Page 161
Page 162
Page 163
Page 164
Mk 1:13 (pt 1).
Page 165
Lk 4:2 (pt 1).
Mk 1:13 (pt 2), ref
Lk 4:2 (pt 2).
Mk 1:13 (pt 3).
Lk 4:2 (pt 3).
Page 166
Page 167
Mt 4:2 (pt 1).
Lk 4:2 (pt 4).
Mt 4:2 (pt 2).
Mt 4:2 (pt 3), ref
Lk 4:2 (pt 5).
Mt 4:3 (pt 1).
Lk 4:3 (pt 1).
Mt 4:3 (pt 2) ref
Lk 4:3 (pt 2).
Mt 4:3 (pt 3), ref
Lk 4:3 (pt 3).
Lk 4:3 (pt 4).
Page 168
Mt 4:3 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 5).
Mt 4:3 (pt 5).
Mt 4:3 (pt 6), ref
Lk 4:3 (pt 6).
Lk 4:3 (pt 7).
Mt 4:3 (pt 7), ref
Lk 4:3 (pt 8).
Page 169
Page 170
Page 171
Mt 4:4 (pt 1),
ref Lk 4:4 (pt 1).
Lk 4:4 (pt 2).
Mt 4:4 (pt 2).
Lk 4:4 (pt 3).
Mt 4:4 (pt 3),
ref Lk 4:4 (pt 4).
Lk 4:4 (pt 5).
Mt 4:4 (pt 4), ref
Lk 4:4 (pt 6)
Mt 4:4 (pt 5).
Page 172
Mt 4:4 (pt 6), ref
Lk 4:4 (pt 7).
Page 173
Lk 4:9 (pt 1).
Mt 4:5 (pt 1).
Lk 4:9 (pt 2).
Mt 4:5 (pt 2), ref
Lk 4:9 (pt 3).
Mt 4:5 (pt 3).
Lk 4:9 (pt 4).
Mt 4:5 (pt 4).
Lk 4:9 (pt 5).
Mt 4:5 (pt 5), ref
Lk 4:9 (pt 6).
Mt 4:6 (pt 1), ref
Lk 4:9 (pt 7).
Page 174
Lk 4:9 (pt 8).
Mt 4:6 (pt 2), ref
Lk 4:10 (pt 1).
Lk 4:10 (pt 2).
Mt 4:6 (pt 3), ref
Lk 4:11 (pt 1).
Mt 4:6 (pt 4), ref
Lk 4:11 (pt 2).
Page 175
Page 176
Lk 4:12 (pt 1).
Mt 4:7 (pt 1), ref
Lk 4:12 (pt 2).
Mt 4:7 (pt 2).
Lk 4:12 (pt 3).
Mt 4:7 (pt 3), ref
Lk 4:12 (pt 4).
Mt 4:7 (pt 4).
Lk 4:12 (pt 5).
Mt 4:7 (pt 5).
Mt 4:7 (pt 6), ref
Lk 4:12 (pt 6).
Mt 4:8 (pt 1).
Mt 4:8 (pt 2), ref
Lk 4:5 (pt 1).
Mt 4:8 (pt 3).
Mt 4:8 (pt 4), ref
Lk 4:5 (pt 2).
Page 177
Mt 4:8 (pt 5).
Lk 4:5 (pt 3).
Mt 4:9 (pt 1), ref
Lk 4:6 (pt 1).
Lk 4:6 (pt 2).
Mt 4:9 (pt 2), ref
Lk 4:6 (pt 3).
Mt 4:9 (pt 3).
Page 178
Lk 4:6 (pt 4).
Mt 4:9 (pt 4), ref
Lk 4:7 (pt 1).
Lk 4:7 (pt 2).
Mt 4:9 (pt 5), ref
Lk 4:7 (pt 3).
Mt 4:9 (pt 6).
Mt 4:9 (pt 7).
Page 179
Mt 4:9 (pt 8), ref
Lk 4:7 (pt 4).
Lk 4:7 (pt 5).
Lk 4:8 (pt 1).
Mt 4:10 (pt 1).
Mt 4:10 (pt 2), ref
Lk 4:8 (pt 2).
Page 180
Page 181
Page 182
Page 183
Page 184
Page 185
Page 186
Page 187
Page 188
Page 189
Page 190
Page 191
Page 192
Lk 4:13 (pt 1).
Mt 4:11 (pt 1).
Lk 4:13 (pt 2).
Page 193
Mt 4:11 (pt 2).
Page 194
Page 195
Jn 1:19.
Jn 1:20.
Jn 1:21.
Page 196
Jn 1:22.
Jn 1:23.
Jn 1:24.
Jn 1:25.
Page 197
Jn 1:26.
Jn 1:27.
Page 198
Jn 1:28.
Jn 1:29.
Page 199
Page 200
Jn 1:30
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JESUS FASTED AND TEMPTED 40 DAYS
30 YEARS TO 30 YEARS PLUS 40 DAYS
AND HE WAS THERE IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert)
BEING
FORTY DAYS, (being) TEMPTED (BY) SATAN (or the Adversary);
AND (He) WAS WITH THE WILD BEASTS (or ANIMALS); AND THE ANGELS (ATTENDED) (TO) HIM (or took care of Him–JNT).
AND IN THOSE DAYS HE DID EAT NOTHING:
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 167
AND WHEN HE HAD FASTED FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS,
AND WHEN THEY (HAD) ENDED, HE AFTERWARD
HE
(BECAME HUNGRY).
AND WHEN THE TEMPTER CAME TO HIM,
AND
THE DEVIL
SAID,
(TO) HIM,
IF (YOU) (ARE) THE SON OF GOD, COMMAND
THAT
THESE STONES
THAT IT
(BECOME) BREAD.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 171
BUT (JESUS) ANSWERED
HIM,
AND SAID,
SAYING,
IT IS WRITTEN,
THAT
MAN SHALL NOT LIVE (ON) BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD
THAT (COMES) OUT (FROM) THE MOUTH
OF GOD.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 173
JESUS TEMPTED TO THROW HIMSELF
DOWN
30 YEARS PLUS 40 DAYS
AND
THEN
HE
THE DEVIL (or Adversary)
(TOOK) HIM
(and) BROUGHT (or led) HIM
UP INTO THE HOLY CITY,
TO JERUSALEM,
AND (HAD HIM STAND) ON (THE HIGHEST POINT) OF THE TEMPLE,
AND (SAID) (TO) HIM, IF (YOU) (ARE) THE SON OF GOD, (THROW) (YOURSELF) DOWN:
FROM (HERE):
FOR IT IS WRITTEN, HE SHALL (COMMAND) HIS ANGELS (TO BE RESPONSIBLE) (OVER) (YOU):
TO KEEP (or guard, or protect) (YOU) (carefully):
AND (ON) THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL (LIFT) (or support) (YOU) UP, LEST AT ANY TIME (YOU) (STRIKE) (or hurt) (YOUR) FOOT
AGAINST A STONE.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 176
AND
JESUS
(REPLIED)
ANSWERING SAID
(TO) HIM,
IT IS WRITTEN
(or) IT IS SAID,
AGAIN (or on the other hand–NASB, or it also says),
(YOU) (SHALL) NOT TEMPT THE LORD (YOUR) GOD (or put the Lord your God to the test–NASB).
JESUS TEMPTED WITH BEING GIVEN
THE WORLD’S KINGDOMS
30 YEARS PLUS 40 DAYS
AGAIN,
THE DEVIL (or Adversary) (TOOK) HIM UP INTO (the summit of) AN
EXCEEDING
HIGH MOUNTAIN, AND (SHOWED) HIM ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD,
(IN ALL THEIR GLORY–JNT) (or splendor);
IN A MOMENT OF TIME.
AND
THE DEVIL
(SAID) (TO) HIM,
ALL THESE THINGS WILL I GIVE (YOU),
(and) ALL THIS POWER (or domain, or authority) WILL I GIVE (YOU), AND THE GLORY (or splendor) OF THEM: FOR THAT IS DELIVERED (or has been given) (TO) ME; AND TO (WHOMEVER) I (WISH) I GIVE IT (or I can give it to anyone I want to–NIV).
IF (YOU)
THEREFORE
(WILL)
FALL (or bow) DOWN
AND
WORSHIP ME.
ALL SHALL BE (YOURS).
AND
THEN
(SAID) JESUS (TO) HIM, GET THEE HENCE (or Be gone, or Away from Me), SATAN: FOR IT IS WRITTEN, (YOU) (SHALL) WORSHIP THE LORD (YOUR) GOD, AND HIM ONLY (SHALL) (YOU) SERVE.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 192
THE DEVIL LET HIM ALONE
30 YEARS PLUS 40 DAYS
AND WHEN THE DEVIL HAD (FINISHED) ALL THE TEMPTATION (or testings),
THEN THE DEVIL (or Adversary) (LEFT) HIM (or let Him alone),
HE DEPARTED FROM HIM (or let Him alone) FOR A SEASON (or until an opportune time–NASB).
AND, BEHOLD, ANGELS CAME AND (ATTENDED) (TO) HIM (or took care of Him–JNT).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 195
(BETHANY, EAST OF THE JORDAN)
(AFTER JESUS FASTED)
THE PRIESTS ASKED JOHN,
“ WHO ARE YOU?“
JOHN GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE
BAPTISM OF JESUS
30 YEARS PLUS 60 DAYS
AND (now) THIS IS THE RECORD (or witness) OF JOHN, WHEN THE JEWS SENT (to him) PRIESTS AND LEVITES FROM JERUSALEM TO ASK HIM, WHO (ARE) (YOU)?
AND HE (WAS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD–JNT), AND DENIED NOT; BUT (STATED CLEARLY), I AM NOT THE CHRIST (or the Messiah).
AND THEY ASKED HIM, WHAT THEN? (ARE) (YOU) ELIJAH? AND HE (SAID), I AM NOT. (ARE) (YOU) THAT PROPHET (the one we’re expecting–JNT)? AND HE ANSWERED, NO.
THEN (finally) SAID THEY (TO) HIM, WHO (ARE) (YOU)? (Give us an answer–NIV) (so) THAT WE MAY GIVE AN ANSWER TO THEM THAT SENT US. WHAT (SAY) (YOU) OF (YOURSELF)?
HE SAID, I AM THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert), MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD, AS SAID THE PROPHET (ISAIAH). (Ref–Mt 3:3 (pt 3), Mk 1:3, Lk 3:4 (pt 5).
AND THEY (or some of those) WHICH WERE SENT WERE OF THE PHARISEES.
AND THEY ASKED HIM, AND SAID (TO) HIM, WHY (BAPTIZE) (YOU) (or why are you immersing people–JNT) THEN, IF (YOU) (ARE) NOT THAT CHRIST (or Messiah), NOR ELIJAH, NEITHER THAT PROPHET?
JOHN ANSWERED THEM, SAYING, I BAPTIZE (or am immersing people) WITH (or in) WATER: BUT THERE (STANDS) ONE AMONG YOU, WHOM (YOU) KNOW NOT
HE IT IS, WHO COMING AFTER ME IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME, WHOSE SHOE’S (STRAP) (or sandals) I AM NOT WORTHY (or I’m not good enough even–JNT) TO (UNTIE).
THESE THINGS WERE DONE IN (BETHANY) (EAST OF) JORDAN, WHERE JOHN WAS BAPTIZING (or immersing).
JESUS COMES TO JOHN
AFTER HAVING FASTED;
JOHN TELLS THE PRIESTS WHO
JESUS IS AND WHY HE CAME
30 YEARS PLUS 61 DAYS
THE NEXT DAY JOHN (SAW) JESUS COMING (TOWARD) HIM, AND (SAID), (LOOK) THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH (TAKES) AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.
Note. Immediately after Jesus was baptized, he was led into the wilderness to fast and be tempted. Sometime soon afterwards Jesus returned to John and stood among the people-Jn 1:26. Then in verse 29 John identifies Jesus (the Lamb of God) coming toward him. In verse 32 he testifies that he had seen (the past) the Spirit coming and abiding on Jesus.
Although these verses in John are very much like those that John spoke before the baptism of John, we see they were actually spoken soon after Jesus had fasted.
JOHN TELLS THE PRIESTS,
"THIS IS HE"
30 YEARS PLUS 61 DAYS
THIS IS HE (the One) OF WHOM (I was talking about when-JNT) I SAID, AFTER ME
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The kind of heart we have, coupled with the degree that we believe God's Word (faith which worketh by love-ref Gal 5:6), ultimately determines how we respond to temptations. When a person hears God's Word, if it is not mixed with true Biblical faith, it profits nothing-ref Heb 4:2.
Ja 1:14,15 shows us: BUT EVERY MAN IS TEMPTED, WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUST, AND ENTICED. THEN WHEN LUST HATH CONCEIVED, IT BRINGETH FORTH SIN: AND SIN, WHEN IT IS FINISHED, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH.
Temptations come from, Mk 4:17, afflictions, or persecutions that arise for the Word’s sake.
Temptations come from TRIBULATIONS or troubles that arise BECAUSE OF THE WORD–ref Mt 13:21.
Temptations come from being OFFENDED–ref Mt 13:21.
Temptations come from, Mk 4:19, THE CARES OF THIS WORLD (or life), AND THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES, AND THE LUSTS OF OTHER THINGS ENTERING IN, CHOKE THE WORD, AND IT BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL.
Temptations come from Lk 8:14–PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE.
Temptations come, because people love this world. It is written: 2 Tim 4:10–FOR DEMAS HATH FORSAKEN ME, HAVING LOVED THIS PRESENT WORLD. As a result of this temptation, Demas forsook Paul. 1 Jn 2:15–LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM.
People are tempted, because they are afraid, as it is written, Mt 25:25–AND I WAS AFRAID, AND WENT AND HID THY TALENT IN THE EARTH. God tells us, Pv 29:25–THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGETH A SNARE.
People are tempted as they are angry about something, as it is written, Ja 1:20–22–FOR THE WRATH OF MAN WORKETH NOT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. Pv 29:22–AN ANGRY MAN STIRRETH UP STRIFE, AND A FURIOUS MAN ABOUNDETH IN TRANSGRESSION. God warns us, Pv 22:24–25–MAKE NO FRIENDSHIP WITH AN ANGRY MAN; AND WITH A FURIOUS MAN THOU SHALT NOT GO: LEST THOU LEARN HIS WAYS, AND GET A SNARE TO THY SOUL. In other words, don’t do this, as you may be tempted and your soul may be snared.
People are tempted as they will not forsake, Ja 1:21, ALL FILTHINESS AND SUPERFLUITY OF NAUGHTINESS.
People are tempted and deceive themselves as they will not do THE WORD–Ja 1:22.
People are tempted as they DECEIVE THEIR OWN HEART–Ja 1:26. They can seem to be religious, but they do not control their own tongue. Ja 1:26–THIS MAN’S RELIGION IS VAIN (or we may say worthless). Indeed, Pv 29:20–SEEST THOU A MAN THAT IS HASTY IN HIS WORDS? THERE IS MORE HOPE OF A FOOL THAN OF HIM. A person that talks and talks and talks is usually very self–centered and not Christ–centered.
People are tempted as they are conceited. It is written– Pv 26:12–SEEST THOU A MAN WISE IN HIS OWN CONCEIT? THERE IS MORE HOPE OF A FOOL THAN OF HIM.
People are tempted because of pride. Pv 29:22–23–A MAN’S PRIDE SHALL BRING HIM LOW. Indeed, Ja 4:6–GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE. Pride questions God’s Word.
Another way we are tempted is through unbelievers and make–believe Christians. Israel was commanded to be separate from the heathen lest they be led astray. People that are born–again are also commanded not to have fellowship with unbelievers as it opens a door to be tempted. We are taught to pray, Mt 6:13–AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. How is it that some pray this prayer and yet lead themselves into temptation by disobeying God’s Word? 2 Cor 6:14–17–BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS? AND WHAT CONCORD HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL? OR WHAT PART HATH HE THAT BELIEVETH WITH AN INFIDEL? AND WHAT AGREEMENT HATH THE TEMPLE OF GOD WITH IDOLS? FOR YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD; AS GOD HATH SAID, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, AND WALK IN THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU.
One may say that the center of yielding to temptations is that a person’s heart is centered more on self (or selfish desires) than on the desire to please Jesus, on the fear of God, and His judgment.
Deut 30:17 shows that our own heart can deceive us. It is written, BUT IF THINE HEART TURN AWAY, SO THAT THOU WILT NOT HEAR, BUT SHALT BE DRAWN AWAY, AND WORSHIP OTHER GODS, AND SERVE THEM. Indeed, Jere 17:9–THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT? Mt 13:15–There are people whose HEART IS WAXED GROSS, AND THEIR EARS ARE DULL OF HEARING, AND THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED.
