The Father of Lies
November 1, 2026
The devil’s most dangerous weapon may not be temptation, intimidation, or persecution — it may be deception. Jesus calls him “a liar and the father of lies” because he seeks to destroy us by distorting what we believe about God, ourselves, and the good life. His lies gain power when we believe them and live our lives as if they were true. In part two of Battle Lines, we will learn to recognize the lies beneath our recurring struggles, replace them with God's truth, and experience the freedom Jesus promises to those who abide in his Word.
Passage
Genesis 3:1-15
Principle
The devil’s ##lies## gain power when we ##believe## them and ##live## as if they were ##true##.
Practice
##Identify## one lie you have believed and ##respond## to it with God’s ##truth##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- Does any concept, idea, or question from last week’s sermon stand out to you?
- If you’re reading Live No Lies, was there anything in this week’s reading that stood out to you?
- Name one lie that you believed and how it affected you as if it were true.
HEAR
Read John 8:31-36
- Who was Jesus speaking to, what was His message, and how did they respond?
- Was their response factually true?
- How was this lie keeping them in bondage, and what was Jesus’ solution?
- Have you ever been blinded by a lie that has kept you captive to sin?
Read John 8:37-45
- What is the significance of the paternity question in this passage?
- Which sources most inform your beliefs? How is that shaping you?
- How influential is God’s Word in shaping your beliefs?
Read John 8:46-47
- Why doesn’t Jesus’ audience hear God’s words?
- What does it mean to be “of” God? What does it mean to “hear the words of God”?
- How does remaining in Christ and hearing God’s Word help protect us from the devil’s lies? Can you give an example?
HUDDLE
What lie do you need to resist this week? What truth from God’s Word answers that lie? What specific action will help you submit to God and draw near to him? Share your answer, invite accountability, and pray for one another.
OPTIONAL READING
Live No Lies by John Mark Comer. Read pages 86-174 (the section on the flesh). Even if you don’t get or read the book, you can still keep up with the discussion each week.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize the devil’s deceptions, stay in God’s Word, and answer the enemy's lies with God’s truth.
- Day 1: John 8:31-47
- Day 2: Genesis 3:1-15
- Day 3: Matthew 4:1-11
- Day 4: John 10:7-18
- Day 5: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
- Day 6: 1 Peter 5:6-11
- Day 7: James 4:4-10
Passage to Memorize: James 4:7-8
Think Deeper
- Is there a lie you have believed that is now affecting you as if it were true?
- What is a truth in God’s Word that contradicts that lie?
- What is one step you can take to live that truth out this week?
Suggested Resources
Live No Lies, by John Mark Comer
The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis
Renovation of the Heart, by Dallas Willard
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.