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Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31–32
D.L. MOODY
There is no one beyond the reach of the tempter. Keep that in mind. Life may run smoothly for a while, but the testing time is coming.
ERWIN LUTZER
Yes, testing is coming.
Even Christ was tempted of the devil. In fact, we read that Jesus was “led up by the Spirit” into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). You might say, “Well, God doesn’t tempt anybody.” That is true. He does not solicit anyone to do evil, but God does test us (Deuteronomy 13:3–4; James 1:13). Furthermore, it wasn’t God soliciting Jesus to evil—it was Satan. But it was God who brought Jesus to the place of temptation, the place of testing. Satan’s agenda is to tempt us to do evil; God’s intention is to test us to prove our character and commitment to Him.
How do we overcome the devil when temptations come our way? Through the Word of God! When we are under the authority of the Word, we can exercise the power of the Word. Then we can say, “Be gone, Satan” (Matthew 4:10) and quote a relevant verse of Scripture. Temptation is resistible. But let’s not think we can face the tempter with will power; we need the intervention of God’s Spirit though the Word.
Through our tough obedience, character is built, God is glorified, Jesus receives honor, and the cause of Christ is advanced (see Romans 5:3–4; James 1:3–4). That’s God’s intention. God’s purpose in testing is to bring out the best in us and to give us an opportunity to love God more than our passions.
PRAYER
Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to resist temptation through the power of your Word.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How have you seen God grow your faith through overcoming temptation?
How can you use God’s Word to resist the devil when you are tempted?