Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell

by Andrew R. Jones

Satan is real. Satan is dangerous. He is dedicated to dismantling God's kingdom and God's people. One of Satan's primary tactics is deception. In John 8, Jesus exposes Satan as "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Every time Satan appears in the Scriptures, he is lying, deceiving, and seeking the destruction of God's people. Satan's goal is to lead God's people as far away from God as possible. Satan assaults us by leading us ever toward present and eternal suffering. --From the Introduction Many of Satan's lies directly contradict the Ten Commandments because he wants us to abandon God's Word. Writing for adults, Rev. Jones will focus on one of Satan's lies to which we fall victim, sometimes unknowingly, in each chapter. Readers will explore the origin of these lies and the outcomes Satan desires. Then the author will present God's truth and His desired outcome, confirming for the reader that Jesus has indeed defeated Satan, though he still "prowls around like a roaring lion" (1 Peter 5:8). Rather than finger-pointing and shame, Rev. Jones provides encouragement and grace through God's Word and promises that we have the final victory in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Martin Luther speaks of oratio (prayer), meditatio (meditation), and tentatio (temptation) as the journey of the Christian's life of faith. The author's first book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible, focused on meditation on the Scriptures. This new book focuses on the temptation and assaults of the devil. If the book is successful, the author intends to follow up with a third proposal focusing on prayer.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2025

About the author

Andrew R. Jones lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventures with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual formation in the midst of a hectic world.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that part of the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy gets a glimpse behind the curtain and sees that the "great" wizard is just a man? This book reminds me of that pivotal moment, because it powerfully strips away the deception of Satan, exposes him for the liar he is, and lays out clearly and plainly all the ways that Satan can infiltrate our lives and make us miserable. But while the wizard's reveal shows him to be merely human, this book's exposition of Satan unmasks him as more cunning and powerful than I imagined. I thought I had a good handle on how Satan worked but I very much underestimated him and his power. No more. I am armed for the battle in a way I wasn't before - and instead of being afraid, this new knowledge is empowering.

Very readable and succinct, the author also includes powerful insight into his own battles with Satan. These examples were intimate stories that connected me with this faithful follower and allowed me to see my own battles in a more forgiving light. We are all vulnerable to the powerful, manipulative lies that Satan tells.

Pastor/author/curious questioner Andy Jones follows a very logical structure with this book, one that I found very comforting. For every lie that Satan loves to tell, the author looks at:

Satan's Desired Outcome - what does he hope to accomplish?
The Fear Behind the Lie - why is this lie so powerful?
The Lie Repeated in the Bible - where does this lie show up in Scripture?
The Lie Repeated in our world - where has this lie taken up root in our day-to-day experience?
The Truth - what God wants us to know

The author also includes questions for reflection and Scripture for meditation at the end of each chapter, allowing the reader to dive deeper. These questions also make for great discussion.

Highlights for me included:

Satan is crafty: In the Garden of Eden, Satan was effective because he introduced the concept of scarcity - he invented a problem that didn't exist before so that we would doubt God's generosity and wisdom.

Satan's native tongues is lies: "Satan lies, even to God (in Job) from the midst of the heavenly council. No one is exempt from being lied to by Satan. It is his character, his native language."

Satan's greatest goal is to separate us from God: "Satan's desired outcome... (is) that we would be ashamed (of our sin) and hide from God. Satan desires that we would run as far away from God as possible. In our fear that we are too flawed to be forgiven, Satan wants us to run as far away from forgiveness and the Forgiver as possible."

The bottom line:
Satan seeks our destruction. Jesus seeks our salvation.

Thank you, Andy Jones, for exposing Satan for the liar he is. In disclosing his methods, Christians can protect themselves from his manipulative and powerful attacks.

[Mark Duerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is frightening
Popular books and movies about Satan are frightening because of demon possession, spinning heads, floating bodies and the like. This book is not frightening in that way, it’s frightening in the same way that The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is. It unmasks Satan’s lies and shows you how you’ve been lied to all your life. Pastor Andrew Jones does an excellent job not just unmasking these lies but sharing the truth that exposes these deceptions and offers us hope and peace in a world made chaotic by Satan’s lies. 10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell is an excellent resource for anyone looking to address temptation and sin in their lives, and receive the freeing, refreshing, and life-giving grace of God found only in Jesus.

[Michael Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read Andy's book, I was repeatedly reminded of the lies that Satan speaks to me. It sent me to my knees numerous times. I am sure that this book will do the same to many others.

I didn't just hear God's law, Andy also gave me the Gospel truth. The truth of Christ that combats and defeats Satan's lies. What a marvelous read! I recommend this book to everyone!

