Discussion Does Satan make people lie?

[boangry]

Acts Chapter 5.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds,his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land foryourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

So what does this actually mean, does Satan make people lie? or is this a figure of speech and a rebuke? are people only part responsible for their lies?

What about when a 6yr old boy lies, is it because Satan actually puts the idea into his heart, or is it part of our fallen trait which can be linked back to the serpent aka Satan?

What do people think...

Also is it actually Satan in person who is the cause or is Satan actually an allusion to the fall and a sin stained world?

Some verses for consideration...

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the Devil for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. For this reason the Son of Man was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil

Contrasted by the following verse

.9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin,because he has been born of God.

Summarised by

.10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.11. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And hopefully some will have other verses that are relevant.

[RogerW]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Acts Chapter 5.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds,his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land foryourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

So what does this actually mean, does Satan make people lie? or is this a figure of speech and a rebuke? are people only part responsible for their lies?

What about when a 6yr old boy lies, is it because Satan actually puts the idea into his heart, or is it part of our fallen trait which can be linked back to the serpent aka Satan?

What do people think...

Also is it actually Satan in person who is the cause or is Satan actually an allusion to the fall and a sin stained world?

Some verses for consideration...

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the Devil for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. For this reason the Son of Man was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil

Contrasted by the following verse

.9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin,because he has been born of God.

Summarised by

.10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.11. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And hopefully some will have other verses that are relevant.

Satan, as he did with Eve, may tempt man, but man sins when he is enticed into action which seeks to fulfill the lusts of his own heart. That is the nature or natural condition, of fallen mankind.

Jas*1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas*1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Blessings,
RW

[David Taylor]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Acts Chapter 5.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds,his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land foryourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

So what does this actually mean, does Satan make people lie? or is this a figure of speech and a rebuke? are people only part responsible for their lies?

No Satan doesn't make people lie.

People are individually responsible and condemned for their own willful sin. Satan cannot take away or own individual responsibility.
If Satan could make us sin, then sinning wouldn't be our choice, and Christ wouldn't have needed to die on the cross to redeem us from our sins.
Notice nowhere in scripture did Christ die on the cross to redeem us from Satan's sins.

What about when a 6yr old boy lies, is it because Satan actually puts the idea into his heart, or is it part of our fallen trait which can be linked back to the serpent aka Satan?

When any human being lies, it is of the wickedness of their own heart.
Whether Satan tempted them to do it or not is irrelevant; it is that individual who willfully chose to sin against God.

Also is it actually Satan in person who is the cause or is Satan actually an allusion to the fall and a sin stained world?

Satan is a spiritual being who tempts us to serve him and his selfish desires and not the Lords.

[chad]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

> John records in John 8:43-44 Jesus saying that Satan is the father of lies.

(John 8:43 KJV) Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

(John 8:44 KJV) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.


> Imo, it is more like deception. Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan into disobeying Gods commands. Satan misused scripture to try deceive Jesus into sinning.

So In Acts 5, imo it could have been that Satan deceived Ananias by filling their heart [thoughts an feelings] to lie.

Heart G2588. kardia, kar-dee'-ah; prol. from a prim. kar (Lat. cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (fig.) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by anal.) the middle:--(+ broken-) heart (-ed).


> Imo, Satan is a real created being.

(2 Cor 11:14 KJV) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

(Rev 12:9 KJV) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

(Rev 20:2 KJV) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

> People can lie without the influence of satan.

> There are different spirits operating in the world. The spirit of God and also the spirit of the world.

(1 Cor 2:12 KJV) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

> Some of these spiritual forces are that of Satan.

(Eph 6:12 KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.


(Mat 13:38 KJV) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

(Mat 13:39 KJV) The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

(Mat 13:40 KJV) As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.


> Imo, those in Christ are different than those in the world. Because we have the spirit of God, not the spirit of the World. Those in Christ who live life by the spirit and are led by the spirit are not conforming to the world and it's spirit but by Gods Holy spirit they are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. Imo, this is how those in Christ and follow and are led by the holy spirit, know they are not of the devil and but are God [Father, Son, Holy Spirit].


