Matthew 4:1-11
Suggested further reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Satan is subtle, a master in the “art” of temptation, having a higher intelligence than us and thousands of years of successful experience.
First, he tempts our Lord to distrust His Father’s providential care. When Jesus is physically weak due to forty days’ hunger, he suggests that He miraculously provide bread for Himself. If God does not care to intervene, do it yourself! Why wait? Satan uses tough situations to tempt us to doubt God’s care and act independently of His will.
Satan then tempts our Lord to act presumptuously. He takes Him to the pinnacle of the temple and suggests that He cast Himself down to give public proof that God has sent Him. “Does not the Bible say that God will protect You? Test God by acting recklessly and give Him a chance to show His protection.” Satan will use the Bible to confuse us with foolish presumption instead of a Biblical faith.
Satan finally tempts our Lord to secure God’s promises to Him in a way contrary to God’s will. “God is going to give you the kingdoms of this world after you die on the Cross, so avoid the pain and worship me and I will give them to you without you having to suffer.” Satan will tempt us to do God’s will but not in God’s way.
While resisting Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy, a book written in the wilderness. If your ability to successfully resist Satan’s temptations depended on your knowledge of Deuteronomy, how would you do? We need to be serious, prayerful, and obedient students of the entire Word of God if we wish to avoid being a causality in our warfare against Satan.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!