[Laura Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Jones' second book was a fantastic addition to my bookshelf! In his first book, 10 Questions To Ask Every Time You Read The Bible, Jones invites his readers to think more deeply about Biblical passages. In this book, he invites the reader to reflect on the ways that Satan uses lies to attack our faith in our everyday life. Whether it's the lie of "You're alone." or "You're the only one who can fix this," Jones continually points his readers back to the steadfast word of God.
In a world where gaslighting and half-truths reign, Jones calls out Satan's lies and focuses his readers back on God's word - unchanging, reliable, and hope-filled.
As you're making your TBR pile for 2025, I'd highly recommend adding this book to your list!

Thank you to CPH for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

God doesn’t love you. You’re alone. You must save yourself.

How often have I believed these lies?! Satan is the father of lies and his schemes are always the same: to isolate us from God and each other, increase our sense of suffering, and lead us to death. But Jesus comes to unite us with God and each other, give us hope, and lead us to abundant life.

10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell by Andrew R. Jones breaks down the enemy’s tactics into a simple, understandable game plan. He uncovers Satan’s 10 most common lies through a study of Scripture and proclaims God’s all-powerful truths to each lie.

As an athlete, knowing my opponent’s game plan makes facing them a lot easier. Similarly, in reading this book, I feel more equipped to face the lies I most often encounter, clinging to God’s words instead. And even more, when I do fall for Satan’s traps, I take victory in the truth that Jesus has faced every lie and perfectly defeated Satan for me.

Jones writes with both wisdom and humility. Like a trusted friend, he gently explains Satan’s lies through Scripture and modern-day analogies — and humbly offers personal examples of lies he’s believed. Then like a seasoned pastor and theologian, he points readers to our strong Savior Jesus who has overcome these lies and the devil through His life, death, and resurrection.

Each chapter ends with reflection questions and additional Scripture readings, making this not just a thought-provoking read but a perfect resource for a small group setting. Exploring these topics together is a great way to strengthen your faith and fight off one of Satan’s biggest traps: to isolate Christians from each other.

Thank you, Concordia Publishing House, for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michael Heidle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most helpful book on Satan's lies and how to overcome them!!

I began this book not realizing how very significant it truly is!! I thought this new book from my favorite publisher would be another book that tries to convince people that Satan is bad! But I was quickly blown away that the author seemed to have the ugly realities of all the worst moments in my life as the framework for pointing out how precisely Satan attacks us and our faith, brandishing fear and doubt. With each lie, chapter by chapter, the author points out that we are not alone; he shows how Satan fomented these lies against people throughout Biblical accounts, and how they are manifest in the world today. Furthermore the author shows how Jesus overcome each lie for us with the Truth and how we can live in confident faith through Jesus' victory.
Indeed, I would consider C. S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" to be child's play compared to the importance of this significant book that deserves to be read, and read again, by each Christian so that we be better equipped to stand against Satan's assaults as these lies come creeping into our minds surreptitiously (as they surely do)!
My new favorite theological book; and yes this is well suited for the person in the pew (not just for clergy)!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual warfare can be mystifying and difficult to engage. Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell will equip you to recognize and respond to the spiritual assaults of the devil. The overarching premise behind the ten lies Jones explores is that “each sin that you or I participate in is rooted in a lie we have believed about ourselves or about God” (6).

Each chapter dives into a lie of Satan that is rooted in his first deception of humanity in the Garden of Eden. Behind each lie is a core fear upon which Satan preys. Andrew Jones details how the lie and its corresponding fear are present throughout the Bible and are at work in our present-day, 21st-century context. Each chapter concludes with a clear articulation of how the Gospel confronts Satan’s lies, directs the reader to Christ, and anchors the reader’s identity in Christ alone.

Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell invites readers to recognize Satan’s deception at work in their life and it directs readers to find refuge in the Gospel that reveals Satan’s tactics for what they are – lies!

The Biblical examples in each chapter, reflection questions, and suggested passages for further meditation provide plenty of material for large or small group discussions.

[Alex Hoffmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was astonished by how much this book spoke directly to the private struggles of my heart. Struggles like our desire for control, for value, or to just "do" by ourselves. Rev. Andrew Jones has once again provided a tool that can help all Christians reflect on their faith and strengthen that faith to powerfully face many of the trials they face.

As a pastor, I am sometimes wary of books that "re-tread" familiar topics. This is NOT one of those books. You will find in these pages fresh and impactful insights that will meaningfully shape your life. I highly recommend you make this part of your library.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jones lays out the lies that Satan tells us in a world full of information and news. He gives us the truth that we so desperately need to combat those lies and quiets our hearts in doing so. This book is going to be such an asset to anyone who has ever believed that they just aren’t good enough.

[Andy Pronsati · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many positives to be said about the latest book by Andrew Jones, 10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell. I will focus on three that stand out the most to me.

Accessible.
There are many theological books that are written in a way that is either too shallow or overly technical. This book is neither. Jones continues to bring people into the beautiful depth of the Scriptures and truths of Jesus, but do it in an incredibly engaging and understandable way. Having a bit of a grasp on the basics of the Christian faith will help get the most out of this book.