(1 Cor 2:12 KJV) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Acts Chapter 5.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds,his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land foryourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

So what does this actually mean, does Satan make people lie? or is this a figure of speech and a rebuke? are people only part responsible for their lies?

What about when a 6yr old boy lies, is it because Satan actually puts the idea into his heart, or is it part of our fallen trait which can be linked back to the serpent aka Satan?

What do people think...

Also is it actually Satan in person who is the cause or is Satan actually an allusion to the fall and a sin stained world?

Some verses for consideration...

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the Devil for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. For this reason the Son of Man was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil

Contrasted by the following verse

.9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin,because he has been born of God.

Summarised by

.10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.11. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And hopefully some will have other verses that are relevant.

[Stew Ward's Hip]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Satan doesn't make anyone do anything.

People sin because they like it.

[keck553]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

satan doesn't male anyone lie. But people do tend to bear the image of their master.

[Slug1]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Acts Chapter 5.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds,his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land foryourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

So what does this actually mean, does Satan make people lie? or is this a figure of speech and a rebuke? are people only part responsible for their lies?

What about when a 6yr old boy lies, is it because Satan actually puts the idea into his heart, or is it part of our fallen trait which can be linked back to the serpent aka Satan?


What do people think...

Lying is a product of the fall and the fact that today, satan continues to tempt people. Due to our fallen nature, lying is natural because mankind became natural flesh after the first sin/became fallen. So for a child, sure... lying is a natural thing, don't have to teach anyone HOW to lie.

Mankind is given a means however to resist the flesh and resist satan, through God. God provides a means of escape from ALL temptation: 1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

So Ananias, as a member of the Body, did not resist, did not take the escape. He and his wife were responsible and each was held accountable for the lie.

Also is it actually Satan in person who is the cause or is Satan actually an allusion to the fall and a sin stained world?

Some verses for consideration...

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the Devil for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. For this reason the Son of Man was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil

Contrasted by the following verse

.9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin,because he has been born of God.

Summarised by

.10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.11. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And hopefully some will have other verses that are relevant.

Sin is inspired from something, before our flesh ever came into existence. satan is the source of sin and thus, why he's illuminated as such through these verses.

Also, always remember, mankind will be in the likeness of who they serve. So if a person is not in a relationship with Christ, are in the likeness of the prince of the world, or satan. Thus why they are described as sons of, children of satan (as their father). But, once a person who's father is satan, turns to God... THEN, they are redeemed and they are in the likeness of Christ and are referred to a sons of and children of God (as their Father).

Allusion is an interesting term, scripture is specific about satan, who he is, what he does, scripture does not allude. satan is an actual created being, no allusion at all.

[Trivalee]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Acts Chapter 5.

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds,his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land foryourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

So what does this actually mean, does Satan make people lie? or is this a figure of speech and a rebuke? are people only part responsible for their lies?

What about when a 6yr old boy lies, is it because Satan actually puts the idea into his heart, or is it part of our fallen trait which can be linked back to the serpent aka Satan?

What do people think...

Also is it actually Satan in person who is the cause or is Satan actually an allusion to the fall and a sin stained world?

Some verses for consideration...

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the Devil for the Devil has sinned from the beginning. For this reason the Son of Man was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil

Contrasted by the following verse

.9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin,because he has been born of God.

Summarised by

.10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.11. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12. not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And hopefully some will have other verses that are relevant.

The answer to your question is YES, Satan instigates us to lie.

However, just as Adam and Eve had the "free will" to say NO to Satan, so too, those who are in Christ Jesus who walk in his Spirit, have their senses exercised in free will to resist the devil. Remember that scripture says resist the devil and he will flee from you? Furthermore, the decision whether to obey or disobey Satan comes down to the struggle between the spirit and the flesh. Paul explained what many see as one of his most complex theories in the bible.

Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

From the above, we see that what determines whether we lie or not can be traced to who we obey more. According to v-22, if we delight more in the law of God after the inward man, then we are able to resist Satan and speak the truth , but if not, then we will be held captive by the law of sin and become his servant (v-23).

Allow me to address the point you raised about when children lie. At the age of 6, their sense of right and wrong is not yet fully developed. Consequently, they are influenced by people in their environment i.e. family, etc. For example, two 6 years old's characters (their ability to lie, curse or not, etc) will relate to their family background. Remember, Satan has no respect for age, so if a 6-year-old taught by his environment to be adept in lying, he automatically becomes a vessel (just like an adult) for Satan. The reverse is also the case for, if his background taught him to embrace a high standard of morality, the devil will find nothing in him and he will speak nothing but the truth.

[chad]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes about the spirit that works in the children of disobedience.

So imo, this spirit is the powers of the air of spiritual wickedness in Eph 6:12. This may influence people to lie (through deception) for the working of this spirit, is in the children of disobedience and may cause them follow in the same ways as the devil who is the father of lies.


(Eph 2:1 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:

(Eph 2:2 KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

(Eph 6:12 KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

[boangry]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Satan, as he did with Eve, may tempt man, but man sins when he is enticed into action which seeks to fulfill the lusts of his own heart. That is the nature or natural condition, of fallen mankind.

Jas*1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas*1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Blessings,
RW

Hi RW, So as Satan tempted/deceived Eve he possessed a serpent and entered into dialogue with her, If he still tempts people today is it similar or how does he do it?
So are you saying? He may make us sin or he may not, and if he doesn’t then because of our lusts we would sin anyway?
And then could one also say we could sin without Satan whatsoever?

[boangry]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

No Satan doesn't make people lie.

People are individually responsible and condemned for their own willful sin. Satan cannot take away or own individual responsibility.
If Satan could make us sin, then sinning wouldn't be our choice, and Christ wouldn't have needed to die on the cross to redeem us from our sins.
Notice nowhere in scripture did Christ die on the cross to redeem us from Satan's sins.


When any human being lies, it is of the wickedness of their own heart.
Whether Satan tempted them to do it or not is irrelevant; it is that individual who willfully chose to sin against God.


Satan is a spiritual being who tempts us to serve him and his selfish desires and not the Lords.

Hi David it all makes sense cept I don't understand this bit

Satan is a spiritual being who tempts us to serve him and his selfish desires

If you don't mind answering these or even some of the questions, or elaborate on this for this is where im trying to understand how people think.

What mechanisms does he use to tempt us to serve him?
Or how does someone know if they are being tempted by him?
What does serving him mean?
And are Satans selfish desires ruling us all or making us sin, making us rebel against God like he did or what exactly?

[boangry]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Satan doesn't make anyone do anything.

People sin because they like it.

How would you explain this to me then "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit" ?

[boangry]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

Lying is a product of the fall and the fact that today, satan continues to tempt people. Due to our fallen nature, lying is natural because mankind became natural flesh after the first sin/became fallen. So for a child, sure... lying is a natural thing, don't have to teach anyone HOW to lie.

Mankind is given a means however to resist the flesh and resist satan, through God. God provides a means of escape from ALL temptation: 1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

So Ananias, as a member of the Body, did not resist, did not take the escape. He and his wife were responsible and each was held accountable for the lie.

Hi Slug I agree with what you say here, I like the verse from Corinthians it tells us there is no temptation for us except that which is common to man, So therefore I can conclude one or the other, that Satan personally tempts everyone to sin or that Satan is a reference to the fall and therefore does not need to tempt anyone to sin for our temptations to be common?

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man"

Sin is inspired from something, before our flesh ever came into existence. satan is the source of sin and thus, why he's illuminated as such through these verses.

Also, always remember, mankind will be in the likeness of who they serve. So if a person is not in a relationship with Christ, are in the likeness of the prince of the world, or satan. Thus why they are described as sons of, children of satan (as their father). But, once a person who's father is satan, turns to God... THEN, they are redeemed and they are in the likeness of Christ and are referred to a sons of and children of God (as their Father).

