Handling temptation Christ’s way (2)

Wed, 18 Jan 2023

‘After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time.’ Luke 4:13

Observe this:

(1) Temptation comes when you’re alone without support. Just as a wolf looks for the sheep that wanders from the safety of the fold, the Enemy rejoices when you neglect Christian fellowship and cut yourself off from other believers. You may think the Lord is always with you, but that doesn’t mean the devil won’t tempt you. The Bible teaches us how to overcome temptation: ‘A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT)

We are born, and born again, to walk this journey with others. United we stand, divided we fall is a popular motto. ‘They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.’ (Act 1:14 HCSB) Paul writes, ‘For the body is not one part but many.’ (1 Corinthians 12:14 NASB) Walking in step with other believers increases your protection against Satan.

(2) Your greatest weapon in the hour of temptation is knowing God’s Word. Jesus repelled Satan’s attacks by quoting it. Satan is rendered powerless when he is confronted by a believer who declares, ‘It is written!’ You must decide to take a stand, but it’s your stance on God’s Word that makes the Enemy retreat. When Satan approached, Jesus didn’t go looking for a Bible; He quoted the Word He knew by heart. That’s your key to victory. John says, ‘I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s Word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.’ (1 John 2:14 NLT)