There are people that have a wayside heart–ref Mt 13:19; a stony heart–ref Mt 13:5; a thorny heart–ref Mt 13:7; and a heart that is like a wave–ref Ja 1:6. There is a gross heart–ref Mt 13:15; a hardened heart–ref Mk 6:52; a troubled heart–ref Jn 14:27; a lying heart–ref Acts 5:3; an uncircumcised heart–ref Acts 7:51; a heart not right–ref Acts 8:21; a foolish heart–ref Ro 1:21; an unrepentant heart–ref Ro 2:5; an evil heart–ref Heb 3:12; a covetous heart–ref 2 Pe 2:14; a deceitful heart–Jere 17:9; and a desperately wicked heart–Jere 17:9. Some have a double–minded heart–Ja 4:8. Some look like they are a Christian as they–DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOURETH ME WITH THEIR LIPS; BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME–Mt 15:8. Some have a hard heart–Mk 6:52. Indeed, there are people that believe on Jesus and get baptized as the Scriptures say, and follow born–again ministers of God–ref Acts 8:13. They look as if they are a true Christian, and yet their HEART IS NOT RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD–Acts 8:21. 1 Jn 2:19 also shows us people that look like they are born–again, yet they are not. There are many more.
TEMPTATIONS: A BRIEF LIST FROM SCRIPTURE OF THINGS THAT CAN TEMPT US
Temptations come from:
Afflictions
Anger
Being offended
Cares of this world (or life)
Conceit
Deceitfulness of riches
Deceiving their own heart
Deceiving themselves
Do not control their own tongue
Fear or being afraid
Filthiness
Furious
Hasty in his words
Heart: a person’s heart turns them away
Love of this world
Lust
Lusts of other things
Naughtiness
Persecutions
Pleasures of this life
Powers
Pride
Principalities
Rulers of the darkness of this world
Spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph 1:10–18 helps us to understand how to fight these temptations.
The devil
Through unbelievers
Tribulations and troubles
TEMPTATIONS: HOW DO WE FIGHT?
There are many Scriptures telling us how to fight Satan. There are many examples throughout the Bible of what to do and what not to do. Only a few are presented here.
We are in a war, a fight, a conflict, a struggle, a wrestling match. It is a battle for your soul. You are a soldier in an army. A soldier must prepare. A soldier first goes to basic training to learn how to fight. When a person surrenders their life to Jesus, they need to do the same thing. Regretfully, many say they want Jesus, but they will not surrender their life to Him. They will not allow Him to become the Lord of their life. They want heaven, but they also want to control their own life. Stubbornness and rebellion to God’s Word brings death. Surrender, humbleness, and childlikeness brings life.
We need to be strong in the Lord and rely on His power–ref Eph 6:10. We need to Eph 6:11–PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES (or devices or schemes) OF THE DEVIL. We need to do everything possible, according to God's Word, to stand against Satan’s many attacks. V.12–FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES. V.13–WHEREFORE TAKE UNTO YOU THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD. The whole armour of God is God’s Word, which produces faith, plus being a doer of the Word and not just reading or hearing it. We need to do this so THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY, AND HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND. Regretfully, few people will do all that is needed to be done to stand. V.14–STAND THEREFORE, HAVING YOUR LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH. The truth is Jesus, the Word, and rightly dividing the Word. AND HAVING ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. In other words, having on Jesus. V.15–AND YOUR FEET SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. You stand on Jesus. You stand on God’s Word. V.16–ABOVE ALL, TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH which comes from God’s Word. Faith is a shield. We do this so we SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH or put out or cast down ALL THE FIERY DARTS which are those thoughts which arise in your heart and mind, the emotions, knots, and burning feelings which arise in stomach. These come from the Wicked One. V.17–AND TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION (or trust in Jesus), AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. Regretfully, (in this wicked, adulterous, and lukewarm generation) most professing Christians are not people of true Biblical faith, which deny themselves and pick up their cross daily and follow Jesus.
1 Tim 6:12 tells us to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. We are in a fight against Satan. It is called a fight OF faith.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. We need to put aside all obstacles, and excuses, and begin to study God's Word; for it is written, Hos 4:6–MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. We get and grow in knowledge by studying and obeying God's Word; as it is written in 2 Tim 2:15–STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD. The next part of the verse is A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED. We are not only to study but be a worker for God, living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. The last part of 2 Tim 2:15 says–RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH. It is difficult for many to rightly divide God’s Word in this generation, because of personal desires, baggage from the past they will not forsake, and much preaching on the airwaves and in pulpits that mixes truth with error.
Jesus tells us clearly–Mt 11:29–LEARN OF ME. This needful and first command few obey. They let the world, their own desires, and other things crowd in. For most, learning God’s Word takes second or third place, or no place at all. It ought to take first place in our life.
When Satan attacks us, expect Lk 24:38–THOUGHTS (to) ARISE IN YOUR HEARTS and your emotions to rise.
Another defense is to deny yourself, deny your worldly desires, pick up your cross and follow Jesus–ref Lk 9:23.
It is written, LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, (every obstacle, every excuse, everything that hinders our walk with the Lord) AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US, AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE (the works, the course) THAT IS SET BEFORE US (by God), LOOKING UNTO JESUS.–Heb 12:1,2.
2 Tim 2:4–NO MAN THAT WARRETH ENTANGLETH HIMSELF WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE; THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER. Don’t become entangled with the affairs of this life. Don’t take on unnecessary pressures. Don’t give a place to Satan to attack you by disobeying even one Scripture.
Lk 14:33–SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. Understand that WHOSOEVER WILL SAVE HIS LIFE SHALL LOSE IT: BUT WHOSOEVER WILL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE, THE SAME SHALL SAVE IT. FOR WHAT IS A MAN ADVANTAGED, IF HE GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIMSELF, OR BE CAST AWAY?–Lk 9:24,25.
And never be ashamed or embarrassed about Jesus, as it is written–FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL BE ASHAMED OF ME AND OF MY WORDS, OF HIM SHALL THE SON OF MAN BE ASHAMED–Lk 9:26. Indeed, some will perish as they say these words, but God, I WAS AFRAID–Mt 25:25. I was afraid when I went to serve You. I was afraid when I went to witness. I was afraid of what might happen. I was afraid, because I didn’t know enough of God’s Word. I was afraid of the people’s threats, so I made excuses. I was afraid to pray over my food in a public restaurant, as others might stare at me. I was afraid to give tithes as I might not be able to pay my bills. God tells such a person that they are a wicked and lazy servant–ref Mt 25:26.
Be faithful to God’s Word, to Jesus in all that you do and then you should hear these words–Mt 25:21–WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT: THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE RULER OVER MANY THINGS: ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD.
Fight the good fight of faith as Ja 4:7 says–#1 SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD (to His Word, to obeying His Word) and #2–RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
When it comes to being tempted by sin, the Scriptures tell us, Heb 12:4–YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO BLOOD, STRIVING (or struggling) AGAINST SIN. Study, learn, understand and obey God’s Word, and use it against Satan as Jesus did.
A little story goes like this. A bad man jumped into a car and forced the girl to drive away. She got emotional and begin to say, I can’t take all this pressure in my head. He held a weapon to her head and said, if you don’t straighten up, your head won’t be there. She immediately got herself under control. You can resist sin. You can get yourself under control through faith. The problem is that perhaps you don’t want to give up certain sins and desires.
2 Cor 10:3–5–FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH: (FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL (or worldly), BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS;). We are to cast DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. We are to bring INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST. We are to be obedient.
2 Tim 2:3–THOU THEREFORE ENDURE HARDNESS (problems, difficulties, persecutions), AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.
TEMPTATIONS: GOD TEMPTS NO MAN
Some may think God tempts them, but this is wrong. Such thinking is from the devil. It is written, Ja 1:13–LET NO ONE SAY WHEN HE IS TEMPTED, "I AM TEMPTED BY GOD"; FOR GOD CANNOT BE TEMPTED BY EVIL, NOR DOES HE HIMSELF TEMPT ANYONE–NKJ.
TEMPTATIONS: SATAN TEMPTS A PERSON. PROGRESSIVE DISOBEDIENCE
Satan is called the Tempter. It is written, AND WHEN THE TEMPTER (or Satan) CAME TO HIM–Mt 4:3. Satan will tempt you or trick you to disobey God. Jesus was LED UP…TO BE TEMPTED OF THE DEVIL–Mt 4:1. Satan wants to cause you to fall. It is written, LEST BY SOME MEANS THE TEMPTER HAVE TEMPTED YOU, AND OUR LABOR BE IN VAIN–1 Thes 3:5. Often a person’s temptations come like they did on Eve. It is very subtle. It is a very small temptation. It involves just a little disobedience. The temptation may prompt you to do something that is so insignificant, you do not even consider it as a temptation or a test. Once you disobey or listen to a little thing, then a little bigger temptation should follow later. Satan tempts you in very subtle ways, because he knows if you recognize the temptation as it really is that you should resist it and not give in. Giving in to a little temptation can result in a little blindness. Then it can grow and grow until total darkness sets in. Beware of Satan’s devices. Remember, first Eve was tempted. She disobeyed God. Then she sinned further by tempting Adam. Then, Adam fell. Remember, SELFISHNESS AND PRIDE–QUESTIONS, ARGUES WITH, AND DOUBTS–GOD’S WORD. A good and honest heart does not.
When a person falls they don’t know it, as they forget what manner of person they were, and the darkness blinds them. However, other born–again Christians around them may know it. If the fallen person is not childlike to correction, if he doesn’t take the lifeline of correction to help himself up, he is usually doomed to die. You cannot say you did not know.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:13 (pt 1). AND HE (this is Jesus)–
WAS THERE IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert). The Spirit sent Jesus away from people and the distractions of the world to do His long fast. It is written in Mt 6:17,18–BUT, WHEN THOU FASTEST,…FAST,…UNTO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET: AND THY FATHER, WHICH SEETH IN SECRET, SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY. Do not proclaim you are fasting to people. Do it in secret, as it is written in Mt 6:1–WHEN YE FAST, BE NOT, AS THE HYPOCRITES, OF A SAD COUNTENANCE: FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES, THAT THEY MAY APPEAR UNTO MEN TO FAST. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD. The verses continue–
Lk 4:2 (pt 1). BEING
Mk 1:13 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:2 (pt 2). FORTY DAYS, (being) TEMPTED (BY) SATAN (or the Adversary). Even though a person is fasting, away from people and the distractions of the world, Satan can tempt us in various ways in our fleshly desires, thoughts, and even dreams. The temptations from Satan continued (sometimes more and sometimes less) during the entire ministry of Jesus. The temptations came even when He was hanging on the cross.
In the same way, the children of God can expect to be tempted by Satan until the Lord calls them home. The war or conflict with principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places is a battle for your soul–ref Eph 6:12. Those that build on the Rock (which is Jesus) and (which is God’s Word) will win. Those that build on the sand (or any way other than Jesus) will perish.
When fasting, a person can be asleep and have a dream that seems so real, they can awake thinking they ate something. They can have thoughts they must leave where they are because something is happening somewhere or to someone that requires their attention. If there is a telephone nearby, they can be tempted to call someone. Yet despite this, as the darts in ones stomach disappear, and the desires of the flesh lessen, God oftentimes opens up the Scriptures in incredible ways to those that fast. At the end of a 7 day fast with praying, the emotions a person had just a few days earlier have greatly decreased. The fiery darts (or up tightness) in ones stomach has greatly dissipated. Sexual desires decrease. Much of the emotional hold Satan has on a person can be broken with such a fast of at least 7 days. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah fasted 40 days–ref Deut 9:9; 1 Ki 19:8. Paul mentioned fastings often, but gave no details–2 Cor 11:27. Paul mentions a 14 day fast–ref Acts 27:33.
The verses continue–
Mk 1:13 (pt 3). AND (He) WAS WITH THE WILD BEASTS (or ANIMALS). This shows that Jesus had gone away from any people and surrounding villages or cities. It shows the hostility of the environment he was in. The verse continues–
AND THE ANGELS (ATTENDED) (TO) HIM (or took care of Him–JNT). With the angels attending to Jesus and His heavenly Father watching over Him, there was nothing to fear from the wild animals. Jesus did His fast just as any born–again Christian would do. It is doubtful that He had any special help. He would not have used His divine powers. After His fast was over and the temptations from Satan were finished, the angels probably brought Him food.
Should a person be called of God to do a 40 day fast, as the fast nears the end, it is good to have another person nearby to assist you when you are finished–however, not immediately with you until the end. It is a time to be spent with God, not with people. In the case of Jesus, the angels took care of Him, as they indeed do for all born–again Christians that fast in accordance with God’s will and calling.
Nevertheless, every born–again Christian has one or more angels (which are ministering spirits) watching over them continually–ref Mt 18:10; Heb 1:14. The verse continues–
Lk 4:2 (pt 3). AND IN THOSE DAYS HE DID EAT NOTHING. Because Jesus fasted in the wilderness, we may also surmise that the Spirit led Him there for this purpose also. Moses fasted forty days–ref Ex 24:18, 34:28. Elijah appears to have fasted forty days–ref 1 Ki 19:8.
A fast unto the Lord, as Jesus did, involves no food, no fruit juices, no vitamin pills, etc.–only lots of water. Jesus fasted forty days–ref Lk 4:1,2. The devil tempted Him–ref Lk 4:3–13.
When doing a fast, if there is a medical problem, certainly consult a doctor—a born–again one preferably. We may also note that Jesus withdrew Himself from people during His time of fasting and was led BY THE SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS. A person needs to get away from people and things that could distract him. This is confirmed in the previous Scripture as well; as it is written in 1 Cor 7:5–DEFRAUD YE NOT ONE THE OTHER, EXCEPT IT BE WITH CONSENT FOR A TIME, THAT YE MAY GIVE YOURSELVES TO FASTING AND PRAYER.
The authors of this commentary recommend born–again Christians consider fasting two half days a week or one full day a week, ref Lk 18:12–I FAST TWICE IN THE WEEK, plus other Scriptures also
They also recommend fasting at least once a year for 7 days. Even though a 7 day fast is difficult, the rewards after are tremendous. Before a person would attempt a 10 or 14 day fast, it is recommended they do a 7 day fast. There are special cases where God may call His servants to do a 21 or 40 day fast. In doing a fast of 40 days, it is highly recommended that a person knows it is God calling him to do it. During the last 10 days, it is good for the person fasting to have someone they can contact should help be needed. Walking gets quite difficult as 40 days approach. Vomiting may take place. We also recommend consulting a born–again brother in Christ, who has done such a fast, for what to expect before attempting it.
When a person fasts for a long time (no food, no vitamins, no fruit juices should be taken, only water). Be sure to drink plenty of water. Filtered or bottled water is preferable, if possible.
A person needs to purpose in his mind he will complete the fast and not give up. Many thoughts arise in a person’s mind. One of the main temptations is to give up: to not finish the fast (of seven days, ten days, twenty–one days, or forty days, or whatever) that God has called him to do. It is good to be in a place with no distractions, no family, no television or radio, no newspapers, and no people around etc. It is a time to dwell in God’s Word and to pray as much as possible without distraction. Satan often tempts the person to call or go and see someone during a fast. Jesus was alone for the entire time. He set the example we are to follow.
A person may have dreams about their favorite foods. Lying thoughts from Satan may arise in a person’s mind that something is happening, and they have to give up their fast and attend to certain problems. During these times, the Scriptures often become much more alive to a person, as the desires of the flesh subside. It is written in Ps 109:24–MY KNEES ARE WEAK THROUGH FASTING; AND MY FLESH FAILETH OF FATNESS.
As a person goes into their fourth day and beyond, they may find themselves sleeping more and more, but not feeling greatly refreshed physically.
Once a person finishes their fast, they should begin eating small amounts. Some recommend a small amount of soup. Wait a few hours and do it again. Slowly return to normal eating habits. It is not uncommon for a person to lose about 1 to 2 pounds a day. It is not uncommon to develop a white film on the tongue, as the body eliminates toxins. Bad breath and nausea may occur. The darts a person may have in their stomach when stress comes from Satan, begins to disappear during a fast, especially after 4 or 5 days. It helps break those fiery darts from Satan. Satan knows this and thus fights a person that wishes to fast for 7 days or more.
After the fast is over, the fiery darts are still gone. They slowly return over a period (months). It is not uncommon that once a person is finished fasting, Satan is waiting for them with a surprise. There are many Scriptures in the Bible about fasting and the tremendous benefits. We recommend a concordance to help you look them up.
Mt 9:15–AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, BUT THE DAYS WILL COME, WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM (which is Jesus) SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THEM, AND THEN SHALL THEY FAST.