Applicable.
Jones offers not just profound insights on the Scriptural text and teachings - but on our wider Western society and contemporary lives, as well. He is able to put his finger on the pulse of so much in our modern world that drives our fears, questions, motivations, and other daily struggles. This is a book that truly meets people where they are at. The lies that are addressed are ones that any person will be able resonate with.

Comforting.
While being understandable and applicable to our daily lives is helpful - the best aspect of this book is the comfort it brings the reader to again and again. Rather than seeking to be a "self-help" or "to-do" book, the lies are answered with the Gospel-centered work of Jesus on our behalf. It leads to a great exhale of grace and rest.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the most common struggles people deal with but more importantly how God meets us in our fears, worries, and struggles with the truth of His love, mercy, and grace.

[Caleb Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gospel shines through Andrew's words on every page, providing fresh air amidst the stench of Satan's lies. This book is not one to power through and then put on the shelf; instead, it is one to slowly meditate on and savor as the relief of God's truth saturates your soul.

As you read through the pages, you will clearly understand Andrew's pastoral heart and care for you through his words. This book can be read individually and devotionally, but it is also set up to provide heartfelt and vulnerable conversation with a partner or small group. Andrew's questions and Scripture passages for further meditation provide clear guardrails to guide and focus your soul as you reflect on how God's universal truth speaks hope against Satan's lies in your life.

By reading how God's truth combats each and every one of Satan's lies, you will learn to identify the prevalent lies in your life and where the Gospel of Jesus speaks hope, peace, and love to you instead.

Jones does it again in an excellent follow-up to his first book, 10 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible.

[Christoph Barnbrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who suspects a frightening preoccupation with the danger posed by Satan in this book will be disappointed.

Even though Andrew Jones does not conceal the fact that Satan, God's adversary, is on the scene, trying to destroy God's work, the core of the matter is not the terror that this can trigger.

On the contrary, this book is pastoral care in the best sense, which magnifies the Lutheran message of justification for Christ's sake.

Biblically sound and drawing on stories from our time, Andrew Jones exposes the false perceptions we are tempted to follow. He points us to Jesus Christ, who is our salvation. His truth leaves no room for the lies of Satan and leads those who are afflicted to trusting in God.

With practical questions and references to appropriate Bible passages, the book is suitable for both personal study and for group study.

I highly recommend it for yourself and as a gift to others.

[Fishn4jc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Andy has done a fantastic job of laying out 10 lies Satan has used often throughout scripture.

Part of the beauty of this book is the thoughtful way Andy lays out 1) how this shows up in our everyday lives (think on the same level but a little less heady than C.S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters"), 2) what the Lie is trying to hide in God's Truth/Word, 3) God's Word of Truth that speaks to and combats the Lie.

This book is written on an everyday conversational level. It's been an insightful delight to read. I love that it starts with the first lie, "You Cannot Trust God," which shows up everywhere in culture and society. Moreover (and maybe more relative to our current culture where fear and anxiety loom large) the fear that the lie/satan preys on is also addressed. So good. I highly recommend this to people who are looking for something new and insightful but also ordinary and delivered in "normal everyday speech".

[Nicholas Duerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on spiritual warfare that avoids the trap most books on spiritual warfare fall into. Most books focus on spiritual warfare as if it were a conflict between the individual and the forces of evil, relegating God to the role of a tool in your belt to fight off Satan. In this book Jones changes that script, showing how spiritual warfare is truly about God fighting Satan on our behalf. He begins each chapter showing us the lie and how it plays out both in the Bible and in our world today, but then he follows this up by showing us not how we can defeat this lie, but how God has overcome the lie with the promises of His love found in Christ. If you are feeling the burden of Satan’s lies on your life, or if you want to gain a better understanding of God’s promises for you, this is a great place to start!

[Karen Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this often hostile world, we need God’s unchanging truth to combat Satan’s sneaky lies. When Satan whispers: “You’re alone” “God doesn’t love you” or “You can and must save yourself”, God gives us beautiful truth to combat Satan’s lies. In his new book, Andrew Jones helps readers pinpoint these truths in God’s Word. Jones helps us uncover the lies of Satan that we encounter and have often accepted and then gives us Biblical wisdom and opportunities for reflection so we can combat the lies, our fears, and resulting insecurities and discover the peace and joy that comes in knowing God’s truth and resting in it.
10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell is a great read on your own, but with the questions for reflection and additional scripture at the end of each chapter, this would be a meaningful group read, combating Satan’s lies in community.

[Amy Scholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me on so many levels but as a widow of less than a year, his chapter on the lie “You are alone.” was so good.

Andy was able to succinctly and eloquently share how we are not alone by giving Biblical examples and the reminder that God gave us a community of faithful people “to support us and help us”. Which Satan hates as he wants to isolate.

As God continues to provide me peace in this part of my life, Andy’s words gave me comfort of our great God who loves me so much that I am not alone. Ever.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! It is wonderful! I am going to go back a dive deeper into it.....but this first read through spoke to my heart. I also love that it has large text! Its a huge plus!