Scripture
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, (B)returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry..." (Luke 4:1-13)
Observation
In verses 4:1-13, we've often read these scriptures of how Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness by challenging Jesus to turn the stone into bread, granting Jesus power if Jesus worshiped Satan and encouraging Jesus to test God's protection over Him. We know that Jesus stood firm in refusing to follow Satan's temptations as Satan directly propositioned him.
Application
However, in our daily lives, isn't Satan's temptation to sin more cunning, disguised and subtle? Doesn't he often try to blind side us by appealing to our human nature of desires and needs like he tempted Jesus with ... provision and food (the bread), power and success (kingdoms of the world), and a healthy safe life (jumping off the temple). We often don't see Satan's evil temptations in our life until it's too late. Satan will often tempt us after high points in our life or ministry, where we are blinded by our success and renown.
Often, I've realized that some of Satan's temptations aren't always wrong, but in reality take my focus and priority away from God eventually having the propensity to become and idol in itself.
More so, the caution we must heed is that Satan is relentless. Jesus defeat of Satan was decisive, however, in wasn't final as we know Jesus would confront Satan in many forms in the future.
I liken our ongoing battle with Satan like a game of chess rather then checkers. In a game of checkers, although you strategise how you can win the game, the moves are simpler and more visible. However, it chess, the strategy and moves are unlimited, complicated yet subtle and covert. Strategy is planned moves in advance, often disguised in deception or bating your opponent. You often sacrifice a pawn for the larger victory of a knight, or ultimately the Queen and King. So to is our daily game of chess against Satan.
So what would be our best strategy to win this chess match against Satan each and every day? Like Jesus in the wilderness, he knew and stood on the word of God. He did not put God to the test. He knew Satan's goals and therefore thought "moves ahead," or what the outcome would be. He knew His call and assignment from God. More so, he stood fast in his devotion, dedication and love for God.
Often, I've realized that some of Satan's temptations aren't always wrong, but in reality take my focus and priority away from God eventually having the propensity to become and idol in itself.
More so, the caution we must heed is that Satan is relentless. Jesus defeat of Satan was decisive, however, in wasn't final as we know Jesus would confront Satan in many forms in the future.
I liken our ongoing battle with Satan like a game of chess rather then checkers. In a game of checkers, although you strategise how you can win the game, the moves are simpler and more visible. However, it chess, the strategy and moves are unlimited, complicated yet subtle and covert. Strategy is planned moves in advance, often disguised in deception or bating your opponent. You often sacrifice a pawn for the larger victory of a knight, or ultimately the Queen and King. So to is our daily game of chess against Satan.
So what would be our best strategy to win this chess match against Satan each and every day? Like Jesus in the wilderness, he knew and stood on the word of God. He did not put God to the test. He knew Satan's goals and therefore thought "moves ahead," or what the outcome would be. He knew His call and assignment from God. More so, he stood fast in his devotion, dedication and love for God.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I realize that I am in a chess match against the enemy. I also realize that I have you beside me as my coach in this chess match of life. I have the choice of playing it on my own or having you coach my every move as I stand on your word, am guided by the Holy Spirit, do not put you to the test, pray about my current and future moves, and most of all stay dedicated, devoted and in love with you.