Isa 58:3–9–WHEREFORE HAVE WE FASTED, SAY THEY, AND THOU SEEST NOT? WHEREFORE HAVE WE AFFLICTED OUR SOUL, AND THOU TAKEST NO KNOWLEDGE? BEHOLD, IN THE DAY OF YOUR FAST YE FIND PLEASURE, AND EXACT ALL YOUR LABOURS. BEHOLD, YE FAST FOR STRIFE AND DEBATE, AND TO SMITE WITH THE FIST OF WICKEDNESS: YE SHALL NOT FAST AS YE DO THIS DAY, TO MAKE YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD ON HIGH. IS IT SUCH A FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN? A DAY FOR A MAN TO AFFLICT HIS SOUL? IS IT TO BOW DOWN HIS HEAD AS A BULRUSH, AND TO SPREAD SACKCLOTH AND ASHES UNDER HIM? WILT THOU CALL THIS A FAST, AND AN ACCEPTABLE DAY TO THE LORD? IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN? TO LOOSE THE BANDS OF WICKEDNESS, TO UNDO THE HEAVY BURDENS, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND THAT YE BREAK EVERY YOKE? IS IT NOT TO DEAL THY BREAD TO THE HUNGRY, AND THAT THOU BRING THE POOR THAT ARE CAST OUT TO THY HOUSE? WHEN THOU SEEST THE NAKED, THAT THOU COVER HIM; AND THAT THOU HIDE NOT THYSELF FROM THINE OWN FLESH? THEN SHALL THY LIGHT BREAK FORTH AS THE MORNING, AND THINE HEALTH SHALL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY: AND THY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL GO BEFORE THEE; THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE THY REREWARD. THEN SHALT THOU CALL, AND THE LORD SHALL ANSWER; THOU SHALT CRY, AND HE SHALL SAY, HERE I AM. IF THOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE MIDST OF THEE THE YOKE, THE PUTTING FORTH OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING VANITY.
Mt 6:16–18–MOREOVER WHEN YE FAST, BE NOT, AS THE HYPOCRITES, OF A SAD COUNTENANCE: FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES, THAT THEY MAY APPEAR UNTO MEN TO FAST. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD. BUT THOU, WHEN THOU FASTEST, ANOINT THINE HEAD, AND WASH THY FACE; THAT THOU APPEAR NOT UNTO MEN TO FAST, BUT UNTO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET: AND THY FATHER, WHICH SEETH IN SECRET, SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY.
One of the authors of this commentary went into a certain church. As it is recalled, the minister of that church asked the congregation to fast for half a day. The reaction was astonishing. It was as if they wanted to run the preacher out of the church and get rid of him for suggesting such a thing. Such are the ways of many unbelieving or worldly Christians. Real born–again Christians are few.
The verses continue–
Mt 4:2 (pt 1). AND WHEN HE HAD FASTED FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS. Such a fast means He ate nothing at all for 40 days, but did drink water only.
There are various lengths of fast mentioned in the Bible. Various fasts to consider are a half day, a full day, three days, seven days, ten days, fourteen days, twenty one days, forty days. Forty days is the longest. Jesus fasted forty days. Others that fasted 40 days, include Moses–ref Deut 9:9,11,18,25; possibly Joshua–Ex 24 and 32, plus Elijah–ref 1 Ki 19:8.
The verses continue–
Lk 4:2 (pt 4). AND WHEN THEY (HAD) ENDED, HE AFTERWARD
Mt 4:2 (pt 2). HE
Mt 4:2 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:2 (pt 5). (BECAME HUNGRY). The 40 day fast was now completed.
(Satan tempts people with the needs of the body)
(The three temptations Jesus went through reflect temptations people also go through)
Mt 4:3 (pt 1). AND WHEN THE TEMPTER (this is another name for Satan). The verse continues–
CAME TO HIM. Mt 4:1 had mentioned that Jesus had been led into the wilderness to be tempted. Mk 1:13 uses the words, forty days tempted of Satan. Throughout the 40 day fast that Jesus did, He was tempted. Now that Jesus is at His weakest, the tempter returns. The devil wasted no time in coming to Jesus to tempt Him. The verse continues–
Lk 4:3 (pt 1). AND
Mt 4:3 (pt 2) ref Lk 4:3 (pt 2). THE DEVIL
Mt 4:3 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 3). SAID,
Lk 4:3 (pt 4). (TO) HIM. The devil did come to Jesus and did speak to Him.
The devil speaks to people–ref Gen 3:1–ref 6; Lk 4:3,6. He speaks to us in our thoughts, imaginations, our hearts, our emotions, through our hurts, through our personal desires, through our lusts, through other people, through circumstances, and in other ways as well. The voice we actually hear in our heart and mind is often so loud and persuasive, that we are usually positive it is our own thoughts giving us the right thing to do. The idea that it is Satan speaking to us usually seems ridiculous. It usually doesn’t even come to our mind. THE DEVIL SAID TO HIM–
Mt 4:3 (pt 4), Lk 4:3 (pt 5). IF (YOU) (ARE) THE SON OF GOD. It appears Satan was tempting Jesus from more than one angle. Satan appears to have been trying to make Jesus doubt that He was the SON OF GOD. Satan appears to have been trying make Jesus believe that it was only in His thoughts that He was the SON OF GOD and that is was really not true. In other words, "Who do you think you are?" At a later time, the people said to Jesus in Jn 8:53– WHOM MAKEST THOU THYSELF? And in Jn 10:33–THOU, BEING A MAN, MAKEST THYSELF GOD.
Perhaps, in addition to Satan trying to put doubts in the thoughts of Jesus about God being His Father, he may also have been implying that if God is your Father, He is unkind and unfaithful in letting you go hungry. He will not help you. You have to do it yourself. Thus, the accuser (which is Satan) tries to overthrow our trust, our dependence, and our personal relationship with God. The devil often puts negative, accusing, and hateful thoughts in our mind about God when things are not going the way we want. He did this with the children of Israel, as they wandered in the wilderness in the place Massah and Meribah. They tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?–Ex 17:7. They did not believe God would provide them bread–ref Ex 16:3.
It may also be said that Satan was telling Jesus to prove who He was by doing some divine thing.
We are to trust in and love God, even in the hardest, darkest, and most difficult of times. A person’s trust and love will be tested time and time again to see if it is genuine or not. When our minds are filled with thoughts contrary to God’s Word, that try to shake and overthrow our faith in God, will we stand or fall? This battle persisted with Eve as Satan said, HATH GOD SAID?–ref Gen 3:1. Eve finally disobeyed God.
Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God–ref Mt 4:3–11; Lk 4:3–13.
Some believe this could be translated, ’Since thou art..." The verse continues–
COMMAND. Satan was tempting Jesus to do something which would not be led of His Father. Satan was trying to trick Him to do something he wanted Jesus to do–to disobey His Father. Satan wanted Jesus to use His divine powers. In the same way, Satan puts thoughts in all our minds to do things which are sin. Often they seem like next to nothing. They may even seem like a good idea. To have an obedient walk with Jesus, born–again Christians need to know God’s voice and to know when it is the voice of deception in our thoughts and emotions. We need to cast DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST–2 Cor 10:5. If we don’t, our emotions can lead us to believe lies and ignore reality. The verse continues–Command
Mt 4:3 (pt 5). THAT
Mt 4:3 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 6). THESE STONES
Lk 4:3 (pt 7). THAT IT
Mt 4:3 (pt 7), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 8). (BECOME) BREAD. Jesus after his 40 day fast was hungry. Satan tempts Him with something that sounds like the right thing to do. He tempts Jesus in the area of His immediate and greatest need, which was food. Jesus was in the wilderness, where there was probably no food available. Satan also used a temptation regarding food, in dealing with Eve, and succeeded. Expect the forces of darkness to observe you carefully, looking for areas to attack you through your thoughts, desires, and any sin, baggage, or yokes you have not repented of. Even if you have repented of them, Satan may use them again to tempt you. Desire, poverty, emotional and physical pain, stress, various hurts, being tired, as well as loneliness gives a place for the Devil to attack unsuspecting people in the areas of anger, frustration, dissatisfaction, depression, and unbelief. These can often result in a person trusting in something other than God for their relief. A person may justify what they do, because of the situation they are in. Satan tempts them in some way. They sin against God and may even accuse God, and afterward may say, “I've done no wrong.” A person is to obey God’s Word and walk by faith, not by sight. It is better to endure the hardships now than to live and prosper in sin but perish afterwards. Two purposes for doing a miracle, such as turning stones to bread, could be to bring people to faith or to confirm who Jesus was–ref Jn 6:14; 12:18. Neither purpose would be served at this time or in this place.
Satan appears to be telling Jesus, if you are really the SON OF GOD, prove it by doing what I told you to do. Prove it by using your divine power. Rely on yourself, not that of your Father. Satan wants us to trust in ourself and do things our own way. God wants us to trust in Him and do things His way. In the wilderness, Israel did not seem to believe God could provide food for them. Jesus, in the wilderness, likewise was tempted to believe His Father in heaven would not provide food for Him. We must be careful that we do not give any place for the devil nor even give the appearance of not trusting in God. Jesus knew that all things would be provided to Him by the Father as were needed. This is true for all that follow and obey God.
The way Jesus responded to the temptations was to be an example of how each of us should respond. He responded as a man.
Jesus responded to all three temptations that he was to be tested with from the devil by using the Word of God. He used the words from Deuteronomy, which is also called the book of obedience. Satan wanted Jesus to respond independently, apart from His Father. He wanted Jesus to use His divine power. However, to our knowledge, Jesus is never recorded using His divine power for Himself to fight against Satan. Jesus fed others by His divine power, but He would not yield to Satan’s temptation and feed Himself. Mostly He used His divine power to help others.
Born–again Christians, when tempted, are not to act independently of their heavenly Father. When Satan tempts born–again Christians, he wants them to respond using worldly or carnal knowledge, which he can easily defeat. A person cannot argue successfully with worldly wisdom against the prince of this world–the devil. Satan wants them to respond independently from the Father and the Word when he tempts them. God’s Word clearly shows us how born–again Christians are to respond. It is written, 2 Cor 10:4–(FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS;)
Eve, and then Adam, were tempted regarding food. They fell. The children of Israel in wandering the wilderness were tempted regarding food. God was angry with their response, Jesus was tempted by Satan regarding food. This time, Satan did not succeed.
It is not uncommon that sometime after a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, as they seek to follow Him, that they are tested regarding food. There may come difficult times, and they have little to eat. Their trust in God is being tested. The Bible tells us of the BEGGAR NAMED LAZARUS, WHICH WAS…FULL OF SORES, AND DESIRING TO BE FED WITH THE CRUMBS WHICH FELL FROM THE RICH MAN’S TABLE:…THE BEGGAR DIED, AND WAS CARRIED BY THE ANGELS INTO ABRAHAM’S BOSOM. The rich man died and went to hell. ABRAHAM SAID to the rich man, SON, REMEMBER THAT THOU IN THY LIFETIME RECEIVEDST THY GOOD THINGS, AND LIKEWISE LAZARUS EVIL THINGS: BUT NOW HE IS COMFORTED, AND THOU ART TORMENTED. Heb 11:36–39 tells us of God’s people that had faith of whom the world was not worthy, yet they had TRIAL OF CRUEL MOCKINGS AND SCOURGINGS, YEA, MOREOVER OF BONDS AND IMPRISONMENT: THEY WERE STONED, THEY WERE SAWN ASUNDER, WERE TEMPTED, WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD: THEY WANDERED ABOUT IN SHEEPSKINS AND GOATSKINS; BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED, TORMENTED; THEY WANDERED IN DESERTS, AND IN MOUNTAINS, AND IN DENS AND CAVES OF THE EARTH. Be not deceived by vain preaching (some even from famous people) that would have you believe that prosperity, riches and all things going well represents faith. For it is written, MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, AND DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF–1 Tim 6:5.
The first two temptations appear to cast doubt on or challenge Him to prove if He was the Son of God. The third temptation was to offer Him the world.
TEMPTATIONS: SELDOM RECOGNIZED BY CHRISTIANS
Regretfully, most people claiming they are a Christian know and understand very little of the Bible, of temptations, and of spiritual warfare. Their knowledge mostly comes from what they have heard in church or from other sources. When they are tested or tempted by Satan, they seldom pass the test. They do not recognize it is Satan. They do not recognize it is a test. They do not even recognize they are in a battle for their soul. They do not know how to respond. They do not know how to use God’s Word to defeat Satan. It is common for clergy to hear people say to them, “I know “you” are wrong, because I heard someone else say something different, or I read a book that differs with you. I know they are right, and you are wrong.” Seldom does anyone say, “I humbly come seeking to reason together. Let us use God’s Word as our authority.”
Jesus was now at His weakest. He had just fasted for forty days. Satan often tempts us at the time we seem to be at our weakest. We may note the first temptation involved food. It came in the form of a challenge, “if thou be,” then prove it by doing this or that. We may say, this sounded reasonable, after all, Jesus was hungry. This temptation certainly would have appealed to His flesh. When Satan tempts us, he can be expected to give us a good reason to do what he wants us to do. What really was at stake here was this: would Jesus be led of the Spirit of God? or would He be led of the devil? Would Jesus follow and obey God? or would He follow and obey the devil? Jesus is the Son of God. He had the power to turn the rocks into bread; however, it needs to be noted, that doing so would not have been the will of the Father, but rather, what Satan desired Him to do. This temptation was also devoted to “self.” He was being tempted to satisfy His hunger by using His divine power. The miracles that Jesus later did benefited others, not Himself. Satan wanted Jesus to act independently from His Father. Should Jesus have been disobedient in even the smallest matter, He would not have been obedient in all things, even unto death.
When temptations come on you, and you consider it is the devil tempting you, then you may expect to hear in your thoughts, “It is not the devil. It is only your own thoughts giving you some good advice.” In other cases, you may hear, “This is God speaking to you to do this, or that.” AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT–2 Cor 11:14. How can we know the thoughts that come from God and the thoughts that come from Satan? The answer is by God’s Word. Study, study, and study. Get to know the voice of God from the Bible so well, that you can identify the deceptions of the devil when they come. Also, do the following things from James 4:7–10:
SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD.
RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU.
CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YE SINNERS;
AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE MINDED.
BE AFFLICTED, AND MOURN, AND WEEP:
LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING,
AND YOUR JOY TO HEAVINESS.
HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP.How do we purify our hearts? It is written, Acts 15:9–PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH, and Ro 1:17–THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. Thus, we may say, that a lack of a person’s heart being purified is a result of a lack of Biblical faith.
God’s Word is the key. Many say, in this generation of deception that we are now in, “God told me to do this, or that,” yet it contradicts God’s written Word. Beware.
Remember, Eve was also tempted with food.
Jesus overcame this temptation. He did not yield to Satan’s subtle deception. Jesus responded with God’s Word. The way to fight Satan, when he speaks to us and tempts us in our thoughts, through our flesh, or in our emotions, is by using God’s Word. Jesus said, IT IS WRITTEN, THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD–Lk 4:4. He quoted a passage from Deut 8:3. Quoting God’s Word to Satan caused him to cease this temptation and go on to another.
Consider what Jesus had said. His Word tells every born–again Christian how to live. We are to live BY EVERY WORD OF GOD. We are to live by the Bible.
The first recorded temptation or test of Jesus by Satan was "IF THOU BE." Among the last temptations or tests that Jesus endured on the cross was of the same nature. Satan does not give up. He keeps trying and trying. Note the temptation, or test, as Jesus was hanging on the cross dying. AND THEY THAT PASSED BY REVILED HIM, WAGGING THEIR HEADS, AND SAYING...“IF THOU BE” THE SON OF GOD, COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS. LIKEWISE ALSO THE CHIEF PRIESTS MOCKING HIM, WITH THE SCRIBES AND ELDERS, SAID, HE SAVED OTHERS; HIMSELF HE CANNOT SAVE. “IF HE BE” THE KING OF ISRAEL, LET HIM NOW COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS AND WE WILL BELIEVE HIM–Mt 27:39–42.
The born–again Christian should be very familiar with these tactics. Satan will speak to us in our thoughts to do this or that contrary to God’s will, or not to do something that God wants us to do “because” Satan will tempt us to do something wrong and then give us a good reason why we should do it. He will tell us, “It is all right.” He may tell us, “No one will know.” He may tell you that you can accomplish what your heart desires by doing it his way, rather than God’s way. These are all lies, yet often our self–centered, unpurified and disobedient heart agrees with these temptations, and we sin.
Those that follow Christ need to fear God and learn obedience. They need to love Him, learn to trust in Him, serve Him and to be patient and wait for Him, no matter what.
Consider, Jesus WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED (or tested) LIKE AS WE ARE, YET WITHOUT SIN–Heb 4:15.
The verses continue–
Mt 4:4 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 1). BUT (JESUS) ANSWERED
Lk 4:4 (pt 2). HIM,
Mt 4:4 (pt 2). AND SAID,
Lk 4:4 (pt 3). SAYING,
Mt 4:4 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 4). IT IS WRITTEN. These are the first words that the Scriptures record that Jesus spoke to the tempter, which is the devil.
Note, Jesus fought the wrong thoughts (or the voice which He heard), which came from the devil, by using God’s Word.
Satan knows God’s Word well. He can quote it skillfully, as can some of His followers. Their understanding of God’s Word is not the same as that of a born–again Christian. They cannot rightly divide God’s Word, yet they think they can. They think they see, but see not. The hear, but hear not. They are usually sure they understand, but their understanding is flawed. It has been said that the only offensive weapon that we have is God’s Word. God’s Word is for both defense and offense.
