(All
scripture quotes are from the AMP Bible unless otherwise stated.)
When
Tempted – Speak the Word
I
was listening to a sermon online and as the pastor read from Matthew 4,
regarding the temptation of Christ, part of the Word just popped out at
me. Jesus’ temptation was not mainly
about commanding stones into bread because he was hungry or throwing Himself
down from the highest point of the temple for God’s angels to save him. The true temptation that satan threw at him
was, “IF You are the Son of God…”: 1) “If You are the Son of
God, command that these stones become bread, 2) If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down…” Satan challenged Jesus’ very identity! What was Jesus response? He responded quoting the Word. Yes, Jesus responded
with what the Word had to say about the physical temptation, but in so doing He
was establishing He was God’s Son by remaining obedient to His Father.
Of course, remember that satan is
very crafty, so he formed that second temptation using God’s Word himself, “for
it is written, ‘He
will command His angels Concerning You
[to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’; and ‘They will lift you up on
their hands,
So that You
will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Did this change Jesus’ type of response? No, for he said, “…it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall not test the Lord
your God.’”
Being so skilled in deceit satan
tried another tactic in the third temptation by promising Jesus the world and
all that was in it and then said, “All
these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Here, satan is still challenging Jesus as to
His identity because He created the world and all within it (John 1:9-11). Jesus responded with quoting the Word again, “Go
away, Satan! For it is written and
forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him
only.’”
Then the devil left Him;” The only difference in this response
from Jesus was that He told satan to “go
away” and “then the devil left Him”.
So,
when the devil comes and challenges you as to YOUR identity of being a child of
God (John 1:12-13), respond with what the WORD says and tell him to get
lost!
