The snake was sneakier than any of the other wild animals that the Lord God had made. One day it came to the woman and asked, “Did God tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the garden?” The woman answered, “God said we could eat fruit from any tree in the garden, except the one in the middle. He told us not to eat fruit from that tree or even to touch it. If we do, we will die.” “No, you won't!” the snake replied. “God understands what will happen on the day you eat fruit from that tree. You will see what you have done, and you will know the difference between right and wrong, just as God does.” The woman stared at the fruit. It looked beautiful and tasty. She wanted the wisdom that it would give her, and she ate some of the fruit. Her husband was there with her, so she gave some to him, and he ate it too.
Genesis 3:1-6
What could possibly be wrong with discussing "What God Said" and asking the question "What did God mean?" It sounds like a perfectly enjoyable Bible Study that, if you are a follower of Jesus, we all have enjoyed many times! The difference in this dialogue in theology is rather profound. Satan approached Eve to entice her to disobey God based on her "understanding" of what God Himself had said!
There is a monumental difference between studying the Word of God in order to justify disobedience and in searching the Scriptures in your quest for obedience!
The warning for us all is this: Exposing yourself to the Word of God and even studying it's "meaning" does not prove that you are walking right before Him. Remember the first sin was preceded by a discussion of "theology." Satan is still quite capable of conversing about the "meaning" of what God has said!
Are you seeking to understand what God has said so that you can be obedient to His Word, or are you studying the Bible in an attempt to justify your sin? Remember Adam and Eve stepped in to the chasm of sin and eternal damnation based on the desire to justify disobedience!
"Lord Jesus, I want to trust and obey Your every Word. Show me how to be obedient to You today in everything I do. May I be obedient to You, Lord even when I don't understand why You said the things You did. And may You be praised forever. Amen."
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