Genesis

The intent of this question is to help clarify how Genesis describes Satan. Later this will be more important as we see the actions Satan uses to bring sin into the world.

Different versions use different words, but the most common description is, "More crafty than any beast of the field." The word "crafty" is generally used in a negative way. Certainly, as the passage continues, we see it as a negative description.

Answers will vary. Look for such things as: Satan is cunning, prideful, powerful and ruthless. His intent is to destroy the relationship between God and man. He knows he cannot attack God directly, so he attempts to destroy God's greatest creation, man.

Sin did not exist in creation until Satan seduced Eve into disobedience. It was through Adam's poor use of the gifts of intelligence and choice that Satan was able to separate man from God.

Although Satan brought sin into creation, we must understand that man had a role in the fall. Even though man was separated from God because of sin, God reconciled him through Jesus Christ. It is only through Christ that we can return to God (John 14:6). We must accept the responsibility for sin in our lives and return to Him. God's grace provided a sacrifice for our sin through Jesus and our faith in Him enables our reconciliation with God.