Observe Satan's strategy in his temptation of Jesus. Remember that Christ is our example in all things.
First, Satan attacks at the weakest point. Jesus was hungry and this physical weakness was made the focal point of his first temptation. It wasn't sinful for Jesus to be hungry, but Satan made it appear that such should never happen to a child of God. He misrepresented God and misused His Word. Rest assured that Satan knows our weakest point and will capitalize upon it. Christians young and old should be especially alert to their weaknesses. Double guard should be utilized where we are weak.
Second, Satan made fascinating offers. He promised Eve wisdom if she disobeyed God. Consider the millions Satan has beguiled by the offer of wisdom. Satan's wisdom however is a false wisdom! The prevalence of secularism is evidence of Satan's snare. He offered Christ all the kingdoms of the world. The masses have offered themselves to Satan on the alter of materialism. Every offer that Satan makes has an exciting and fascinating appeal to it; but look beyond the offer to the sad consequences!
Third, Satan knows how to quote Scripture. There have been many laborious attempts to use the Bible to justify evil, but the Devil is the father of the idea. The Devil took a verse from its setting and misapplied it. He still likes to use a Bible verse to convince you to sin. For example, "Take a little wine for thy stomach's sake" is used to justify social drinking. This introduces a very important thought, i.e., it is imperative that we know the Scriptures. It is false to contend that what we don't know won't hurt us! The truth of the matter is what we don't know may condemn us! Our Lord demonstrated that knowledge of Scriptures plus skill in using it is necessary to put the Devil on the run.
Thus far we have seen that Satan tempts by appealing to our:
1. Bodies (flesh) Whatever we do for the body that keeps us from loving God and doing His will is worldly. Whatever is done with the body that dulls spirituality must be avoided and what is done to the body that endangers its health is to be avoided.
2. Minds (the eyes are the gateway to the mind) While it is impossible for the eye not to see evil, the Christian's eyes must be disciplined. Jesus spoke of, "looking on a woman to lust after her" as sinful. The look of lust is the harbored look that is impressed upon the mind. The motive for our looking determines whether it is sinful or not. Our thinking is often determined by what we read. "As a man thinketh, so is he." (Proverbs 4:23) Since the eye is the gateway to the mind, we must be careful how we look and what we read.
The Secret to Victory
Jesus in, "being tempted in all points as we are" has provided the way to overcome. The victory He scored came as a result of very definite values.
First, He had God's Word, the truth at His disposal. Every temptation involves a lie, so truth is necessary to defeat it. Thank God, we can KNOW the truth and the truth will make us free. (John 8:23) Satan's lie comes often in this form: go ahead and sin, you can get by with it, no one will know, God is too good to punish you. Achan must have swallowed this line but he gambled and lost! (Joshua 7) No doubt Daniel was tempted to, "go head, eat the king's meat, drink his wine, you are in a foreign land, no one will know!" But Daniel said no. Many a young man and young woman has succumbed to this subtle voice only to reap heartache and a guilty conscience later.
Satan's lie is best answered by God's truth which affirms, "Be sure your sin will find you out" and "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) This truth is made even more impressive when we are made to realize that we reap MORE than we sow. "They have sown the wind. They shall reap the whirlwind." (Hosea 8:7) David's advice is the best antidote to being overcome. He said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee." (Psalms 119:11)
Second, Our Lord was victorious because He relied heavily on prayer. There can be no victory without prayer because no one is able to win over Satan alone. What a wonderful, compassionate and understanding advocate we have! When we pray we are assured that Jesus, our High Priest intercedes for us. (Hebrews 4:14-16) Through empathy He identifies with us because He's been through it all!
Let's illustrate how Christ helps us overcome. Suppose you are facing some temptation. It may be that Satan is appealing to the flesh and wants you to use your body in the wrong way; or it could be he is appealing to your mind to deceive you. What can you do?
First, you can say to yourself, "God has promised a way of escape." Read I Corinthians 10:13. this creates a desire for victory. It gives confidence! Remember, Christ is able to succor those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)
Second, let Christ be in control of your mind and flesh as you pray for strength to overcome. Remember, that "...we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us," and "...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Romans 8:37; Philippians 4:13)
Then third, reach into your heart where you have filed away the Word of God. Find there a promise, a commandment or a warning that applies to your situation. When God's word is filed away in our hearts, there is always easy access to it. We must keep in mind that the Word not only has power to save us from past sins, but power to enable us to be overcomers.
Blessings of Victory
When one is able to overcome through Christ he becomes stronger. Whenever the Devil is defeated it becomes more difficult for him to "catch" you the next time. Victory gives a sense of accomplishment and adds confidence. It makes one more useful because it brings endurance. (James 1:2) To score a victory over temptation brings joy to the heart of God, to your own heart and to the hearts of those who love you.
Many unnecessary temptations could be avoided if we would follow the teaching of this verse. "Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." This simply means don't ask for trouble! Don't go to places where it's easy for Satan to tempt you. Don't watch or read things that make it easy to sin. Be careful about your associations and the activities in which you engage! Stay busy with wholesome activity and many temptations will be avoided.
No comments:
Post a Comment