Victory Over The Tempter

 

  We all give into temptation at times, we are only human. As long as we are in these flesh bodies, the tempter (Satan), will always be right at out feet. It is common for him to prey on the weak and non-believers. If fact, he just plays with them because he already has them. What we need to watch out for as Christians, is that Satan loves to come after us with all he has. He knows that he does not control us, and that makes him very upset. He went after Jesus in the wilderness, and he actually thought he might be able to draw Jesus in to his ways of thinking, or at least upset the plan of God a little. (That's one of his methods of operation). It's not going to happen! Christ will set the example for us, and show us how to get victory over the tempter. (Christ being tempted in the wilderness is written in Matthew 4 and Luke 4). Lets begin our study in the book of Luke, it gives a little better description on the subject.

  Jesus had just been baptized by John the Baptist when He was around thirty years of age. And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Luke 4:1). Jesus was led by the "Holy Spirit" into the wilderness, not by the spirit of Satan.

  Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (Luke 4:2). Jesus fasted for forty days as He was being tempted by Satan. After this period of time He was quite hungry and the devil knew it. That would be quite a fast for one of us. In fact, we would probably starve to death. Jesus was kept alive by the "Holy Spirit." But why did Jesus need to go through this intense temptation? Keep in mind that the number 40 means probation. Jesus had to endure satanic temptation 40 days so that He could help us overcome temptation. (Hebrews 4:16), Come boldly to the throne of God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us in time of need. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), we can take pleasure in our weaknesses for Christ's sake. "For when I am weak, them I am strong." (God is there for us when we need Him).

  And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. (Luke 4:3). One of Satan's temptations was for food to be eaten. (Don't think the devil can't temp you with food). Ever try to eat healthy, or stay on a good diet? Not an easy task for the majority of people.

  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Luke 4:4). We as Christians must feed our Spirit just as we feed our physical bodies. How? Through the Word! Christ was that "Living Word" of God, more important than food for the body, "it is food for the inner soul and spirit." (Deuteronomy 8:3).

  And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. (Luke 4:5). Satan revealed to Christ the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Christ knew about the kingdoms of the world, and He knew about the greater kingdom that would come. "It is like a finger pointing to the sky, don't focus on the finger, or you will miss out on all the heavenly glory above." (Stay focused on the greater picture).

  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (Luke 4:6). Now here is where Satan always starts first. Just as he is going to temp Christ with scripture, he will also tempt you. Satan always twists the Word. In the first place, the kingdoms of the world do not belong to him to give. He is the prince of this world (John 12:31), but the world belongs to God who created it.

  If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (Luke 4:7). If you will get down on your knees and worship me. Satan wants the same from you. He will temp you with things of the world, and he will also temp you with twisted scripture, and he is good at it. This all leads to the worship of him, that is what he really wants.

  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:8). Jesus sets Satan straight; "We must worship God, and Him alone." It is written! (Deuteronomy 5:7-9, 6:13, 10:20), No other gods, graven images, and especially not Satan. When tempted, we can use the same words of Jesus. "Get behind me Satan; "In Jesus precious name!" Never forget to use the phrase "In Jesus name." (That's where our strength and power comes from).

  And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence. (Luke 4:9). Satan took Him to a high roof top in Jerusalem and said to Him, jump off! What a dumb command from Satan. Just goes to show you that Satan will try anything to fool you.

  For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee. (Luke 4:10). It is written that God's angels will guard you and keep you from crashing to the ground. Jesus knew that He was protected by the angels of God, but Satan wanted Him to prove it. Satan will tempt you at times with things he knows you can do, but he just wants you to listen to him. "Puts him in control of the situation." (Kind of like someone who gives you a dare).

  And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Luke 4:11). He was quoting from: (Psalms 91:11-12), The shadow of the almighty God and His protecting angels will keep you from stumbling rocks on the trail. (Your everyday trials and tribulations). "The road is long, but the rewards are great."

  And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Luke 4:12). Jesus replied, "The scripture also says, Do not tempt God with a foolish test." (Deuteronomy 6:16), Satan will try any foolish thing he can tempt you with, especially when you are at your weakest point and not in control. You may say, how can Satan tempt me with a foolish thing? It may be easier than you think if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (People do some really dumb things when they are not in full control of themselves).

  And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. (Luke 4:13). The devil left Him till another time. When the devil tempts you; "Order him out in Jesus name." But, be prepared for his return to tempt you again. So, with that being said, lets go to other scriptures to see how we can overcome the tempter.

  First off lets go to the book of Ephesians and see how easy it is to give place to Satan when we let are guard down. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Neither give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27). Don't let the sun go down when you are still angry. When you remain angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil. It leaves an opening for him to enter. Satan loves an person who is angry all the time. Satan has hundreds of ways to get under your skin, so always be on guard. So, how do we overcome the tempter?

  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7). Resist those evil spirits. Ask God and they will flee from you. (Stick to the Word). God gave you the power to tread on serpents as well as power over the enemy. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19). We have power and authority over all power of the enemy. (Romans 8:31-39), nothing should be able to separate you from God. "Let God handle Satan." And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:20). Our God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. (Malachi 4:3, Luke 10:19). Even the spirits are subject to you because your name is written in heaven. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20). "Written in the book of life." (Revelation 20:12).

  Most important, never forget to put on the full Gospel Armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11-17). Satan's days are numbered and it won't be long before he is cast down. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10). The accuser is that tempter, Satan himself who accuses us today when we fall short, just as he did to Job in the Old Testament. (Job 1:6-11). Again, how do we overcome the tempter? And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11). They overcame by the blood of the lamb and the Word of their testimony which is the Word of God. The truth of God's Word, not a bunch of false teachings and traditions of men. The truth shall set you free and give you victory over the tempter.

Keep The Faith,
Barton