The sermon this past Sunday was titled "The Temptation of Jesus." Perhaps a more fitting title would be "The Testing of Jesus," as the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested. Jesus successfully passed a test that Israel failed during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. God tested the Israelites, Jesus was tested, and the Lord will test us. It’s important to emphasize that most temptation is not a test initiated by God.
We are reminded to, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). How do we combat temptation from the devil? Paul encourages us by stating, "We are not to be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11). The evil one can tempt us at any time. As William Gurnall points out, "The saint's sleeping time is Satan's tempting time. Every fly dares to creep on a sleeping lion. No temptation is so weak that it cannot defeat a Christian who is napping in security."
Gurnall identifies specific times when we should be especially vigilant against Satan’s temptations:
- When someone is newly converted or shows an increasing interest in Christ. "The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so they may not believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).
- When someone is enduring great affliction. Thomas Watson states, "Satan lives to fish in the troubled waters of a discontented heart."
- When someone is engaged in notable work for God. "Because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us” (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
- When someone is tempted by their flesh. "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
- At the hour of death. Charles Spurgeon states "Blessed be God, our calamities are matters of time, but our safety is a matter of eternity."
- When someone interprets gospel truth in a way that makes God seem to condone questionable behavior. Or under the pretense of zeal, desiring revenge in situations where God would have them forgive (Luke 9:54-55). "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
So, what should we do? James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Ephesians 6:11 urges us to, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Remember, this armor should be put on and kept on (read Ephesians 6:10-20). If your heart is focused on Christ, you will never find yourself lacking in addressing any spiritual battle that comes your way.
If we study the scriptures, examine our hearts, pray and ask for wisdom we will continue to be aware of the spiritual battle before us. When we sin, we should trust in God’s forgiveness and mercy and not Satan’s condemnation. Satan is a fool and is powerless to impact us if we are in Christ. We can say, “be gone, Satan,” and he will flee.
William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour Volume 1, Banner of Truth Trust
