How Satan tempts you is demonstrated in how he tempted Jesus in Luke 4:1-13. Knowing his strategy won’t make you immune to his tactics. But will better equip you in an effort to resist.
How Satan tempts you is to attack where you’re most vulnerable
Satan doesn’t fight fair. He knew Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and hunger his greatest vulnerability. So it was Satan’s immediate point of attack. And he does the same to us. He doesn’t tempt you when you’re physically and spiritually healthy. But when you’re sick, exhausted, under heavy stress, grieving a loss, and struggling emotionally and spiritually.
Notice Jesus didn’t respond with a clever reply. Or attempt to match wits with Satan. He responded by quoting scripture.
Does that sound like an easy out? Like Jesus was intimidated and afraid to take Satan on? Not at all! Jesus quoted scripture because God’s word is absolute truth and speaks for itself. Satan’s best reasoning…his strongest argument would not stand against it. That’s why we should both study and memorize the Bible.
And wield its truth as a sword against our enemy. Because God’s word is living and active. It penetrates to the heart and soul. And doesn’t return to God void.
How Satan tempts you is by appealing to your desire for power
There’s an insatiable desire for power in all of us. Maybe that’s why we like super heroes so much. It’s more about the super power than the hero. And Satan understands this desire better than anyone. Because it was his desire to be like God.
But Satan can be very subtle too. By encouraging you to find the power within yourself. To improve. Become your own best version. More happy. Successful. Beautiful. As he leads you slowly, intentionally, and carefully away from God. Away from the greatest power of all…His love.
You can imagine the force of that temptation on Jesus. After all, as God incarnate, he already possessed almighty power. Why not use it?
And the answer is because he came to destroy the power of sin. So he had to sacrifice his life. Which required humility and submission to God’s will. It was not an easy choice for him to make. But he did so in order to set us free from another power. The power of sin.
How Satan tempts you is to manipulate your source of authority
Now Satan shifts his strategy. He refers to the Bible, which is Jesus’ source of authority, and tries to use it against him. It’s interesting to note that Satan knew the scripture. And quoted it easily. But he didn’t accept it for himself. which highlights another reality. You can know the Bible and God intellectually without believing or following either one personally.
Of course, Satan didn’t fight fair this time either. And he took scripture verses out of context and manipulated them to support his argument.
And Jesus didn’t respond with an apologetic argument. But simply by quoting another verse. And it wasn’t just the authority of scripture this time. It was the fact that the scripture reminded Satan of who he was talking to. The absolute authority. God himself.
Although Satan lost his temptation against Jesus, he still actively tempts us today. Not just by manipulating scripture. But every source of authority conceivable. And he twists and perverts them into multiple forms to lead you away from Jesus Christ. Through books, newspapers, social media, videos, TV, radio and more. And it’s not just Satan working alone. But his army of messengers.
In order to fight him off you must cling to God’s word and abide among His people.
How Satan tempts you is to return at a more opportune time
This is probably the most sobering part of Satan’s temptation of Jesus. The determined persistence of Satan. Scripture is clear about Satan’s future. But he is going down fighting. So we should never drop our guard. Because there will be times we resist Satan’s temptations through the power of God. But Satan will return when you’re most vulnerable. Because he wants to take you with him.
And just like God wants you to join him in heaven, and offers you the path by following Jesus Christ, Satan wants you to join him in hell. And he makes the path look even more enticing and pleasurable than following Jesus. Until it isn’t. But then, it’s too late.
Finding your God center is an ongoing journey for Christ-followers. Because we live in a world of opposites. Right and left. Hot and cold. Big and little. And the best location is somewhere in the middle. Here are three principles from Ephesians 5:15-21 to help you find your God center.
Finding your God center involves watching your walk
V.15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,,,
The word “walk” in v.15 is used figuratively and means your personal conduct and behavior. And notice that Paul takes a positive, proactive approach. He doesn’t rag on you about all the bad things to avoid. Or prescribe a specific “to do” list of good things either. But he provides three general principles to follow.
Take charge of your conduct
Control your use of time
Consider God’s will
Of course, our conduct is not completely controllable because we are still sinful. And often speak and act without thinking. But you can be mindful of it. And that begins with your identity as a child of God. Along with an awareness his Spirit is always present for support. You’re also to be mindful of his will as revealed through scripture. Like demonstrating love for others and treating people how you want to be treated. Along with other instructions throughout the Bible that present God’s will.
Watching your walk is both challenging and rewarding. Prayer, Bible Study, Worship and walking with other Christ-followers helps a lot.
Finding Your God Center involves navigating between legalism and license
V.18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
The two opposites for Christ-followers are legalism and license. Walking on the extreme side of either one is like hugging a porcupine. It gets prickly.
