This sermon explored how belief and conviction are formed by examining the first recorded words of Satan and the first recorded words of Jesus in Scripture. Building on last week’s discussion of belief, conviction, and compromise, Pastor Curt reframed the question: What do we need to believe in order to have a deep conviction that does not compromise? The message showed that the core battle is not primarily about behavior, but posture—specifically, suspicion versus submission to God’s Word.

Satan’s first words in Genesis introduced suspicion: questioning God’s Word, presuming on God’s character, and offering a version of godlikeness without God. Each statement subtly invited reinterpretation rather than outright rebellion. In contrast, Jesus’ first recorded words revealed submission: confidence in God’s Word, obedience to God’s will, and complete dependence on what God has spoken. From His childhood declaration in the temple, to His baptism, to His response to temptation in the wilderness, Jesus consistently trusted, fulfilled, and lived by God’s Word.

The sermon emphasized that temptation succeeds when we grow suspicious of what God has said, leading us to revise truth to suit ourselves. True obedience flows from submission, not confusion. To grow in conviction and resist compromise, believers must examine whether their posture toward Scripture is one of suspicion or surrender.