Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the temple's highest point. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:“‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11
Creator > Created Being
"Again"
The enemy is persistent. If he was relentless against the Son of Man, you know he would be ruthless against you and me.
Why? Is it because we are easier targets? Because we are often willing? Suckers?
He is persistent because he knows he cannot defeat God the creator, but he can kill, steal, and destroy the image of God in us.
He has a good track record of success.
So, whenever you feel attacked, don't feel so special.
Don't fall for the lies; you have stepped out to 'work for the Lord,' and now the enemy is counter-attacking.
Don't think you are a target because you are weaker than others.
Don't think that God doesn't love you and isn't protecting you, for Jesus was not only tempted but beaten beyond recognition and killed on the cross.
Know you are a target because you bear the very image of God and are His child.
You are a target because of your identity as God's beloved child.
We are the defeated enemy's only recourse against our Creator.
Now what?
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
This scripture doesn't just say to resist the devil; he will flee from you, for that is out of context, out of order, and powerless.
It speaks to submit to God. Worship Him only; then, you can resist the devil.
How have you used extrabiblical attitudes, sayings, and mindsets to justify the enemy's attacks on you or others?
What are some widely accepted evangelical phrases and thoughts about why the enemy attacks us that need to be unbelieved or relinquished?
What is the first move to seeing the enemy flee from you?
We need Your light to see the strategies and strongholds in our lives and the lives of those You entrusted us to shepherd. We worship You and You alone! You are worthy of our praise!