The Ten Commandments represent God’s law and are fairly straight forward. And the inspired writers of the New Testament added other teachings we accept as straight from God. But sometimes, we add our own extra rules not spelled out in scripture. And then make our rules as important as God’s law.
This sometimes, leads to pride because we do such a good job keeping them all. Which, by the way is a sin, so maybe we didn’t do as well as we think. But other times, keeping those rules becomes a heavy burden. And God doesn’t want that for us either. Because He gives us grace. And Jesus wants us to experience the truth that sets us free.
On the other hand, grace is often used as an excuse for license.
Because Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 we are saved by grace and not works. Our relationship with Jesus Christ frees us from the law because of grace. And if you push grace to the extreme, you can reason that because God forgives your sin, you can simply sin and ask his forgiveness. Although Paul reminds us that grace is not freedom to sin.
And he warns about a lifestyle of debauchery which is unrestrained indulgence of lust and sensuality. And just like legalism, can become a form of bondage. In the middle of legalism and license is a lifestyle that pursues holiness and righteousness. Not because you have to, but want to please God.
And again. Prayer, Bible study, worship and walking with other Christ-followers helps a lot.
Finding Your God Center involves getting over yourself
V. 21 Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Entitlement is the word for our culture. Submission the word of God. And it’s not easy. Because of course, you have rights. So did Jesus. But he gave them up for you and me. And says if you will be his disciple you must take up your cross and follow him.
The Greek word for “submission” is hupŏtassō and means to be obedient, subject yourself to and put yourself under. It doesn’t mean demeaning or disrespecting yourself. But choosing an attitude of humility. Nor is Paul talking about political, civil rights. But how to interact with others in your personal relationships.
As Jesus demonstrated to his disciples at the last supper, following him involves a heart willing to serve.
God’s Word Guides, Frees, and Redeems you according to Psalm 119:129-136. It guides you with light and understanding, frees you from the bondage of sin, and redeems you from man’s oppression.
Because the Bible is not a collection of rules that take the fun out of life. But it molds you into the person God created you to be.
God’s word guides, frees, and redeems you by providing light and understanding
V.130 The unfolding of your word gives light and imparts understanding…
We live in a complicated world. Confused by competing messages. Fooled by deception. Captured through seduction.
What can you believe? Who can you trust? How can you know when something is true?
The Bible claims to be God’s words. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it’s God breathed. Which means He supernaturally spoke through its writers. Therefore, it is absolute truth. Accurate. Consistent. Reliable.
In a world blanketed by the darkness of sin, God’s word illuminates with a discerning brightness. And His Spirit guides your understanding. So when you read, study, and know His word, you recognize what’s false by holding it up to His truth.
God’s word guides, frees, and redeems you by releasing you from the bondage of sin
V.133 Keep steady my steps and let no iniquity get dominion over me
Sin is subtle. Stealthy. And quietly creeps up on you. We seldom plunge into it headlong, but slowly and imperceptibly. One slight detour from God’s path followed by another. A slow fade of small decisions in a parade moving steadily away from God. The gradual slide into a sink hole until we are firmly stuck in a mire.
And it starts off as fun and pleasure. Harmless and victimless. Until its seductive lure becomes a compulsory grip you can’t escape. God’s words guide you towards right behavior. His precepts towards healthy relationships driven by character and integrity.
And while many claim God’s word burdens you with legalistic demands, Jesus claimed the opposite. His truth sets you free. And his power releases you from the bondage of sin.
God’s word guides, frees, and redeems you by redeeming you from oppression
V.134 Redeem me from man’s oppression that I may keep your precepts
The desire for acceptance. Social expectations. Cancel culture. They are powerful forces that exert themselves in society. And the loudest, most insistent voices demand compliance. Even when you think or believe differently. And especially when you disagree.
So what do you do?
You can reverse your position and go with the flow. Disagree, but remain silent. Or stand firm and risk rejection.
And while I don’t have a specific answer on how to respond to the culture, scripture does reveal how to overcome oppression. Galatians 4:3-7 and Luke 4:18 are two passages among many others that provide an answer. The power of Christ and the power of God’s word offer freedom to those willing to listen and respond.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 reveals the importance of relationship in ministry, investing in eternal rewards, and assurance that God meets your needs.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 reveals the importance of relationship in ministry
V.14 To share my troubles…
V.15 no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving…,
The first thing this passage reveals is the importance of relationships in ministry. Paul uses two similar words to communicate this. The Greek word for “share” in V. 14 is synkoinōnēsantes, which means to share in company with, to co-participate in. And the Greek word for “partnership” in V.15 is kŏinōnĕō, which means to share with others. To communicate, distribute, and be a partaker.