Do not try to use earthly wisdom to reason with the wrong thoughts that enter your mind. Satan understands the things that be of men–that means he understands and knows how to use man’s worldly ways, thoughts and desires, but he does not comprehend THE THINGS THAT BE OF GOD–Mk 8:33. To try to use worldly wisdom in defeating the devil is useless and can make things worse. But using God’s Word leads a person in the right way, if he rightly divides the Word. The verses continue–
Lk 4:4 (pt 5). THAT
Mt 4:4 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 6). MAN SHALL NOT LIVE (ON) BREAD ALONE. A person is not to live on physical food alone. Physical food may keep the body alive only for so long. To live by the all the Word of God means a person needs to hear or read and obey it. A person is to live by faith, not by sight. If a person obeys God, God will provide food and drink, as it is written in Lk 12:29,30–AND SEEK NOT YE WHAT YE SHALL EAT, OR WHAT YE SHALL DRINK, NEITHER BE YE OF DOUBTFUL MIND. FOR ALL THESE THINGS DO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD SEEK AFTER: AND YOUR FATHER KNOWETH THAT YE HAVE NEED OF THESE THINGS.
The disciples of Jesus said, MASTER, EAT. Jesus replied MY MEAT IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM THAT SENT ME, AND TO FINISH HIS WORK–ref Jn 4:31,34. The verse continues–
BUT BY EVERY WORD. It did not say by “some” of the Word, as some churches teach. God forbid, some teach only the New Testament. Some leave out such books as the Revelation and Daniel. Some go by only the 4 Gospels, while others teach only by the Epistles. Others leave out many subjects the Word of God teaches, or they nullify God’s Word by saying these Scriptures do not apply to today. The verses continue–
Mt 4:4 (pt 5). THAT (COMES) OUT (FROM) THE MOUTH
Mt 4:4 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 7). OF GOD. The first group of words that Jesus is recorded as speaking after His baptism and the first words he used in fighting Satan’s temptation are taken from the Old Testament. The words that Jesus used were taken from Deut 8:3. It is written, THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART–Heb 4:12
Spiritual food is also needed for a person. Spiritual food is the entire Bible. Spiritual food will keep a person alive for eternity if mixed with faith which works by love. If a person eats of the Spiritual food from God, the rest will certainly be provided. God’s Word is not only written for our learning, but also for us to use. By rightly dividing God’s Word and using it as Jesus did, rather than worldly thinking, schemes and devices, we can defeat the wrong thinking Satan puts in our hearts and minds. However, we need to recognize the wrong thoughts. Regretfully, most people do not.
Israel murmured and complained in the wilderness when they were hungry. Jesus waited on His Father. After the 3rd temptation, the angels came and ministered to Him.
LIVE BY ALL THE BIBLE. IT IS ALL GOD’S WORD
WARNING ABOUT ADDING OR TAKING AWAY FROM THESE THINGS
GENERAL BIBLE INFORMATION
WHO WROTE THE BIBLE?
AUTHORS OF THE BIBLE
(Also see Jn 3:31)
The Christian is to live by God’s Word, the Bible, the whole Bible. Worldly (or carnal) churches and cults often add or take away from God’s word. They may seldom use the Old testament. They may seldom use the Epistles, or the Revelation. They may use mostly only the Epistles, or the 4 Gospels. They may use mostly only the Psalms or Proverbs. They may add other books, writings, or prophecies to the Bible. The 66 books of the Bible is what we are to use–all of it
The Bible was written by about thirty–nine persons over a period dating from approximately 1700 or 1600 B.C. to l00 A.D. The tern WORD OF GOD appears about 50 times in the Bible.
It is written: KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST–2 Pe 1:20,21. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS–2 Tim 3:16. BUT I CERTIFY YOU, BRETHREN, THAT THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN. FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT OF MAN, NEITHER WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST–Gal 1:11,12.
2 Pe 1:16–FOR WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES, WHEN WE MADE KNOWN UNTO YOU THE POWER AND COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BUT WERE EYEWITNESSES OF HIS MAJESTY. Note Peter said WE WERE EYEWITNESSES.
1 Jn 1:1–3–THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING, WHICH (a) WE HAVE HEARD, WHICH (b) WE HAVE SEEN WITH OUR EYES, WHICH (c) WE HAVE LOOKED UPON, (d) AND OUR HANDS HAVE HANDLED, OF THE WORD OF LIFE;…AND (b) WE HAVE SEEN IT, (1) AND BEAR WITNESS, (2) AND SHEW UNTO YOU THAT ETERNAL LIFE, WHICH WAS WITH THE FATHER, AND WAS MANIFESTED (or made known) UNTO US;). THAT WHICH (b) WE HAVE SEEN AND (a) HEARD (3) DECLARE WE UNTO YOU.
2 Pe 1:19–WE HAVE ALSO A MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY; WHEREUNTO YE DO WELL THAT YE TAKE HEED. Note that YOU will do well to take heed or pay attention to what is being said.
Then God gives us a warning: Beware, for there are people that may TROUBLE YOU, AND WOULD PERVERT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST–Gal 1:7. Beware, that you do not turn aside UNTO ANOTHER GOSPEL–Gal 1:6. For Paul tells us, FOR DO I NOW PERSUADE MEN, OR GOD? OR DO I SEEK TO PLEASE MEN? FOR IF I YET PLEASED MEN, I SHOULD NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST–Gal 1:10.
BUT THOUGH WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL UNTO YOU (other) THAN THAT WHICH WE HAVE PREACHED UNTO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED (or condemned)–Gal 1:8.
Know that a little false doctrine can cause great harm, as it is written, A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP–Gal 5:9.
Rev 22:18–19–Rev 22:18–19–FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK.
The last written word in the Old Testament is curse. The last verse of the New Testament deals with grace.
The first temptation is concluded, but two more are to come. Satan does not give up when you win a battle against him or overcome him by faith. He can be expected to keep trying the same thing over and over, as well as continually trying other tactics. He is often relentless in trying to overthrow a person’s faith. He understands men’s worldly desires–ref Mt 16:23, and knows how to tempt a person with them. The verses continue–
(Satan tempts people by misusing Scripture)
Lk 4:9 (pt 1). AND
Mt 4:5 (pt 1). THEN
Lk 4:9 (pt 2). HE
Mt 4:5 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:9 (pt 3). THE DEVIL (or Adversary)
Mt 4:5 (pt 3). (TOOK) HIM (which is Jesus)
Lk 4:9 (pt 4). (and) BROUGHT (or led) HIM
Mt 4:5 (pt 4). UP INTO THE HOLY CITY. Note, Jerusalem is called the HOLY CITY. This term was first used in Neh 11:1 and is used app 8 times in the Bible denoting Jerusalem in Israel, and two more times denoting the Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven. The verses continue–
Lk 4:9 (pt 5). TO JERUSALEM. Satan was allowed to lead Jesus to a certain place to be tempted. Jesus did not resist. We are not told how He got there. The verses continue–
Mt 4:5 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:9 (pt 6). AND (HAD HIM STAND)
ON (THE HIGHEST POINT) OF THE TEMPLE. Satan is able to take or persuade us to go to certain places to tempt us. Some believe this may have been on the wall above the Kidron Valley. It may have been on top of the building that houses the Holy of Holies. Again, we are not told how he got there, or if He was seen by other people.
High places of the world, in the church, or in ministry are places that Satan can tempt us (pride). The verses continue–
Mt 4:6 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:9 (pt 7). AND (SAID) (TO) HIM. The devil speaks to people–ref Gen 3:1–ref 6; Lk 4:3,6. He speaks to us in our thoughts, our hearts, through our emotions and in other ways as well. The verses continue–
IF (YOU) (ARE) THE SON OF GOD. Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God–ref Mt 4:3–11; Lk 4:3–13. Some believe this should be translated, “Since you are the Son of God.” The verses continue–
(THROW) (YOURSELF) DOWN:
Lk 4:9 (pt 8). FROM (HERE): Again Satan was tempting Jesus to do something which would not be led of His Father. Satan was trying to trick him to do something he wanted Jesus to do–to disobey His Father. In the same way, Satan puts thoughts in all of our minds to do things which are not led of God and are sin. Often they seem like next to nothing. To have an obedient walk with Jesus, born–again Christians need to know God’s voice and to know when it is the voice of deception in our thoughts. We need to cast–DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST–2 Cor 10:5. The verse continues–
Mt 4:6 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:10 (pt 1). FOR IT IS WRITTEN. Satan now uses the Word of God to tempt Jesus. Satan knows the Word of God, and knows how to skillfully use it to mislead people. He does not rightly divide it, or understand it as does a Spirit led born–again Christian. Satan can be expected to tempt every born–again Christian with the Word of God. He can be expected to use the person’s circumstances, emotions, worldly desires, or other things to cause the person to wrongly divide God’s Word and thus sin and yield to the temptation of Satan. Satan uses God’s Word out of context. The verses continue–
HE SHALL (COMMAND) HIS ANGELS (TO BE RESPONSIBLE) (OVER) (YOU). The words Satan used are in Ps 91:11,12. Satan knows how to twist and misuse God’s word to tempt us to do wrong. For those that do not rightly divide God’s word, Satan, regretfully, is often very effective.
Mt 4:11 tells us that the angels came and ministered unto Him. Born again Christians have an angel that minister to them and watch over them, as it is written in Heb 1:13,14–THE ANGELS…ARE THEY NOT ALL MINISTERING SPIRITS, SENT FORTH TO MINISTER FOR THEM WHO SHALL BE HEIRS OF SALVATION? Mt 18:10–TAKE HEED THAT YE DESPISE NOT ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES; FOR I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IN HEAVEN THEIR ANGELS DO ALWAYS BEHOLD THE FACE OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. The verses continue–
Lk 4:10 (pt 2). TO KEEP (or guard, or protect) (YOU) (carefully):
Mt 4:6 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:11 (pt 1). AND (ON) THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL (LIFT) (or support) (YOU) UP, LEST AT ANY TIME (YOU) (STRIKE) (or hurt) (YOUR) FOOT. Satan tempted Jesus with the Word to try to cause Him to sin. Satan also will tempt people in the same way. Satan will also speak through the unsaved and carnal Christians to tempt born–again Christians to sin by using the Word of God. Born again Christians need to be on their guard against the schemes of the Devil as he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour–ref 1 Pe 5:8. The verses continue–
Mt 4:6 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:11 (pt 2). AGAINST A STONE.
The KJV reads in Matthew’s Gospel–…HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING THEE: AND IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP, LEST AT ANY TIME THOU DASH THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE.
The KJV reads in Luke’s Gospel–…HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER THEE, TO KEEP THEE: AND IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP, LEST AT ANY TIME THOU DASH THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE.
Satan did not quote all the two Scriptures. He quoted from the Old Testament, Ps 91:11–12–FOR HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER THEE, TO KEEP THEE IN ALL THY WAYS. THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP IN THEIR HANDS, LEST THOU DASH THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE. As noted above, Satan left out the words, IN ALL THY WAYS. He also added AT ANY TIME.
He also certainly did not use the next Scripture, Ps 91:13. This was a prophecy showing Satan’s defeat.
By using this Scripture, Satan himself was acknowledging that Jesus is the Messiah.
He dares people to do things–ref Mt 4:5,6. When Satan tempts a person, he also puts in a person’s thoughts the reason to yield to the ungodly temptation. It often works.
The promise was that the Angels shall keep thee. Then the part of the Scripture that Satan left out was “IN ALL THY WAYS”. How shall the angels keep thee? “In all thy ways”–the promise is contingent up being obedient. So it is with the born again saints. Many preachers seem to talk about God’s promises to us, but they often leave our obligation to God before the promise can be fulfilled. Then when God’s promise is not fulfilled because of our own disobedience, we want to blame and accuse God and not ourselves.
It may be said that Satan was telling Jesus to prove who He was by doing some divine thing.
It may also be said that Satan was tempting Jesus to disobey God, to jump down, and murder himself. It appears he wanted Jesus to believe he could jump down and nothing would happen to Him.. Satan even misused Scripture to entice Jesus to do so.
If indeed Jesus would throw Himself down and be killed, this would eliminate Him.
One might consider how many people (including teenagers) commit suicide. They hear a voice that tells them to kill themselves. Then the voice gives them a reason that seems right to their heart. They obey the devil’s voice and perish. The devil never told them what awaits them afterwards. If they go to a Christian church, chances are good that their pastor never told them either.
Note God’s Words, BY WHOM WE HAVE RECEIVED GRACE AND APOSTLESHIP, FOR OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH.–Ro 1:5
KNOW YE NOT, THAT TO WHOM YE YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY, HIS SERVANTS YE ARE TO WHOM YE OBEY; WHETHER OF SIN UNTO DEATH, OR OF OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS?–Ro 6:16
Note the words in Ro 16:26–THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH:
AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, (Note the preceding promise of God, is conditional) WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED–2 Cor 10:6.
SATAN KNOWS SCRIPTURE BUT INTENTIONALLY AND SKILLFULLY MISUSES IT
Satan’s second temptation went a step further. This time Satan uses God’s Word to tempt Jesus. Satan quoted Scripture. As somewhat already mentioned, you need to understand that Satan knows Scripture well, but he distorts it, twists it, adds to it and leaves out parts, takes it out of context, and leaves out other verses that should go with it to gain an advantage to deceive people. He misuses Scripture by omitting parts of it and by using it out of context. It is written, Hos 4:6–MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED KNOWLEDGE, I WILL ALSO REJECT THEE. Few study God’s Word as they ought. Excuses abound. Others forget God’s Word or it becomes distorted in their hearts.
Unsaved people are followers of Satan. Some of them are experts at quoting Scripture. A person may have studied the Word of God, and even be a preacher or bishop, yet have a heart that hates God, commits all sorts of sins and leads people astray–ref 2 Cor 11:13–15; 1 Tim 1:2–; 1 Jn 1:9–11.
Note the words, IF THOU BE THE SON OF GOD, CAST THYSELF DOWN: FOR IT IS WRITTEN, or we might say, “because.” Do this or that, “because.”
A person is protected when he obeys God. He may not be protected if he is in disobedience.
Satan taking Jesus to the highest point of the temple and tempting or challenging Him to jump off could remind a person of Mal 3:1 which speaks of the Messiah SUDDENLY appearing at the TEMPLE as many of the Jews believed would happen. People THOUGHT THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD SHOULD IMMEDIATELY APPEAR–ref Lk 19:11. They believed that WHEN CHRIST would come it would be like a mystery–ref Jn 7:27. Even His followers believed that when the Christ would come that He would RESTORE AGAIN THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL–ref Acts 1:6. What better way to do this than to take Jesus to the highest point at the Temple and tempt Him jump off. Then suddenly He would appear unharmed to the people in the temple.
Note, Satan did not have the power to throw Jesus down. He does have the power to try and persuade us in our thoughts to do it ourselves. When people commit suicide by jumping to their death, Satan puts thoughts in their minds so they will voluntarily do it themselves.
Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust (or thoughts). He is not forced, but enticed by wrong thinking motivated by the devil–ref Ja 1:14. The verses continue–
Lk 4:12 (pt 1). AND
Mt 4:7 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:12 (pt 2). JESUS
Mt 4:7 (pt 2). (REPLIED)
Lk 4:12 (pt 3). ANSWERING SAID
Mt 4:7 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:12 (pt 4). (TO) HIM,
Mt 4:7 (pt 4). IT IS WRITTEN
Lk 4:12 (pt 5). (or) IT IS SAID,
Mt 4:7 (pt 5). AGAIN (or on the other hand–NASB, or it also says),
Mt 4:7 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:12 (pt 6). (YOU) (SHALL) NOT TEMPT THE LORD (YOUR) GOD (or put the Lord your God to the test–NASB). Again, Jesus overcame this temptation or test and gives us the example of how to deal with Satan. Jesus used the Word. JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, IT IS WRITTEN AGAIN, THOU SHALT NOT TEMPT THE LORD THY GOD–Mt 4:7. The verse Jesus quoted is in Deut 6:16.
In quoting this verse, Jesus used the words that applied to himself–THE LORD THY GOD.
Note Deut 6:18–AND THOU SHALT DO THAT WHICH IS RIGHT AND GOOD IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD: THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE. Jesus did that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord.
Matthew’s Gospel put temptation #2 and #3 in a chronological order. Luke’s Gospel reversed the order. It has been said that Matthew’s Gospel of presenting these three events were historical and chronological while Luke’s was Dispensational. The verses continue–
(Satan tempts people with their desire for power, wealth, and fame)
Mt 4:8 (pt 1). AGAIN,
Mt 4:8 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:5 (pt 1). THE DEVIL (or Adversary)
(TOOK) HIM UP INTO (the summit of) AN
Mt 4:8 (pt 3). EXCEEDING
Mt 4:8 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:5 (pt 2). HIGH MOUNTAIN. Satan is able to take or persuade us to go to certain places to tempt us. The mountain that Satan took Jesus to is not identified. Some believe it could have been Mt Nebo, where Moses seen the promised land–Deut 32:49. Some may believe it is Mt Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel at over 9000 feet. The verse continues–
AND (SHOWED) HIM
ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD.