Allusion is an interesting term, scripture is specific about satan, who he is, what he does, scripture does not allude. satan is an actual created being, no allusion at all.

By allusion I mean this. off the interweb

"An allusion is when a person or author makes an indirect reference in speech, text, or song to an event or figure. Often the allusions made are to past events or figures, but sometimes allusions are made to current famous people or events.

The allusion does not give much detail about the reference-it does not describe things in detail. Rather, because these events are momentous-significant historically, culturally, or politically-the speaker or author expects that people in general would understand the allusion without explanation.

Allusions are often used within a metaphor or simile. The comparison alludes to an event or person of significance that everyone should understand."

I think the allusion is to these events the rebellion in heaven, and the garden of Eden the consequences are pointed to here. Everyone knows what Satan did so hes the perfect reference.

Another way of doing this is the same when one feels betrayed by someone and in the heat of their feelings they refer to that person as Judas.

[boangry]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes about the spirit that works in the children of disobedience.

So imo, this spirit is the powers of the air of spiritual wickedness in Eph 6:12. This may influence people to lie (through deception) for the working of this spirit, is in the children of disobedience and may cause them follow in the same ways as the devil who is the father of lies.


(Eph 2:1 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:

(Eph 2:2 KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

(Eph 6:12 KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Hi Chad I hold a slightly differing view about what the spirit is that works in the children of disobedience.

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

The context of this is in time past we walked according to the world, IN the same manner or spirit as the prince of the air did, (we know he rebelled by rejecting Jesus as the Christ and King) it is this same rebellious spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience, we cannot take this passage as spirit in the singular meaning Satans spirit dwells in all of us, if we did then wouldn’t we have Satan as a spirit working in billions of people all around the globe at the same time, wouldn’t viewing it like this mean Satan is omnipresent flying around the world putting thoughts into everyones heads at the same time.

We all have a spirit, which is mans spirit in us, If we all support the All blacks rugby team, then we all (like minded supporters) have the same team spirit, Likewise Captain Cook If we say someone has the same spirit as Cook, we don’t mean Cook is in them or alive for that matter, we mean they have a sense of adventure and exploration.

So what im meaning is to have a spirit according to the prince of the power of the air, is to have a spirit of rebellion, disobedience and sin or more accurately an unrepentant spirit.

[boangry]

Re: Does Satan make people lie?

The answer to your question is YES, Satan instigates us to lie.

However, just as Adam and Eve had the "free will" to say NO to Satan, so too, those who are in Christ Jesus who walk in his Spirit, have their senses exercised in free will to resist the devil. Remember that scripture says resist the devil and he will flee from you? Furthermore, the decision whether to obey or disobey Satan comes down to the struggle between the spirit and the flesh. Paul explained what many see as one of his most complex theories in the bible.

Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

From the above, we see that what determines whether we lie or not can be traced to who we obey more. According to v-22, if we delight more in the law of God after the inward man, then we are able to resist Satan and speak the truth , but if not, then we will be held captive by the law of sin and become his servant (v-23).

Allow me to address the point you raised about when children lie. At the age of 6, their sense of right and wrong is not yet fully developed. Consequently, they are influenced by people in their environment i.e. family, etc. For example, two 6 years old's characters (their ability to lie, curse or not, etc) will relate to their family background. Remember, Satan has no respect for age, so if a 6-year-old taught by his environment to be adept in lying, he automatically becomes a vessel (just like an adult) for Satan. The reverse is also the case for, if his background taught him to embrace a high standard of morality, the devil will find nothing in him and he will speak nothing but the truth.

Hi Trivalee, Makes a lot of sense, so when you say Satan instigates us to lie, and then use romans 7 for an example of how this works which in turn shows us sin dwells in us, are you also pointing out that Satan is also a metaphor for sin?

I see us all growing up in Satans environment, like the 6yr old boy, all adept at lying etc and when we are translated out of the environment into the Lords we still have to live in Satans enviroment for a little bit unfortunately and yet growing more and more like the Lord. :-)