Both words express a similar idea to the Greek word kŏinōnia, which means partnership, participation, or social interaction. And describes the unique sense of community when Christ-followers engage socially.
In other words, the Philippian church is not simply giving to a good cause. Or contributing to an online fund raising account. They’re investing in the ministry of someone they know and have a relationship with. Not just because they care about Paul’s ministry. But because they care about Paul and his welfare.
It underscores an important principle. The church should be relationship driven. Church programs are good. Worship and proclaiming God’s word a must. But ministry without relationships lacks spiritual power and Kingdom impact.
A study of Philippians 4:14-23 encourages investing in eternal rewards
V.17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit
The Greek word for “fruit” is karpós, and in secular Greek refers to “product” or “gain”. It’s financial language that describes earning interest in an account. Jesus also uses karpós in Matthew 7:17 when he says, “a healthy tree bears good fruit.” And he is clearly speaking in a spiritual context.
It appears Paul is doing the same thing. In other words, he’s saying their financial investment into his ministry is a spiritual deposit that earns dividends in the Kingdom of God. Jesus supports this idea further in Matthew 6:19-21 when he talks about storing treasure.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 provides assurance that God will meet your needs
A sacrifice pleasing to God…
The Philippian church gave sacrificially. Even perhaps, to putting themselves at financial risk. Paul points this out in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 where he speaks of their poverty, and yet, the sacrificial generosity of the Philippian church in providing for his ministry.
And it’s not the gift itself, that pleases God. But the sacrificial attitudes and serving hearts of those giving.
Of course, church generosity begins with individual generosity. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Not because God needs our money, but because generosity fights against our natural tendency of selfishness and greed.
V.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul assures them in V.17 that he is now well supplied. And in a like manner, God will supply their needs. He didn’t ask them to give with such sacrifice. Nor would I suggest that sacrificial giving to the point of risking the welfare of your family is something God wants. However, the point is that God controls all the world’s richest and will supply the needs of His people who seek to honor and serve Him.
REFLECT AND RECORD
When you consider your own level of generosity, what drives it? Is gratitude, your trust in God, or your need for security?
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A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that contentment is learned, involves a learning process of experiencing a little and a lot, and that God strengthens you for all things.
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that contentment is learned
V.11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
The drive to accumulate things can consume us. Fueled by the desire for pleasure, ease, and comfort. It quickly becomes greed with an insatiable appetite. And it begs the question: how much is enough? When will I find contentment?
And Paul’s answer might surprise you. Because you don’t find contentment. You learn it.
Of course, the Bible doesn’t condemn hard work or the accumulation of wealth. In fact, wealth in scripture is often associated with God’s blessing. So where does contentment fit in?
The Greek word for “content” is autarkēs and means both content and sufficient.
In Greek stoic philosophy, contentment was considered something you passively accepted. Since your circumstances are part of God’s will, you might as well accept them in resignation. But Paul takes another approach.
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that the learning process involves experiencing a little and a lot
v.12 I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Paul experienced times when he had very little and times when he had a lot. And it was an extreme, education curriculum. Because he was beaten, whipped, thrown in prison, and shipwrecked to name a few difficult experiences. And right now you’re probably saying if that’s what it takes to learn contentment, I’d rather remain ignorant.
However, maybe your learning process can avoid those extremes. And involve self-discipline instead. One simple decision my wife and I made early in our marriage was to pay off our credit card bills each month and not build consumer debt. This made us control our spending and say no to some purchases. And we learned to either wait until we had the money or live without some things.
We also learned to express an attitude of gratitude. And regularly thank God for His provision. The more you do, the more it takes root in your heart.
REFLECT AND RECORD
What are some lessons you’ve learned about contentment? Describe the circumstances. Where do you still struggle and explain why? What disciplines should you consider or adjustments should you make?
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that God strengthens you for all things
V.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
The Greek word for strengthen is ĕndunamŏō, and means to empower, enable, increase in strength, and make strong
A unique feature of the Christian faith is that it admits human weakness. No one has it all together. Or is completely self-reliant. And to pretend you are is either an attempt to fool others or fool yourself.
Even the great men of faith admitted their inadequacies. David cries out for help and identifies where it comes from in Psalms 121. Solomon talks about the importance of supportive friends. And Paul explains how God’s power is demonstrated through his weakness.
There are times we all need the support of others. And it’s okay to ask for it.
Where do you need God’s strength right now? James 4:2 reminds you it’s important to ask. So take a moment and ask God to provide the strength for what you’re encountering.
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