Mt 4:8 (pt 5). (IN ALL THEIR GLORY–JNT) (or splendor). These were actual events that took place. They were not just imagined thoughts. The verses continue–
Lk 4:5 (pt 3). IN A MOMENT OF TIME. The devil can put a multitude of thoughts in our minds rapidly. Dreams can cover a long story and many events, yet it occurs in a very short time. We can only speculate how Satan did this.
TEMPTATIONS. HOW SATAN DECEIVES PEOPLE
Many people would do most anything for a moment of glory, fame, money, authority, and power.
1. The devil puts the desires of your heart (that is the things you want) in your thoughts.
2. Then “he” makes you believe you can have them.
3. Then he shows you a way to get the desires that are in your thoughts and emotions.
4. All you have to do is something that you may not believe is sin, or perhaps is only a little sin that will not be found out by anyone.
5. You are sure it would not cost you your soul for eternity.
Satan is able to put great, wondrous, and enticing thoughts and visions in our thinking in a moment of time. We may think, how wonderful it would be if we could only have this or that, or go here or there, or do this or that, or have more friends. As we dwell on these thoughts from Satan, other thoughts may arise as to what to do so we may obtain our hearts desires. First arises the thoughts. Then arises the way. Satan can and does offer people things, but it is often the beginning of backsliding which costs them their soul. So many people sell their soul to Satan for nothing more that some worldly desire. Once the thoughts are put in our minds we often dwell on them. The wrong, worldly thoughts can begin to dominate us. They can cause us to go astray from God in our attitude and in the things we do. They can cause us to sin, and sin when it is finished can spiritually kill us–ref Ja 1:15.
Yet is it not written Heb 12:4–YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO BLOOD, STRIVING AGAINST SIN. Ja 4:7–SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD (or we may say the Word). RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. So what does Satan do? He makes us believe the wrong thoughts we have are not from him, but from our own selves or even from God. Satan knows how to make lying imaginations and wrong thinking arise out of our wicked, corrupt and doubting hearts. The carnal or worldly centered heart is enmity of hatred against God–ref Ro 8:7. A carnal or worldly person can be easily tempted by Satan. A person whose heart is fully persuaded by the Scriptures and is fully set on God can not be so easily tempted. In this case Satan often may use worldly temptations to entice a person with the idea that his church, ministry, or outreach for God might be increased. It is really a smoke screen by Satan to cause the Christian to sin, but it is done in such a way that the Christian doesn't realize it. Such was the temptation of Satan against Jesus in #2. Satan was tempting Jesus to jump down from the temple. What a way to bring in the millennium.
But now Satan was offering Jesus in #3, everything he had to offer. He was offering Him the equivalent of being the king of the world. He was offering Him glory, fame, power, authority, and money. There was a catch. The verses continue–
Mt 4:9 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:6 (pt 1). AND
Lk 4:6 (pt 2). THE DEVIL
Mt 4:9 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:6 (pt 3). (SAID) (TO) HIM,
Mt 4:9 (pt 3). ALL THESE THINGS WILL I GIVE (YOU). He gives people things–but there is a catch also. The verse continues–
Lk 4:6 (pt 4). (and) ALL THIS POWER (or domain, or authority)
WILL I GIVE (YOU),
AND THE GLORY (or splendor) OF THEM. Note the temptation consisted of fame, power, authority, glory, and riches. Satan was offering to Jesus the world. What else could a man want? This temptation of giving a person their heart’s desire has led multitudes to hell. It is Satan’s most powerful temptation when all else has failed. The verse continues–
FOR THAT IS DELIVERED (or has been given) (TO) ME.
SATAN. HOW CAN HE GIVE PEOPLE THEIR DESIRES?
Why has all these things been delivered to Satan? Jesus did not dispute the claim Satan made about being able to give Him these things. Satan is the god of this world (or age)–ref 2 Cor 4:4; the prince and power of the air–ref Eph 2:2; the prince of this world–Jn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11. At this time he has the power to do what he said, but once Jesus returns that time will end. When Jesus returns, He will rule the world as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Satan was telling Jesus you can have all this right now–no waiting.
Satan tries to make us doubt God. Then he gives us visions of the desires of our hearts. Then he puts in our hearts what to do to achieve these desires. It is written, FOR WHATSOEVER IS NOT OF FAITH IS SIN–Ro 14:23. We all need to ask ourselves, is our trust centered in Jesus Christ, or in ourselves, or other things?
He received this power to fulfill God’s purpose. When the Antichrist comes forth all whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life will worship him–ref Rev 13:8. It will last 3 ½ years. How and when he received this power is not clear from the Scriptures. This question can be said to be debated among scholars. There are varied opinions. One is that because the world has willingly given themselves to Satan through deception, that he can indeed cause them to do whatever he wishes. It is estimated that 1/5th of the world claims to be Christian. Out of these, only a very few “truly trust in and follow” Christ, and obey His Word. Most of the rest follow so called Christian religions, or self, or their own distorted ideas of God.
SATAN. DOES HE GIVE PEOPLE THAT LEAVE GOD WHAT THEY DESIRE?
Our own research has produced the following. People that forsake God for their heart’s desires (or Satan’s lies) seldom receive what they want, the way they wanted it. In addition some begin to go through horrible things. Accidents happen. Their health fails. Bad things they never anticipated begin to take place. Some die. In a few rare cases the person may get what they want but often it lasts only a short time, then the unexpected happens. There was always a heavy price to be paid that Satan never told them about. In addition a hardened heart and spiritual blindness engulfed them. Usually the person’s heart becomes so hardened to the things of Christ that they could never again be reached.
The verse continues–
AND TO (WHOMEVER) I (WISH) I GIVE IT (or I can give it to anyone I want to–NIV). When Jesus was tempted by the devil and was offered ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD–Mt 4:8, He did not dispute the devil’s claim. Satan has the authority and power to tempt people with all manner of temptations, often offering them the desires of their hearts.
Mt 4:9 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:7 (pt 1). IF (YOU)
Lk 4:7 (pt 2). THEREFORE
Mt 4:9 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:7 (pt 3). (WILL)
Mt 4:9 (pt 6). FALL (or bow) DOWN. The falling down would be a sign or type of humility and reverencing to Satan. Regretfully, most people fall down to Satan everyday yet they are so spiritually blind they do not know it.
Mt 4:9 (pt 7). AND
Mt 4:9 (pt 8), ref Lk 4:7 (pt 4). WORSHIP ME. Here is Satan craving worship. Will you have thoughts of worshipping the devil for riches? Does a person when they yield to Satan’s temptations ever consider that they are committing sin? Do they ever consider that it can lead to eternal death?–or do they just make excuses to justify their actions and make their sinful actions seem right? The verses continue–
Lk 4:7 (pt 5). ALL SHALL BE (YOURS). The three temptations Jesus overcame successfully were in some ways like those in the garden of Eden which caused Adam to disobey God. They were in some ways like some things the children of Israel went through as they wandered in the wilderness.
Satan’s cover now comes off. He offers Jesus everything he can offer. He asked just one thing in return–WORSHIP ME–
Lk 4:8 (pt 1). AND
Mt 4:10 (pt 1). THEN
Mt 4:10 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:8 (pt 2). (SAID) JESUS (TO) HIM, GET THEE HENCE (or begone, or away from Me),
SATAN:
FOR IT IS WRITTEN, (YOU) (SHALL) WORSHIP THE LORD (YOUR) GOD,
AND HIM ONLY (SHALL) (YOU) SERVE. The answer Jesus gave shows that He is Lord and He is God. Satan is not. It appears He did not even hesitate to respond to this temptation. He rebuked Satan.
Again, Jesus gives the example of what to do when tempted: He used the Word of God as it was written in the Old Testament–THEN SAITH JESUS UNTO HIM, GET THEE HENCE, SATAN: FOR IT IS WRITTEN, THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE–Mt 4:8–10. (ref Deut 6:13,14; 10:20).
Jesus did not get in a long dialog with Satan. He did not meditate on the wrong thinking, thus giving a place to the devil. He did not use worldly wisdom. He used God’s written Word. It was short and to the point. There was no place given to Satan for a comeback. This is how Satan was defeated these three times.
Adam was tempted and failed the test of the devil. The children of Israel were led into the wilderness and failed the tests they went through. Jesus was led into the wilderness and successfully withstood every test. He overcame Satan. Nevertheless, many more temptations would follow during the next 3 ½ years. The battle had begun. Jesus would even be tempted on the cross–ref Mt 27:40.
Jesus commanded Satan, GET THEE HENCE…FOR IT IS WRITTEN. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Christ come in the flesh. Jesus uses similar words later in His ministry as it is written: Mk 8:33–HE REBUKED PETER, SAYING, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN: FOR THOU SAVOUREST NOT THE THINGS THAT BE OF GOD, BUT THE THINGS THAT BE OF MEN.
These words are for all Christians. We are to WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE. Thus, Satan can be expected to tempt you to serve all sorts of other things.
Again, Jesus overcomes Satan’s deceptions.
Satan offered Jesus everything he possibly could, but it had no effect.
Man seeks after fame, glory, power, pleasures, lusts of the flesh, money, and possessions. The very things that Jesus rejected, man seeks after. Satan has led billions of people down the road to hell using these temptations.
Note the following verses showing that Satan wants worship and even wants to overthrow God. It is written, O LUCIFER…THOU HAST SAID IN THINE HEART, I WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN, I WILL EXALT MY THRONE ABOVE THE STARS OF GOD: I WILL SIT ALSO UPON THE MOUNT OF THE CONGREGATION, IN THE SIDES OF THE NORTH: I WILL ASCEND ABOVE THE HEIGHTS OF THE CLOUDS; I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH–Isa 14:12–14.
PROPHECY. GOD’S WORD TELLS THE EVENTS OF THE FUTURE
The Old Testament clearly predicted the order of events that had to take place. Jesus’ first coming had to be at a specific time. He must be cut out of the land of the living. His resurrection had to take place. There had to be a time many days down the road when Israel would be reborn (the latter days). Many other events had to take place following this event.
The resurrection of “thy people” had to take place. The one known as the Antichrist must come forth. There had to come a great time of trouble (which we know of as the coming tribulation). The 70th week of Daniel must take place. There must be a Russian (Magog) invasion of Israel in which five–sixth of the invasion forces would be killed through God’s intervention. The Temple must be rebuilt. Finally, the great world war must take place which we now know is Armageddon. Jesus would return. (As we now know, that time, and only at that time will Jesus Christ return). There would be a great time of peace on the earth as the Son of God would reign and rule.
These are not New Testament prophecies. They and many more supporting Scriptures are from the Old Testament. Jesus knew the order of events that would occur. Neither Satan, or all his forces, neither the priests or people understood these things.
Should Jesus have given in to Satan’s temptations, perhaps the universe might have collapsed.
TEMPTATIONS: I WANT IT RIGHT NOW
This temptation of a person thinking they can have everything they want right now–no waiting, has led many people down the road to destruction. Followers of Christ need to learn to have patience–ref Heb 10:36 and wait on the Lord–ref Ps 27:14, 37:34; Pv 20:22. Phil 4:11–13–FOR I HAVE LEARNED, IN WHATSOEVER STATE I AM, THEREWITH TO BE CONTENT. I KNOW BOTH HOW TO BE ABASED, AND I KNOW HOW TO ABOUND: EVERY WHERE AND IN ALL THINGS I AM INSTRUCTED BOTH TO BE FULL AND TO BE HUNGRY, BOTH TO ABOUND AND TO SUFFER NEED. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME.
WHAT SATAN WAS ALLOWED TO DO TO JESUS
Satan talked to Jesus, tempted Him, and dared Him. He tried to entice Him by using worldly desires such as people have. Satan attacked Him when He was at His weakest, used God’s Word, used the desire for food, took Jesus places, and showed Him things. Satan can show us things in our minds also such as the desires of our hearts. Satan offered Jesus power, things, glory, and the kingdoms of this world. Satan offered Him all that man’s heart could desire. In addition to this, Satan offered Eve special food that would result in knowledge, that is that she could be as God. Satan is so cunning that when he puts thoughts in our minds that are in line with our hearts desire, that very few people recognize where the thoughts are coming from and very few resist them in the way that God’s word commands. As time progressed Satan tempted Jesus in all ways as we are, and yet he never sinned–ref Heb 4:15. Never did He use his powers of deity to fight Satan. He used the same weapons to fight Satan that born–again Christians have. Because Jesus defeated Satan, so can born–again Christians do the same. They can overcome by faith–ref 1 Jn 2:13, 1 Jn 4:4, “through Christ Jesus”–ref Phili 4:13. It is written: (1) SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. In other words–submit yourself to obeying the Word of God, (2) RESIST THE DEVIL, (then the result is) AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU–Ja 4:7.
Satan wants our worship. He wants us to follow him, to do his will, to follow our own personal hearts desires and the ways of the world. Satan does not want people to read, or study, or live by God’s Word. And if we do read God’s Word, Satan does not want us to obey it. Satan is an expert at making people believe in their heart that God’s Word does not mean what it really says. He is skillful at putting wrong thoughts in our mind so that God’s Word is misunderstood and is darkened.
SUMMARY OF SOME OF SATAN’S TEMPTATIONS AGAINST JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS
Satan talks to us. He tempts us. He dares us. He uses our personal desires. He hits us when we are at our weakest. He uses God’s Word. He can take us places. He can show us things. He can offer us the world and all our heart's desires. He offers us power. He can give us things. He offers us glory.
Satan wants worship. Satan wants us to follow him and not deny our self.
Satan does not want us to follow God, or to live by every word of God (the Bible), or study it, or understand it.
TEMPTATIONS, LUSTS, SIN, AND DEATH
Yet the Bible tells us Ja 1:14–16–BUT EVERY MAN IS TEMPTED, WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUST, AND ENTICED. THEN WHEN LUST HATH CONCEIVED, IT BRINGETH FORTH SIN: AND SIN, WHEN IT IS FINISHED, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH. DO NOT ERR, MY BELOVED BRETHREN.
Ja 4:1–4–FROM WHENCE COME WARS AND FIGHTINGS AMONG YOU? COME THEY NOT HENCE, EVEN OF YOUR LUSTS THAT WAR IN YOUR MEMBERS? YE LUST, AND HAVE NOT: YE KILL, AND DESIRE TO HAVE, AND CANNOT OBTAIN: YE FIGHT AND WAR, YET YE HAVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASK NOT. YE ASK, AND RECEIVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASK AMISS, THAT YE MAY CONSUME IT UPON YOUR LUSTS. YE ADULTERERS AND ADULTERESSES, KNOW YE NOT THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY (or hatred) WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD.
Mt 16:26–FOR WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?
SATAN
SATAN: WHO IS HE?
SATAN: HOW TO FIGHT HIM
SATAN: WHAT IS HE AND WHAT DOES HE DO?
SATAN, HIS ARMY, ANGELS HE TEMPTED, AND HE FIGHTS GOD’S ANGELS
SATAN: WHY WAS HE CREATED THE WAY THAT HE IS?
SATAN: WHY WAS HE CREATED?
SATAN: WHAT IS THE FUTURE AND END OF SATAN?
SATAN: HE STILL TEMPTS PEOPLE AND WINS.
Satan is a created being–ref Ezek 28:12,15. He was THE ANOINTED CHERUB…and God SET THEE SO–Ezek 28:14. Ezek 28:13–Satan was FULL OF WISDOM, AND PERFECT IN BEAUTY. Satan's heart was lifted up BECAUSE OF his BEAUTY–Ezek 28:17.
Satan, WAST PERFECT IN THY WAYS FROM THE DAY THAT THOU WAST CREATED, TILL INIQUITY WAS FOUND IN THEE–Ezek Ezek 28:15.
Satan sinned–ref Ezek 28:16. Satan is a murder and the father of lies as it is written in Jn 8:44–THE DEVIL,…HE WAS A MURDERER FROM THE BEGINNING, AND ABODE NOT IN THE TRUTH, BECAUSE THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. WHEN HE SPEAKETH A LIE, HE SPEAKETH OF HIS OWN: FOR HE IS A LIAR, AND THE FATHER OF IT.
He, Satan, is a real being and has certain powers which God gave to enable him to accomplish God’s will. He has a kingdom–ref Lk 11:18. He greatly influences every person’s life from Adam and Eve to the present–ref Gen 3:1–10; Lk 22:3; 2 Cor 11:14; 1 Thes 2:18; Rev 12:9. He and his forces have an uncanny ability to put all kinds of thoughts in people’s minds–ref Acts 5:3; Eph 6, but people think that they are their own thoughts. He is able to tempt us–ref Mk 1:13. He is able to take God’s Word out of people’s hearts–ref Mk 4:15. He is able to make people doubt and question God’s Word–ref Gen 3:1; Lk 8:12–14. He has an incredible way of making people angry and making people hate. The unsaved, and even saved people often have a difficult time identifying Satan’s schemes and thoughts in their heads. He is the enemy of God and all mankind. The temptations that Satan use to come against a born again Christian can sometimes be hard to bear, yet God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to endure–ref 1 Cor 10:13.
Why is there so much evil in the world? Note these words in Eph 2:2–THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR.
Who is Satan? The one that is called the devil, and Satan was created as Lucifer–Isa 14:12.
