Gen 3:2 (NIV) The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” Jesus, help me see that Eve is quoting God’s Word! Show me that, what she just quoted had kept her in faith and obedience up to this very moment in her life. She had been living in victory and spiritual success. Her life had been wonderful. Teach me that there was no real reason for her to change her spiritual approach to life.

Jesus, why did Eve CHOOSE to start listening to Satan? God had given her a wonderful life. But, help me see that He has done the same for me. What could Satan possibly offer me that would look better than the gifts of God? Would it be money, possessions, positions, power, prestige, popularity, pleasure, or accomplishments? Teach me that if I go with God, I will use these things to help people. If I go with Satan, I will use people to get these things. Help me choose to not be distracted by my body, the world, or Satan.

Rom 8:6 (NIV) The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Jesus, make it clear to me that I can allow my mind to be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. He will protect my mind and give it power to ignore and resist the distractions of my body, the world, and the devil. Help me always keep in mind that when a distraction comes my way, I can ask You to empower me with the control of the Holy Spirit. He will help me think on Philippians 4:8 types of things.

Phil 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful (powerful) for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, SO THAT the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Jesus, when You quoted Scripture to Satan, it wasn’t open for discussion. You quoted an absolute. God said it. When God says something, the case is closed. As I continue with this historical case, help me see that the matter wasn’t settled in Eve’s heart. She was willing to reconsider the matter.

Mat 6:33 (NIV) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these THINGS will be given to you as well. Jesus, make it clear to me that if the Bible is open for debate with me, Satan will get me seeking first THINGS and putting the things of God for later. He will get me so busy with the THINGS of this world, that I cease to have time for the things of God. Show me that it all starts with a “little” discussion as to what God “really” said in His Word about the necessities of life. He asks me things like, does God “really” expect you to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness? Get me ready to resist.

Did God really say, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:25). Jesus, God’s Word says in Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Use the example of me presenting my body as a living sacrifice by making it take me to church.

So, Jesus, I am going to church on a regular basis until one day Satan comes to me and puts a challenging thought in my mind. He simply asks me whether or not I think God actually expects me to be able to stop taking my body to places of the world and start taking it to church and Christian events all the time? Why is a question like that so appealing? Teach me that there are two reasons: Sin is fun and the body hates doing anything spiritual.

Jesus, teach me that, “Does God actually expect” is the wedge that works with a lot of Christians. This isn’t a question that challenges the big issues. It is just a clarification question. “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” This isn’t some big theological question that challenges God’s existence. It appears to be a harmless question that is just asking for a little clarification. Help me not fall for it.

Jesus, show me that when Satan asks the right question, I will feel a little excitement come from my body’s influence on my mind. It will respond with a quick thought like: “Yes, does God actually expect me to give up everything (with the implication being “no”)? I start to think that maybe I am over doing it a little bit here (with the implication being “probably”). Surely God doesn’t expect me to go to church and all these Christian events so much of the time (with the implication being “probably not”). Show me that Step Two’s mission is accomplished: I am simply reevaluating the issue.