in some way, but the choice was mine.

This story reminds me of the enemy’s oldest tactic, one we see in Genesis 3. Brothers, the enemy’s oldest weapon isn’t brute force—it’s deception. Satan didn’t attack Eve outright. Instead, he planted a subtle question: “Did God actually say…?” That small twist of God’s truth set humanity on a path of brokenness. It wasn’t a blatant lie but a subtle distortion of God’s words. The serpent didn’t deny God’s command outright; he twisted it, planting seeds of doubt in Eve’s heart. This moment in the garden wasn’t just about fruit—it was about trust. Would Eve trust what God said, or would she fall for a half-truth that led to destruction?

Half-truths are particularly dangerous because they sound plausible. They use fragments of truth but distort them enough to steer us off course. Consider Abram in Genesis 12:11-13. He told Pharaoh that Sarai was his sister, which was technically true (she was his half-sister), but it was still a half-truth meant to deceive and protect himself. That choice led to unnecessary trouble and exposed his lack of trust in God’s protection.

Today, we face the same tactic of the enemy. It might sound like:

• “Did God really say you’re forgiven? Look at what you’ve done.”

• “Did God actually say He’ll provide for you? You’d better take control.”

• “Did God actually mean that sin is dangerous? Everyone’s doing it.”

The enemy’s goal is to twist God’s truth just enough to make us doubt, act in fear, or compromise our obedience. What’s even more dangerous is that the enemy happens to sound just like your voice—he’ll make you think the doubts and lies are coming from your own mind. Yet Jesus reminds us: “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). God’s truth, without distortion or omission, leads to life, peace, and freedom.

Fireside Reflection:

1. Are there areas in your life where you’ve allowed doubt or a distorted truth to take root?

2. How can you combat half-truths with the full truth of God’s Word?

3. What would it look like to fully trust in God’s promises, even when the enemy tries to twist them?

Embers of Challenge: This week, when doubts creep in, take them captive by declaring God’s truth over your life (2 Corinthians 10:5). Use Scripture as your weapon to confront lies and half-truths. Memorize key promises from God’s Word, like Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Ignited for Action:

• Identify: This week, ask God to reveal any half-truths you’ve believed or compromises you’ve made.

• Declare: Use Scripture to confront those lies. For example, when doubt creeps in, declare Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

• Engage: Share what you’re struggling with. Let iron sharpen iron as you stand together in truth.

Fireside180 Connection: Come ready to share your heart and a passage of Scripture at your next Fireside gathering that has helped you stand firm against the enemy’s lies. Let’s encourage one another as we fight to live in God’s full truth.

Fanning the Flames in Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize the enemy’s schemes when he tries to twist Your Word. Give me discernment to identify half-truths and courage to cling to Your full truth. Thank You for the freedom and life that Your Word brings. Strengthen my faith to trust You completely, no matter what doubts or distortions come my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Weekly Memory Verse: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” — Proverbs 30:5