He is: anointed cherub–ref Ezek 28:14; Beelzebub–ref Mt 10:25; brightness–Ezek 28:17; Devil (a slanderer or accuser)–Rev 12:9, 20:10, dragon–Rev 12:7; full of wisdom–Ezek 28:12; god of this world (or age)–ref 2 Cor 4:4; great dragon–Rev 12:9; king of Tyrus–Ezek 28:2; Lucifer or light bearer)–ref Isa 14:12; old serpent–Rev 12:9; perfect in beauty–Ezek 28:12; power of darkness–Col 1:13; prince and power of the air–ref Eph 2:2; prince of the kingdom of Persia–Den 10:13; prince of this world–Jn 12:31, 14:30, 16:11; prince of Tyrus–Ezek 28:2; Satan (or adversary, or devil)–Rev 12:9; serpent–ref Gen 3:1, son of the morning–ref Isa 14:12; spirit–Eph 2:2; wisdom (full of wisdom–Ezek 28:12) and the whole world lies in wickedness (in his power)–1 Jn 5:19.
Fighting Satan. Do not try to reason with the devil but use God’s Word to defeat him as Jesus did. It is written, 2 Cor 10:4, 5–(FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS;) CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST. Ja 4:7–SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. God’s Word shows us how to fight Satan and what to do, but very few people obey these Scriptures. For much more on fighting Satan see Eph chapter 6.
What is Satan and what does he do? Satan tempted angels and tempts people. Satan fights God’s angels–Dan 10:13,20; Rev 12:7. He has an army of angels–Rev 12:7–9. The everlasting fire was prepared for the devil and his angels–Mt 25:41.
The answers to what he does and can do can be summarized in the various descriptions of him in the Bible. Afraid–he causes people to be afraid–Mt 25:25; accuser–Job, accuser of our brethren–Rev 12:10; Rev 12:10; afflicts–Mk 4:17; beguiles–Gen 3:13; Believes he is a god–Ezek 28; binds with sickness–Lk 13:16; blasphemes–Rev 13:5,6; blinds peoples minds–2 Cor 4:4; buffets–2 Cor 12:1; causes people to attack you–Job 1:15; causes fire from heaven to destroy–Job 1:16; causes destructive weather–Job 1:19; condemns people–1 Tim 3:6; deceives–Rev 20:10; deceiveth the whole world–Rev 12:9; desires–Lk 22:31; destroyer–Job 1:16; Jn 10:10; devises–2 Cor 2:11; enters people–Lk 22:3; entices people–Mt 4:4; exalts himself–Isa 14; father of lies–Jn 8:44; fills thine heart to lie–Acts 5:3; goes to and forth, up and down in the earth–Job 1:7; hinders–1 Thes 2:18; hurts–Job 1:15–19; 2:7; kills–Jn 10:10; leads the world astray–Rev 12:9 NIV; liar–Jn 8:41; lusts–Jn 8:44; masquerades as an angel of light–2 Cor 11:13; murderer–Job 1:15,19; Jn 8:44; not in mind the things of God, but of men–Mt 16:23; opposes–Acts 10:38; 2 Thes 2:4; persecutes–Rev 12:13, Mk 4:17; pain–Job 2:7; pride–Isa 14:10–15; Ezek 28:2; prince of the power of the air–Eph 2:2; promises things to people–Lk 4:6; provokes–1 Chr 21:1; puts people in bondage–Lk 13:16; resists–Zech 3:1; schemes–Eph 6:11; seduces–Acts 10:38; shows people things their heart may desire and tells them what to do to get them–Mt 4:8,9; sickness–Job 2:7; snares–2 Tim 2:26; sows tears–Ecc 4:1; steals–Job 1:15,17; Jn 10:10; ; takes people places–Mt 4:5; takes the Word out of people's hearts–Mk 4:4,15; tempter (tempts)–Mt 4:1–3; thief–Jn 10:10; torments people–Job 2:7; understands the things that be of men–Mt 16:23; uses people, women, men, children, employees, employers, agencies, friends, relatives, offspring, wives, husbands, our own thoughts and emotions to attack us–Job 3:9; Jn 7:3 and many more; walks up and down–Job 1:7; wants to be as God is–Isa 14; wilds–Eph 6:11; when tormented, sends people to make it worse–Job 4:1; whole world lies under his control–1 Jn 5:19; and works in the children of disobedience–Eph 2:2, 1 Jn 3:8. Wrath–(has great wrath)–Rev 12:12. He is your enemy–1 Pe 5:8.
He does not understand the things that be of God–Mt 16:23; Mt 12:7; 1 Cor 2:8; Mic 4:12. He misunderstands the parables of God and Bible prophecy–ref Mt 13:13,14. He thinks he sees but does not see correctly–Mk 4:11,12; Jn 8:43,44. He thinks he understands but does not understand correctly the things that be of God. As mentioned above, he does understand people and their worldly desires–Mt 16:23.
While this word is not mentioned in the KJV, Satan also slanders people. He brings false charges against people. He mixes truth with lies. He takes truth and twists it and distorts it making it mean something that is wrong. He uses that which is good and makes it look bad. He uses that which is evil and makes it look good. He uses the positive and makes it look negative. He uses the negative and makes it look positive. He makes people believe the truth (the Bible) is not true and other things which are lies are really truth. He uses these things in a hateful, malicious, insidious manner with hostility to destroy. He does it looking like an angel of light and we may say, with a loving smile on his face. He looks like a sheep, but is in really a wolf that is out to destroy–ref 2 Cor 11:15, Mt 7:15.
Satan, his army; angels he tempted, and he fights God’s angels
Satan tempted the angels. Many sinned and followed him and now are awaiting the judgment. It is written, 2 Pe 2:4–…GOD SPARED NOT THE ANGELS THAT SINNED, BUT CAST THEM DOWN TO HELL, AND DELIVERED THEM INTO CHAINS OF DARKNESS, TO BE RESERVED UNTO JUDGMENT.
Jude 1:6–THE ANGELS WHICH KEPT NOT THEIR FIRST ESTATE, BUT LEFT THEIR OWN HABITATION, HE HATH RESERVED IN EVERLASTING CHAINS UNDER DARKNESS UNTO THE JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT DAY.
Yet Satan still has a formidable army of angels and they fight against God’s angels. In Daniel’s time it is written–Dan 10:13,20–BUT THE PRINCE OF THE KINGDOM OF PERSIA WITHSTOOD ME ONE AND TWENTY DAYS: BUT, LO, MICHAEL, ONE OF THE CHIEF PRINCES, CAME TO HELP ME; AND I REMAINED THERE WITH THE KINGS OF PERSIA. THEN SAID HE, KNOWEST THOU WHEREFORE I COME UNTO THEE? AND NOW WILL I RETURN TO FIGHT WITH THE PRINCE OF PERSIA: AND WHEN I AM GONE FORTH, LO, THE PRINCE OF GRECIA SHALL COME.
About 3 ½ years before the end of the tribulation the following happens. Rev 12:7–9–AND THERE WAS WAR IN HEAVEN: MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS FOUGHT AGAINST THE DRAGON; AND THE DRAGON FOUGHT AND HIS ANGELS, AND PREVAILED NOT; NEITHER WAS THEIR PLACE FOUND ANY MORE IN HEAVEN. AND THE GREAT DRAGON WAS CAST OUT, THAT OLD SERPENT, CALLED THE DEVIL, AND SATAN, WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD: HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM.
Why was Satan created the way he is? He was created the way he is and with the powers he has to accomplish God’s purpose (already covered previously).
Why was Satan created? Why are we tempted as we are? Why does Satan have such power to seemingly control people’s thoughts? The answer to these questions can be summed up easily. Satan was created for the purpose of doing exactly what he does. He was created for God’s purpose and pleasure. It is written–Col 1:16–FOR BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED, THAT ARE IN HEAVEN, AND THAT ARE IN EARTH, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, WHETHER THEY BE THRONES, OR DOMINIONS, OR PRINCIPALITIES, OR POWERS: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM.
Rev 4:11–THOU ART WORTHY, O LORD, TO RECEIVE GLORY AND HONOUR AND POWER: FOR THOU HAST CREATED ALL THINGS, AND FOR THY PLEASURE THEY ARE AND WERE CREATED.
If Satan was never created, how could we know just how much evil and sin is in our hearts. During the millennium, Satan is chained up so he can deceive the nations no longer. There is peace and love even with people that have a stubborn and rebellious heart. The world loves the Jews. Sin almost ceases as Satan is not present to tempt people and put evil thoughts in their hearts. It appears everyone looks like they have a good and honest heart. However, after the millennium when Satan is let loose, and tempts people, once again their is rebellion and war.
What is Satan’s future? During the tribulation, it is written–Rev 12:7–10–AND THERE WAS WAR IN HEAVEN: MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS FOUGHT AGAINST THE DRAGON; AND THE DRAGON FOUGHT AND HIS ANGELS, AND PREVAILED NOT; NEITHER WAS THEIR PLACE FOUND ANY MORE IN HEAVEN. AND THE GREAT DRAGON WAS CAST OUT, THAT OLD SERPENT, CALLED THE DEVIL, AND SATAN, WHICH DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD: HE WAS CAST OUT INTO THE EARTH, AND HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM.…THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN IS CAST DOWN, WHICH ACCUSED THEM BEFORE OUR GOD DAY AND NIGHT.
Immediately after the tribulation and for a thousand years following, it is written– Rev 20:1–3–AND I SAW AN ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, HAVING THE KEY OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT AND A GREAT CHAIN IN HIS HAND. AND HE LAID HOLD ON THE DRAGON, THAT OLD SERPENT, WHICH IS THE DEVIL, AND SATAN, AND BOUND HIM A THOUSAND YEARS.
AND CAST HIM INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT, AND SHUT HIM UP, AND SET A SEAL UPON HIM, THAT HE SHOULD DECEIVE THE NATIONS NO MORE. Satan will be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit–Isa 14:10–16. TILL THE THOUSAND YEARS SHOULD BE FULFILLED: AND AFTER THAT HE MUST BE LOOSED A LITTLE SEASON–Rev 20:3.
What is the end of Satan? God will ultimately destroy him soon after the millennium is finished and he is loosed a little season. Ezek 28:16. 18,19–THEREFORE WILL I BRING FORTH A FIRE FROM THE MIDST OF THEE, IT SHALL DEVOUR THEE, AND I WILL BRING THEE TO ASHES UPON THE EARTH IN THE SIGHT OF ALL THEM THAT BEHOLD THEE. ALL THEY THAT KNOW THEE AMONG THE PEOPLE SHALL BE ASTONISHED AT THEE: THOU SHALT BE A TERROR, AND NEVER SHALT THOU BE ANY MORE. Satan’s ultimate end is as follows: Rev 20:10–AND THE DEVIL THAT DECEIVED THEM WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE, WHERE THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE, AND SHALL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVER AND EVER.
Satan still tempts all people and wins most. Despite people knowing these Scriptures, Satan is able to put deceiving and lying thought in people's minds to tempt and mislead them in their weakest areas over and over. Satan is able to blind people from understanding that many of the thoughts they have are really from him–thus they do not cast them down as they are commanded to do.
The church makes a deathly mistake in taking Satan lightly. They make a big mistake saying they can stomp Satan under their feet. They make a big mistake saying they can bind Satan and the things he is doing. As the church says these things and others like them, Satan continues to run to and fro, up and down deceiving the nations and the people. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross, but now each person has to fight his own good fight of faith. Some will overcome Satan and win as they love not their lives unto death. Most will fail. Many Christians will fall because of a lack of knowledge. Bible colleges, crusades, seminars, preachers, priests, rabbi, friends, television and radio preaching, the Internet and thousands of books people write about the Bible, leave people very poorly equipped to fight Satan. Regretfully, too many people rely on these sources rather than the one source they should use–THE BIBLE.
May you take heed to these words which are seldom heard and which runs counter to much of today’s preaching regarding the devil: Ezek 28:3–BEHOLD, THOU ART WISER THAN DANIEL; THERE IS NO SECRET THAT THEY CAN HIDE FROM THEE. 1 Pe 5:8–BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. You are his target. He knows how to kill you spiritually in such a way that you may never know it has happened.
DO NOT, I SAY AGAIN DO NOT
UNDERESTIMATE YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL
PRIDE QUESTIONS AND DOUBTS GOD’S WORD.
Satan understands the desires and feelings that are in the hearts of people. He knows how to use and exploit them in our thoughts. He knows how to tempt people to go astray from God’s will. He knows how to fill our hearts and emotions with lusts, greed, fear, anger, and lies. Satan can make all sorts of promises to us. He can put all kinds of thoughts and visions in our minds which activates our emotions. He can show us all sorts of ways to get what we want, but he does not show us that his ways lead to the eternal lake of fire. Satan is an expert at making people believe they are saved when in fact they are on a collusion course with hell. Very few people recognize, identify, or believe their thoughts are from the Devil. Satan is the father of lies–ref Jn 8:44. Many times when a person sins and expects to receive certain things as a benefit, it does not happen. And if a person does gain, through sin, that which he desires, Satan does not tell him the consequences of that sin, nor does he tell the person that the things he wants and gets will only last a short time, and then disaster follows which can be for eternity. The human race is so gullible when it comes to spiritual warfare, that it is almost unbelievable, especially in this latter day, lukewarm generation. People forget–what is a man profited if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul–ref Mt 16:26. People want to ignore that the Bible teaches a person to deny self and that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal or worldly–ref 2 Cor 10:4. People don’t want to fight Satan by using God’s way by casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ–2 Cor 10:5. As mentioned, it is written–Ja 1:15–16–THEN WHEN LUST HATH CONCEIVED, IT BRINGETH FORTH SIN: AND SIN, WHEN IT IS FINISHED, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH. Beware, lest your emotions cease to be an true indicator or reality and begins to be a fabricator of a false reality. People seem to want the best this world has to offer with no problems and then eternal life with the praise of God afterwards. It does not happen in this manner.
WHERE THERE IS NO PRIDE,
THERE SHOULD BE NO EMBARRASSMENT.
The third temptation or test reveals Satan’s ultimate goal. He wants and craves worship; he wants to be God. He said, I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH–Isa 14:14. He offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, if He would fall down and worship him. Satan is the great counterfeit. He seeks to receive the worship that is only reserved for God.
IF A PERSON DOES NOT FOLLOW GOD,
HE IS FOLLOWING SATAN,
FOR IT IS WRITTEN, HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME–Mt 12:30, ref Lk 11:23.
Satan is now, as we might say, “pulling out all stops.” He offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. The price is to worship Satan. The price is to disobey God. Jesus will, indeed, reign and rule this world; however, Satan seems to be saying, “Why wait? You can have all the kingdoms of the world right now. Just worship me.”
He is willing to give you your heart’s desire, in order to get your worship. Some may say, “I do not worship Satan.” They do not understand that
DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD
IS A FORM OF WORSHIPING SATAN.
It is written, FOR REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT–I Sam 15:23.
GREAT AUTHORITY. Satan had shown Jesus ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD, AND THE GLORY OF THEM. Then he told Jesus, ALL THESE THINGS WILL I GIVE THEE, IF THOU WILT FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME–Mt 4:8,9. Satan obviously makes the same promise to the Antichrist. The Antichrist does honor Satan, and Satan does give him all the kingdoms of the world. What Satan did not seem to tell him, however, is that it would only last for 42 months, plus there would be many unforeseen problems as the iron and clay does not cleave together–ref Dan 2:41–43. Also two witnesses from God would bring all manner of plagues upon the earth, plus Jesus would return and break the kingdom to pieces–ref Dan 2:34, and then would come the lake of fire for eternity. The description of the Antichrist, in Rev 13:1, and Satan, in Rev 12:3, resemble one another greatly. This is because the Antichrist is the son of Satan, and his power, seat, and authority come from Satan.
Many have sold their soul to Satan for nothing more than a piece of bread, something they thought they needed, a desire, a moment of fame and glory, sex, lusts, pleasures, or riches. Many have sold their soul to Satan for nothing. Satan simply put in their evil thoughts that the Bible was not true or that it was corrupted, and they believed it. Satan sent many to churches that have unsaved pastors, priests, and rabbi which lead their whole congregations to hell as the blind leads the blind to their destruction. And how many rock stars have sold their souls to Satan, and even admit it as they have held altar calls for Satan. Most people are completely unaware of these things. They are willingly ignorant of Satan’s devices. To many Satan is nothing more than a little red cartoon character pictured on some items for sale. Be clear on this. Not to completely surrender to Jesus, is surrendering to Satan, as it is written, HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME–Mt 12:30
The bottom line may be this. This spiritual warfare, this testing, shows the condition of a person’s heart. It is with the heart that man believeth unto righteousness–ref Ro 10:10. Many have a wayside heart, or stony heart, or thorny heart. Only a few have a good or good and honest heart. One of the greatest enemies to God is “self”. Self needs to be denied if one wishes to follow Jesus–ref Lk 9:23. Which are you?
