Tag: devil

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

It’s relentless

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Tim Bernhard on Unsplash

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Luke 4.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil” (Luke 4:1,2). During that time, Jesus ate nothing, so he was in very dire circumstances when tempted. In contrast, we’re often tempted when we’re blessed, when things are going well, and when we have few worries.

The thing about temptation is you rarely see it coming. It looks good, sounds appealing, promises to be beneficial, and is within reach. After the fact is when you think, “I wish I hadn’t done that,” “I shouldn’t have said that,” and “I should have known better.” In these matters, your hindsight is indeed 20/20.

Here something from Enduring Word that I never thought about: “The presence of temptation only relents when we give in.” Until we succumb, temptation from the influences around us, our own desires, and yes, Satan himself, will press in on us.

Jesus is different. He knows exactly what the devil is attempting to do, and heads off each temptation at the pass with guidelines from God’s word. After several failed attempts, the devil gives up until another time. We have a hero who resists temptation, pays the price for every time we’ve given in, and shows us that there is always a way out through faith in him.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Remember who he is and who you are

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Some “through the bible” thoughts from Matthew 3 and 4.

In no time at all (just a few verses) the reassuring voice from heaven that declares, “This is my beloved son” (Matthew 3:17) is challenged by the tempter’s words, “If you are the son of God…” (4:3,6). In other words, prove it. Lemme see what you can do. Let’s see if you’re the real deal.

How often do we feel the need to prove ourselves? How often do we want those around us to see what we’ve accomplished and what we’ve accumulated. From standing on a swimming pool diving board shouting, “Watch me” to social media posts that amplify our simple lives to look amazing, we’re out to show the world we’re the real deal. We’ve got it together.

You know, if you know who you are, you’ve got nothing to prove. Jesus didn’t take the bait. He didn’t have to prove anything. He knew who he was. He heard it from the big guy himself.

Jesus deflects the devil’s temptations with simple basic verses from Deuteronomy.

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

“‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
    and him only shall you serve.’”

If we were to daily keep those words in mind, it would give us a proper frame of reference. That Old Covenant stuff is still useful. Don’t expect to pull it out when temptation comes. You’re not that good. Get it in front of you early in the day, so that you remember who God is, and you don’t forget who God is.

Let’s make sure the devil has his hands full with those who are full of God’s word!