Believable Lie #1: God Is a Killjoy

We’ve all heard little phrases that sound wise, comforting, or even spiritual—but they’re not true. One of the most common is this: God doesn’t want me to have any fun. Christianity is painted as a straitjacket, filled with rules and regulations designed to rob us of joy. But when we look at the Bible, we discover the opposite. God is not against our joy—He designed us for it.

1. God’s First Act Was Blessing

When God created humanity, His very first action was blessing.

“Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’” Genesis 1:28 NLT

From the beginning, God was for humanity, not against them. He gave people:

• The blessing of family (“be fruitful and multiply”)

• The blessing of purpose and responsibility (“fill the earth and govern it”)

• The blessing of authority as image-bearers (“reign over all the animals”)

This is not a killjoy God. This is a good Father who wants His children to flourish.

2. God’s Provision Was Abundant

God also provided generously for His people.

“Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.” Genesis 1:29 NLT

From food to meaningful work, God filled their lives with everything needed for satisfaction. Genesis even describes Eden as a “protected place of pleasure.” Far from being restrictive, God’s design was overflowing with joy and provision.

3. God Gave Boundaries for Our Good

But God also gave the first moral boundary.

“You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” Genesis 2:16-17 NLT

This wasn’t about killing joy—it was about protecting it. Boundaries are part of love. Just as good parents set limits to protect their kids, God gave Adam and Eve a command for their flourishing.

4. The Serpent Reframed God as a Killjoy

In Genesis 3, the serpent planted the first seed of suspicion:

“Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Genesis 3:1 NLT

Notice the distortion—turning God’s generous “every tree but one” into a restrictive “none of the trees.” This is manipulation 101: sow doubt about God’s character before telling the direct lie.

The serpent reframed God as withholding something good. Eve began to misquote God’s command (“or even touch it”) and to question His goodness. This opened the door to sin.

5. Redefining “Good” Apart from God

Eve’s next step was to redefine what was “good”:

“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.” Genesis 3:6 NLT

Instead of trusting God’s definition of good, she relied on her own perception. This is still our temptation today:

• In relationships, we call pleasure “good,” even when it goes against God’s design.

• In money, we call success “good,” even when it’s built on greed.

• In life, we call freedom “good,” even when it leads to bondage.

Redefining good apart from God always leads to brokenness.

6. The Results: Shame Instead of Joy

The serpent promised their “eyes would be opened.” But the reality was very different.

“At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.” Genesis 3:7 NLT

Instead of joy, they got shame. Instead of freedom, they felt exposed. Sin always overpromises and underdelivers.

7. The Truth: God Wants Us Truly Satisfied

God is not a killjoy. He created us for joy, abundance, and satisfaction in Him. True joy comes from His provision and within His boundaries. The lie of the enemy is that God’s commands limit us, when in reality they free us to flourish.

Don’t fall for the believable lie: God is a killjoy. The truth is this: from the beginning, God created everything for our good.

Next week, we’ll look at another believable lie: I’m Too Far Gone for God.

Lesson Summary

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

A lot of people think God is out to ruin our fun—that following Jesus is just a list of rules that make life boring. But that’s actually the first lie the enemy told in the Bible. From the very beginning, God’s plan was blessing, joy, and life to the full. The truth is this: God isn’t a killjoy—He created us for joy in Him.

Activity: Truth or Lie?

Instructions: Read each statement below and have the group shout “Truth!” or “Lie!” Decide together and then explain why. (Takes about 5–7 minutes.)

• God gave Adam and Eve every tree in the garden except one.

• God’s commands are always meant to keep us from enjoying life.

• Boundaries are part of love and protection.

• Redefining “good” apart from God always leads to problems.

• God wants us to find true joy in His provision and within His boundaries.

What You Need to Know

Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

• God’s first action toward people was blessing, not restriction. Genesis 1:28

• Eden was full of God’s provision—family, food, purpose, and joy. Genesis 1:29

• God gave a boundary to protect, not to kill joy. Genesis 2:16-17

• Satan twisted God’s words to make Him seem unfair. Genesis 3:1-5

• Redefining “good” apart from God leads to shame, not joy. Genesis 3:6-7

Let’s Talk About It

1. Why do you think Satan wanted Eve to see God as a killjoy first?

2. How does our culture today make God’s commands look restrictive?

3. What’s the difference between God’s definition of “good” and ours?

4. Can you think of a boundary in your life that actually brings more freedom and joy?

5. What’s one area right now where you need to trust God’s definition of “good”?