RELIGIONS THAT ARE FALSE AND NOT OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE
FALSE RELIGIONS
It is written, 2 Cor 11:13–15–FOR SUCH ARE FALSE APOSTLES, DECEITFUL WORKERS, TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. THEREFORE IT IS NO GREAT THING IF HIS MINISTERS ALSO BE TRANSFORMED AS THE MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; WHOSE END SHALL BE ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS. Some of the following can sound very Biblical. Satan is skillful at mixing truth with error to deceive. Following is a small list of the thousands of religions that exist that do not follow sound Biblical doctrine. Beware of false religions.
AGNOSTIC
ALAMO CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION
ANCESTOR WORSHIP
ANGLO–ISRAELISM (See Christian Identity Movement)
ANTHROPOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
APOSTOLIC APPARITIONS
ARMSTRONGISM (Worldwide Church of God) (and The Plain Truth Magazine)
ARTHUR FORD
ASSEMBLIES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (See United Pentecostals)
ASTARA
ASTRAL PROJECTION
ASTROLOGY (And horoscopes)
ATHEISTAUTOMATIC WRITING
BAHAISM
BELEMANCY
BEWITCH
BIBLE WAY CHURCHES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (See United Pentecostals)
BLACK MAGIC
BLACK MUSLIM
BOOKS ON THE OCCULT
BOSTON CHURCH OF CHRIST (See Church of Christ)
BRITISH ISRAELISM
BUDDHISM
CABALA (or Kabbalah)
CATHOLIC (See Roman Catholic Church)
CHANTING
CHARMS
CHILDREN OF GOD
CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTIAN IDENTITY MOVEMENT (Anglo–Israelism)
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE (Church of Christ–Scientist)
CHRISTODELPHIANISM
CHURCH OF ARMAGEDDON
CHURCH OF CHRIST
CHURCH UNIVERSAL AND TRIUMPHANT
CLAIRVOYANCE
COLOROLOGY
CONFUCIANISM
CONJURATION
CROSSROADS MOVEMENT (See Church of Christ)
CRYSTAL BALLS
CURSING (Putting a curse on others)
DEJA–VU
DEMOLAY
DISCIPLING MOVEMENT (See Church of Christ)
DIVINATION
DIVINE LIGHT MISSION
DRUG “TRIPS”
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS (The so–called game)
EASTERN MYSTICISM
EASTERN STAR
EASTERN PHILOSOPHIES
ECKANKAR
EDGAR CAYCE
ENCHANTMENTS (See Fortunetelling)
END TIME MOVEMENTS
EVOLUTION
EXTRA SENSORY PERCEPTION (ESP)
EST
FAMILIAR SPIRITS
FARM (See The Farm)
FETISHES
FIRE PSYCHE BY CANDLES
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST (See Christian Science)
FLEXOLOGY
FORTUNETELLING
FOUNDATION OF HUMAN UNDERSTANDING
HALLOWEEN (See Fortunetelling)
HANDWRITING ANALYSIS
HARE KRISHNA
HEXING
HINDUISM
HOROSCOPES (See Astrology)
HOW TO HAVE PERFECT FAITH
HUMANISM
HUMANISTIC PHILOSOPHY
HYPNOTISM
HYPNOTISM
I AM MOVEMENT
I–CHING
IDOLS: ANKH
IDOLS: ITALIAN HORN
IDOLS: ZODIAC SIGNS
INCANTATION
INDIAN CEREMONIES
INDIA (See Hinduism)
INNER PEACE MOVEMENT
INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST (See Church of Christ)
ISLAM JEAN DIXON
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (and The Watchtower Magazine)
JESUS ONLY (Say there is no Trinity)
JOB’S DAUGHTERS
KABBALAH (Also Cabala)
KARMA
KKK
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
LEVITATION
LIBERALITY
LIFE SPRING
MAGIC, CHARMS, SPELLS
MANIPULATION
MARTIAL ARTS
MASONS
MEDIUMS (See Fortunetelling)
METAPHYSICS
MILLENNIAL DARNISM
MIND CONTROL
MIND IDOLATRY
MODERNISM
MOONIES (or Unification Church)
MORMONISM (The Latter Day Saints)
MOSLEMS (See Islam)
MULTIPLYING MINISTRIES (See Church of Christ)
MUSLIMS (BLACK) (See Black Muslim)
NECROMANCY (See Fortunetelling)
NEW AGE DOCTRINES
NEW AGE THINKING
NEW THOUGHT
NUMEROLOGY
OBSERVER OF TIMES (See Fortunetelling, Astrology)
OCCULTISM
ONENESS PENTECOSTAL (See United Pentecostal)
ORDER OF THE ARROW
OUIJA BOARDS
PAGAN RELIGIONS
PALM READING
PARAPSYCHOLOGY
PENDULUM
PENTAGRAMS
POLTERGEISTS
PSYCHIC HEALING
PSYCHIC PORTRAITS
PSYCHICS
PSYCHOCYBERNETICS
RAINBOW GIRLS
REALIANS
REIGN OF FATHER DIVINE
REINCARNATION
ROCK GROUPS AND STARS
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
ROSICRUCIAN FELLOWSHIP
ROSICRUCIANISM
RUNES
SATAN WORSHIP
SCIENTOLOGY (The teachings of L. Ron Hubbard)
SEANCES
SECRET BROTHERHOODS
SECRET SISTERHOODS
SELF REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
SEVENTH–DAY ADVENTISM
SHEPHERD’S CHAPEL
SHINTOISM
SILVA MIND CONTROL
SORCERY
SOUL TRAVEL
SPELLS
SPIRITISM (The Cult of Antiquity)
SPIRITUALISM
STATUES (Venus, etc.)
SUPERSTITIONS: BREAKING A MIRROR
SUPERSTITIONS: FEAR OF BLACK CATS
SUPERSTITIONS: GOOD LUCK CHARMS
SUPERSTITIONS: SALT OVER SHOULDER
SWEDENBORGIANISM (The Church of New Jerusalem)
TABLE TIPPING
TALISMANS
TAROT CARDS
TEA LEAF READING
TELEPATHY
THEOSOPHY
THE FARM
THE WALK
THE WAY INTERNATIONAL
THE WEIGH DOWN DIET (Founder Gwen Shamblin)
THIRD DAY CHURCH
THIRD EYE
TM (Transcendental Meditation)
TRANCE DIAGNOSIS
TWO BY TWO'S
UNIFICATION CHURCH (The teachings of Moon)
UNITARIANISM
UNITED APOSTOLIC CHURCH (See United Pentecostals)
UNITED PENTECOSTALS
UNITY (School of Christianity)
UNIVERSALISM
URANTIA
VEDANTA SOCIETY
VERSALISM
VOODOO
WARLOCK
WART CHARMING
WATER WITCHING
WAY INTERNATIONAL (See The Way International)
WHITE MAGIC
WISHING ON A STAR
WITCH (See Fortunetelling)
WITCHCRAFT
WIZARDS (See Fortunetelling)
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD (See Armstrongism)
YOGA
ZEN
ZEN BUDDHISM
ZOROASTRIANISM
Also beware of churches belonging to the WORLD AND NATIONAL COUNSEL OF CHURCHES.
You may say, “But nearly everyone I know is into one of these”. You are right. As it is taught by God Himself: there are only a few that shall enter heaven–ref Mt 7:13,14. Many more are the children of death–ref Gal 4:27
Do we truly understand? There two values on our life: one is how Satan values us, and the other is how God values us. If we will turn from following Jesus, Satan will gladly give us certain things. Satan promised to give Jesus ALL THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD, AND THE GLORY OF THEM–Mt 4:8,9. What does your heart desire? The woman desired to eat of the forbidden fruit. She wanted her eyes to be opened. She wanted to know certain things. She wanted to be as a god. She wanted to be wise. She got what she wanted, but she also got death. Satan told her she would receive all these things, but he lied to her about not dying. Satan does the same with people today. They sell their soul for what their heart desires, but receive eternal death. The serpent may promise them peace in the world, or peace in their family, if they will just disobey God. He tells them, they will not surely perish. He may promise them money, or certain things their heart desires, such as a car, a house, a vacation, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, acceptance from others, or a better job. What does your heart desire? The serpent may give it to you–if you will just disobey God. Be sure of this: the serpent will tell you, you will NOT SURELY DIE.
Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of pottage (lentil stew)–ref Gen 25:29–34; 27:33–36. Afterward, he wanted it back and cried, but it did him no good. Adam wanted to please his wife more than God, so he did what his wife suggested and disobeyed God. What regret he must have had afterward, but it was too late. Satan kindled within the woman a desire for something. Satan knows how to kindle within you a desire for certain things. Then, the serpent lied to the woman. He told her, she would NOT SURELY DIE.
The threat of God–s eternal judgment was gone. Her emotions were elevated to desire certain things that the serpent had put into her heart. Satan knows the THINGS THAT BE OF MEN (or we may say the things that people’s hearts desire)–Mk 8:33. He also knows how to elevate your emotions to want those desires so badly, that you might do anything to get them, including disobeying God. Which voice will you follow? Satan’s value on you is to give you certain worldly things in exchange for your soul. Satan doesn’t love you. He hates you. The most he can promise you, for eternity, is eternal death. The bottom line is, Satan really wants to destroy you.
God’s value on you is to give you eternal life. God’s value on you is so great, He sent His only begotten Son to die a horrible death on the cross to pay for your sins.
Who do you want to follow? Do you want to follow the serpent that may place a value on you of a few worldly things and then you perish, even though you may think you will not? Or would you rather follow the One, Who loves you so much, He gave His life for you at Calvary so that you might have eternal life? God values you tremendously. Who do you value the most? What do you value the most? Do you value having many things, now, more than you value eternal life?
GOD’S WILL BE DONE
THY WILL BE DONE
Keep in mind, once we submit to Jesus, we no longer should say, “I will,” but rather, “God’s will be done.”
It is written: Ja 4:15–FOR THAT YE OUGHT TO SAY, IF THE LORD WILL, WE SHALL LIVE, AND DO THIS, OR THAT.
Paul said in 1 Cor 4:19–BUT I WILL COME TO YOU SHORTLY, IF THE LORD WILL.
Mt 6:10–THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
Jesus said in Mt 26:42–HE…PRAYED, SAYING, O MY FATHER, IF THIS CUP MAY NOT PASS AWAY FROM ME, EXCEPT I DRINK IT, THY WILL BE DONE.
Jesus also said in Lk 11:2–AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, WHEN YE PRAY, SAY,.THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE, AS IN HEAVEN, SO IN EARTH.
TEMPTATIONS: MORE ON THIS SUBJECT
THE ANTICHRIST. THE TWO ROPES
The day is coming and is close at hand, when the Antichrist will say, yes, to this offer of being given all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. He will reign and rule for the last three and a half years of the Tribulation, but his end is to be cast alive into the lake of fire for eternity–ref Rev 19:20.
We may note that through these temptations, Satan has appealed to the physical appetite, to personal gain, and to the desire for power and glory. Regretfully, many people, in the time of temptation, fall away–ref Lk 8:13. As one studies the various temptations and subtle tactics that Satan used against Eve and against Jesus, many similarities can be noted.
God is pulling us in one direction: toward repentance, humble, childlike faith, and obedience to Him. Satan is pulling us in another direction: toward disobedience to God.
When being tempted, it is not uncommon for someone to say, “I am confused. I don’t know what to do.” GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION–1 Cor 14:33. Satan is.
Often we may feel as though we are between two ropes. One is tied to our right hand and the other to our left hand. Both ropes are pulling on us at the same time. It may feel like we are being pulled or torn apart. God is not willing that any should perish. One way that Satan attacks God is through us. We are the battlefield. The fiery darts,–ref Eph 6:16, which sometimes seem like they are going to consume or overwhelm us, are thoughts, emotions, and our flesh. They are “self.” Sometimes our stomach becomes so tied up in knots, we could almost scream. There are many people, who sell their soul to Satan for some worldly desire, lust or pleasure, or to get rid of up tightness or fear. It may be for a piece of bread, clothing, fame, power, or other material things, that will all pass away. Our thoughts need to be focused upon doing the will of God, not our own will. It is written, SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU–Ja 4:7. Our thoughts need to be kept upon Jesus, Who is our trust. THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE–Isa 26:3.
It is also written, AND HIM ONLY (SHALL) (YOU) SERVE. If we are to follow Jesus, then it is written for each of us–we–are to serve only God. We are to live by the Word and serve Him.
2 Tim 2:3,4–THOU THEREFORE ENDURE HARDNESS, AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST. Note, we are called a soldier of Jesus Christ. We belong to Him. We are bought for a price. We are in a war. It is written, NO MAN THAT WARRETH ENTANGLETH HIMSELF WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE; THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER. Again, this verse tells us for the second time we are a soldier of Christ. We are not to get tangled up in the things of this world but rather we are to serve only God. Lk 16:13–NO SERVANT CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS: FOR EITHER HE WILL HATE THE ONE, AND LOVE THE OTHER; OR ELSE HE WILL HOLD TO THE ONE, AND DESPISE THE OTHER. YE (that is a born–again Christian) CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON (or money, or we may say–the world). Note–this message is not easily received by the worldly Christian that wants heaven but also wants this world and the things that are herein, neither is it understood or taught much in today’s lukewarm churches. The lukewarm perish–ref Rev 3:16.
SOME SCRIPTURES ON SERVING GOD
Mt 4:10–subject serve God:
Deut 6:13; Lk 1:74; Jn 6:27; Jn 12:26; Mal 3:18; Mt 25:14; Lk 16:13; Lk 19:11–27; Mt 21:28–31; Ro 6:22; Ro 7:4; Ro 12:11; Deut 28:47–48; 1 Cor 7:23; 1 Cor 15:58; 1 Cor 5:9; 2 Cor 5:15; Eph 2:10; Col 3:24; 1 Thes 1:9; 2 Tim 2:4; 2 Tim 2:20,21; Titus 2:14; Heb 4:10; Heb 9:14; Heb 12:28; Ja 1:25; Rev 2:26; Zeph 3:9; Ezek 5:1–6;
SUMMARY OF THE VERSES JESUS USED REGARDING THE THREE TEMPTATIONS
MAN SHALL NOT LIVE (ON) BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT (COMES) OUT (FROM) THE MOUTH OF GOD.
IT IS SAID, AGAIN (or on the other hand–NASB, or it also says), (YOU) (SHALL) NOT TEMPT THE LORD (YOUR) GOD (or put the Lord your God to the test–NASB).
AND THEN (SAID) JESUS (TO) HIM, GET THEE HENCE (or Begone, or Away from Me), SATAN: FOR IT IS WRITTEN, (YOU) (SHALL) WORSHIP THE LORD (YOUR) GOD, AND HIM ONLY (SHALL) (YOU) SERVE.
We are to rightly divide God’s Word and use God’s Word to defeat Satan’s temptations. We are to live by all of the Word of God. We are not to tempt God, and we are to worship God and serve only Him.
We are to trust God to provide us with food and drink (note temptation one)
We are to trust God to protect us (note temptation two)
We are to trust God to give us what is His will for us to have (note temptation three).
We are to have faith in God.
We are to trust Him for all things and be thankful.
TEMPTATIONS. NINE STEPS SATAN SOMETIMES USES TO CAUSE A PERSON TO FALL
1. Satan will try to find some way to darken a person’s correct, Biblical understanding of God’s Word. Darkness needs to begin to blind them–ref 2 Jn 2:11; Jn 12:35; Mt 6:23; Jn 3:19.
2. Satan may try to put into a falling person’s thoughts that their born–again preacher and elders have no authority over them. Satan may try to discredit their preacher in some way. People that have fallen for this lie of Satan will often say to their preacher, “You just don’t understand.” They sometimes develop an accusing attitude.
3. Satan may try to quench the falling person’s love for their preacher and oftentimes the born–again brethren also. For it is written–FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE–Gal 5:6.
4. Satan may try to cause the falling person to become dissatisfied or unhappy with something or someone in their church, their situation, or some circumstances.
5. Satan may begin to cause the falling person to believe the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. In other words, Satan may put in the mind of the falling person that if they leave their present situation things will be much better for them. Satan then may open up some opportunity for the person to leave their current situation and go to something different.
6. Satan may try to convince the falling person that they are not forsaking God or His calling. He may try to cause the person to believe they are being given a new calling by God.
7. Satan may cause them to forget how they were when they were truly walking in the will of God–ref Ja 1:23,24. Should their preacher ask them, “Don’t you see a difference in your attitude?” they would usually reply, “No, they see no difference.”
8. Satan needs to cause them to no longer fear God–ref Acts 13:26.
9. A true born–again follower of Jesus Christ has a childlike attitude to correction. Satan needs to cause the falling person’s childlike attitude to correction to become hardened.
That’s it–When these things are in place, it is all but a done deal. The person has fallen. It is written: BEWARE LEST YE…FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEDFASTNESS–2 Pe 3:17.
When they leave God–s calling, in their minds the are sure they are not forsaking God, just “this” place of “these” people. It is not unusual for the falling person to become super spiritual or religious. They may become super confident they are saved, and are in the will of God even though they are hardened to being corrected. They become the center of their own universe. They sometimes take on the attitude that they do nothing wrong. They are often sure they are right and their preacher’s correction means nothing to them. They become wise in their own conceits–ref Ro 11:25.
At this time, they are beyond correction. They are without hope but they don’t know it. They usually become several times worse than they were before they originally got saved. As it is written, GREAT WAS THE FALL OF IT–Mt 7:27.
The Scriptures warn us, 2 Cor 11:14–…SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. Rev 12:9–(He) DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD. Knowing these things, 1 Pe 5:8–9–BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR: WHOM RESIST STEDFAST IN THE FAITH. The verses continue–
Lk 4:13 (pt 1). AND WHEN THE DEVIL HAD (FINISHED)
ALL THE TEMPTATION (or testings),
Mt 4:11 (pt 1). THEN THE DEVIL (or Adversary) (LEFT) HIM (or let Him alone). The fact that Satan left Jesus at this point shows that indeed, Jesus is God. It also shows that the chronological order of the three temptations given in Matthew is correct.
Three times Satan tempted Jesus in these verses. Three times Jesus overcame the temptations using the Word of God. There are times in a person’s walk with Jesus that the trials and testings are very severe. Then there are other times that they do not seem as bad. Yet it seems that wrong thinking is always with us in our hearts. It is written, Ja 4:7–SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. The verses continue–
Lk 4:13 (pt 2). HE(the devil)DEPARTED FROM HIM (or let Him alone)
FOR A SEASON (or until an opportune time–NASB). Satan would be back to test Jesus time and time again. He would be tested so much that it is written regarding Jesus, our High Priest, that He–WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED LIKE AS WE ARE, YET WITHOUT SIN–Heb 4:15. In every possible way, by every possible means, in every possible situation Jesus would be persecuted, challenged openly, tempted, tested, and humiliated, even to being beaten, whipped publicly, and then the death of the Cross. It was the religious leaders that did not have faith in Christ (the priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the lawyers, the Scribes) that often gave Jesus the most difficult times. They challenged and disagreed with his doctrine. They tried to humiliate Him. They wanted to kill Him. They tried to turn the people against Him. They even tried to make the people believe that He was a deceiver and of Satan. Those few that truly follow Christ can expect the same for Jesus said: IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU–Jn 15:20.
Jesus said, Mt 8:20–THE FOXES HAVE HOLES, AND THE BIRDS OF THE AIR HAVE NESTS; BUT THE SON OF MAN HATH NOT WHERE TO LAY HIS HEAD–Mt 8:20. Many that follow Jesus may find this also applies to them.
Born again Christians will be tested over and over to see if their faith is genuine, especially in their weakest areas–ref 1 Pe 1:7; Deut 8:2; 8:16. The verses continue–
Mt 4:11 (pt 2). AND, BEHOLD, ANGELS CAME AND (ATTENDED) (TO) HIM (or took care of Him–JNT).
Jesus would have been very weak at the end of a 40 day fast. The very same verse that Satan tried to misuse and tempt Jesus with, ref Mt 4:6 and Lk 4:10,11 (from Psalms 91:11,12), now comes to pass as the angels help Jesus upon the completion of the 40 day fast. The angels were always present, but would not interfere as Satan tempted Jesus the 3 times.
Jesus had just completed His 40 day fast. Nothing would have been eaten at all, only water would have been taken. At the end of His fast, the devil tempted Him 3 times but failed. Then the devil departed from Him. Once a person has finished a 40 day fast, they are extremely weak. A person would feel extremely tired, yet even when they would sleep (which can be difficult sometimes), they do not wake up refreshed. It is possible to walk, but not easily and not for a very long distance. Yet even though a person would be hungry, the desire for food itself has all but ceased. Sexual desires and nearly all desires of the flesh have diminished greatly. During a fast of several days or more, because fleshly desires have greatly diminished, the Bible often becomes more alive to a person than ever before. A person can often hear from God more clearly. When a fast is done according to the way God outlines in His Word, He rewards the person spiritually.
Immediately after a fast of several days up to 40 days, a person cannot eat very much, and if they should try to do so, severe stomach pains may occur. The first time to eat, something like a small amount of soup is recommended. Afterward a person usually will want to lay down again for more sleep. After perhaps 3 hours a person can eat again, but still only a small amount. After a day or so, a person can begin eating normally, yet they usually find they are eating much less than normal for a while. Strength begins to return quickly. After only a couple of days the person can sometimes feel almost normal, yet to regain their full strength may take as much as one third the length of the fast. Example, if a person fasted for 10 days, it may take 3 to 4 days return to full strength. It is not uncommon for a person’s feet to swell after a fast is over and they have been eating. A person may lose 1 to 2 pounds a day during a fast. The weight a person has lost can return at the rate of about 4 plus pounds a day depending how much and what kinds of food they eat and how much they drink.
Mt 4:2 (pt 2,3) and Luke 4:2 (pt 4,5) had told us–AND WHEN THEY (HAD) ENDED, HE AFTERWARD BECAME HUNGRY. At this time the angels came and attended to Him. He would have needed help.
God’s Word clearly tells us that His people shall fast. If a person claims to be a born–again Christian, but has never fasted, something may not be right.
Of the 4 Gospels, three of them tell us clearly that Born–again Christians will fast. Mt 9:15–AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, CAN THE CHILDREN OF THE BRIDECHAMBER MOURN, AS LONG AS THE BRIDEGROOM IS WITH THEM? BUT THE DAYS WILL COME, WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THEM, AND THEN SHALL THEY FAST.
Mk 2:20–BUT THE DAYS WILL COME, WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM, AND THEN SHALL THEY FAST IN THOSE DAYS.
Lk 5:35–BUT THE DAYS WILL COME, WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM, AND THEN SHALL THEY FAST IN THOSE DAYS.
Acts 13:1–3–THE CHURCH THAT WAS AT ANTIOCH. …THEY MINISTERED TO THE LORD, AND FASTED, AND WHEN THEY HAD FASTED AND PRAYED.
Does your church or the people in your church fast? Does the minister talk and teach on this subject? If they do not, that is interesting as it is indicated in the Scriptures that God’s people shall indeed fast.
Adam did not fast before being attacked by the serpent. He was tempted by Satan working through Eve, probably a very beautiful and enticing woman. He obeyed his wife rather than God. He fell.
Jesus did fast before being attacked after His baptism and did not fall. Fasting diminishes much of the desires of the flesh. It helps a person over come self and those big fiery uptight knots and darts in ones stomach. Jesus did not fall.
We recommend each person seek God, and their “born–again” minister with regards to doing a fast. If there are any medical problems, also consider seeing a born–again doctor. The information presented herein is only relating to what some born again people might expect, and is in no way to be used in any other way.
True born–again Christians have a thirst for God’s Word. It is written, 1 Pe 2:2–3–AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: IF SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS.
Even though Jesus is The Word, it is believed that He studied and meditated in the Word much of the time even as born–again Christians are called to do. It is written, Ps 119:97–O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY. It is further written, 2 Tim 2:15–STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.
There are many that claim to be a Christian, but they seldom read and study God’s Word. Even many preachers, priests, and rabbi have never read the Bible through even one time. Those that have a Bible and can study it, but do not, one comment can be made. MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN–Mt 22:14. Many believe Satan’s lies as he may speak, “You cannot understand the Bible. Why waist you time reading it?” To those whose heart is right toward God, as one studies and obeys what he understands, his understanding will increase and increase. As one is faithful, God opens their understanding–ref Lk 24:45; Jn 14:26. The more one studies and obeys, the more one learns. The more a person learns and understands the Word of God, the more a person realizes how little they really know, but they grow in faith and obedience. It is written, Mt 11:29–LEARN OF ME; FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART: AND YE SHALL FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOULS.
JESUS: SOME THINGS HE WENT THROUGH
Note: The time that Jesus was in human form as an infant, child, and man upon this earth (approximately 33 ½ years) was Satan’s best chance to stop Him. It was his best opportunity to end God’s plan for redemption. It was his best chance to try and nullify the many prophecies about the Son. Satan had no chance of stopping Jesus after His death on the cross.
Satan tried to kill Jesus soon after He was born. Undoubtedly he tempted Jesus as a boy but we are told nothing of this. He tempted Jesus during His fast, after His fast, and during His ministry, and even when Jesus was hanging on the cross. Satan used kings, rulers, soldiers, religious leaders, people from many parts of Israel, people from Nazareth, and even His own brothers. Some tempted Him. Some tried to trick Him. Some tried to kill him by throwing him down a cliff or stoning Him. Some tried to arrest Him. People tried to trap Him in what He said. Religious leaders openly tried to do everything possible to discredit and stop Him. Some even said that He cast out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Others said that he had a devil. The Scriptures even indicate that they called Him a drunkard (or winebibber). The list could go on and on. Satan did everything possible to kill Him, to discredit Him, to scare Him, to ridicule Him, to stop Him. Nothing worked. Finally Satan was responsible for His crucifixion, not realizing this was in God’s plan, and not realizing that in doing so it would be to his own defeat–ref 1 Cor 2:8. Then Satan even tried to stop the resurrection by sealing the tomb and placing guards there. When all failed, Satan, through the religious leaders, tried to discredit the resurrection by having the guards lie. Those that follow Jesus can expect to go through many similar difficulties.
Mt 28:18–AND JESUS CAME AND SPAKE UNTO THEM, SAYING, ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH.
Jesus went to be with His father in heaven. The angels said in Acts 1:11–YE MEN OF GALILEE, WHY STAND YE GAZING UP INTO HEAVEN? THIS SAME JESUS, WHICH IS TAKEN UP FROM YOU INTO HEAVEN, SHALL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER AS YE HAVE SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN. Are you ready for the judgment? Are you ready for His return? The verses continue–
Jn 1:19. AND (now) THIS IS THE RECORD (or witness). This record concludes in verse 34 which says: AND I SAW, AND BARE RECORD (or I testify) THAT THIS IS THE SON OF GOD. This is the record–
OF JOHN. This is talking about John the Baptist. The verse continues–
WHEN THE JEWS SENT (to him)
PRIESTS AND LEVITES. The Jews that would have had the authority to send the priests and Levites would have probably been the great Sanhedrin. The priests and Levites were sent to John–
FROM JERUSALEM. The people undoubtedly sent these particular Priests and Levites as they should be able to discern from the Biblical scrolls who John really was. The ministry that John had received from God was gaining such notoriety, that it could not be ignored by the people and those in authority. The priests and Levites were sent–
TO ASK HIM, WHO
(ARE) (YOU)? Jn 1:38 and other verses makes it clear that the time this happened was following the time Jesus fasted. The people were expecting the Messiah during this time–ref Lk 3:15. They wondered if John was the Messiah. If he was not, they wondered who he was. Thus a group of priests and Levites, who were versed in the Scriptures, were sent to investigate John. John himself was from the seed of Aaron, and thus was from a line of priests. The verses continue–
Jn 1:20. AND HE (WAS VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD),
AND DENIED NOT;
BUT (STATED CLEARLY),
I AM NOT THE CHRIST (or the Messiah). John never claimed he was the Messiah. He made it clear that he was not. His answer was short and to the point. He did not give additional information to their question.
Note–pride, or wanting to be “someone special” or wanting the praise of men often prompts some people to make themselves out to be something that they are not. Man’s sinful nature wants to elevate itself. However, as a follower of Christ, man has to resist such temptations. He has to greatly humble himself.
A person that does not deny himself, does, in a manner of speaking deny Christ. The verses continue–
Jn 1:21. AND THEY ASKED HIM,
WHAT THEN?
(ARE) (YOU) ELIJAH? The reason they asked Him this is that it is written: Mal 4:5–BEHOLD, I WILL SEND YOU ELIJAH THE PROPHET BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD. Note, the great and dreadful day of the lord is Armageddon but they did not understand this. The day of the Lord is referred to approximately 6 times in the Bible. The people, priests and the Levites from Jerusalem were expecting the Messiah to appear and set up His earthly kingdom–ref Lk 3:13 and Jn 1:20 because of Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks–ref Dan 9:24–27. But before the Messiah should appear, they reasoned that Elijah the prophet should appear. Also John was in an area not far from where Elijah was taken up into heaven–ref 2 Ki 2:11. Regarding the question to John if he were Elijah–
AND HE (that is John the Baptist)
(SAID), I AM NOT. Again John answers the question with very few words and to the point giving no additional information. John clearly stated he was not Elijah. However, He did came in the spirit of Elijah–ref Mt 11:14, 17:10–13. One might ask, how can this be? The answer is that a double portion of Elijah's Spirit had been given–ref 2 Ki 2:9–15. The verse continues–
(ARE) (YOU) THAT PROPHET (the one we’re expecting–JNT)? This refers to Deut 18:15–THE LORD THY GOD WILL RAISE UP UNTO THEE A PROPHET FROM THE MIDST OF THEE, OF THY BRETHREN, LIKE UNTO ME; UNTO HIM YE SHALL HEARKEN. Deut 18:15 is actually a prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. Some may have also wondered if John was some other prophet. The verse continues–
AND HE ANSWERED, NO. John answered their question in one word and gave no additional information. The verses continue–
Jn 1:22. THEN (finally) SAID THEY (TO) HIM,
WHO (ARE) (YOU)? (Give us an answer–NIV) (so). It appears they were not satisfied with the answers they were receiving. Neither could they find something to accuse John of. The proceeded to say, WHO ARE YOU–
THAT WE MAY GIVE AN ANSWER TO THEM THAT SENT US. The Levites and Priests from Jerusalem had been sent by others (the Jews) to ask John Baptist these questions. Exactly what Jews sent them are not identified. It is presumed that it was the chief priests and scribes of Jerusalem. Thus they were invoking the authority of those that sent them to prompt John to give them an answer. They said to John–
WHAT (SAY) (YOU) OF (YOURSELF)? John answers their question by quoting from the prophet Isaiah–
Jn 1:23. HE SAID,
I AM THE VOICE
OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert),
MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD.
AS SAID THE PROPHET (ISAIAH). John quoted from the prophet Isaiah, the first part of what is now Isa 40:3. THE VOICE OF HIM THAT CRIETH IN THE WILDERNESS, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT IN THE DESERT A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD. John compared himself to a voice. That voice was one crying. It did not say the voice was shouting or yelling. The crying was in the wilderness–a place away from the busyness of the cities and towns. John’s focus was the Messiah is coming to a sinful generation that wasn’t ready and that needed to repent. In quoting these words, John had shown that it was God’s authority that sent him and his office while the authority that sent them was of man, yet they did not appear to understand. John was the fulfillment of Isa 40:3.
John had spoken these words previously to others, note Mt 3:3.
It is a reminder of the sinful, lukewarm generation we currently live in that needs to anoint their eyes with eyesalve that they might be able to see, for indeed today’s church is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked–ref Rev 3:17. They are not clothed with the garments of righteousness–ref Rev 3:18. They are sleeping–ref Mt 25:5. Jesus will come soon for His church but only a very few are awake, watching, and ready. Sadly many clergy will also be left behind undoubtedly crying out saying, Mt 25:11,12–LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. BUT HE (Jesus) ANSWERED AND SAID, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, I KNOW YOU NOT.
These priests and Levites should have known from the Scriptures who John was, yet they did not. The Scripture that John quoted had given them a good answer but because they were in spiritual darkness, it seems to have had no effect on them.
The verses continue–
Jn 1:24. AND THEY (or some of those)
WHICH WERE SENT WERE OF THE PHARISEES. The subject of the Pharisees is covered under Mt 3:7 and Jn 3:1. The verses continue–
Seemingly not having an answer that they could understand, they now change the subject.
Jn 1:25. AND THEY ASKED HIM, AND SAID (TO) HIM,
WHY (BAPTIZE) (YOU) (or why are you immersing people–JNT) THEN,
IF (YOU) (ARE) NOT THAT CHRIST (or Messiah),
NOR ELIJAH,
NEITHER THAT PROPHET? Three people are mentioned in their question–1–the Christ, 2–Elijah, 3–that prophet which was really the Christ but they didn’t understand that. Since they did not understand who John Baptist was, even from the Scriptures, they wondered by what reason or authority was he doing this. They were actually challenging John’s authority in front of the people that came repenting and seeking to be baptized. After all, he seemed to have no official Biblical title that their blind hearts could identify. John was not under the authority of the religious establishment of Jerusalem, but under the authority of God. Jesus was asked a similar question in Mt 21:23 about 2 days before He was crucified. The verses continue–
Jn 1:26. JOHN ANSWERED THEM, SAYING, I BAPTIZE (or am immersing people)
WITH (or in) WATER. Clearly Col 2:12 and Ro 6:4 (which follows) shows that sprinkling baptism is not correct to those that have eyes to see, ears to hear, and do not possess a hard heart toward the truth. Those clergy and denominations that do sprinkling baptism are very misled even though they may be famous. Water baptism is to be done by immersing the person in the water, and only after a person repents and believes in Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. Note Romans 6:4 and Col 2:12 as it is written Col 2:12–BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM or buried with Him in water. Ro 6:4–WE ARE BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM or buried with Him by water. Neither will you find in the Bible that John Baptist or any follower of Jesus ever baptized infants.
Then John Baptist begins to divert attention from himself. He begins to speak of another. His mission is to go before Christ to prepare the way. His mission is not to point to himself as so many clergy do in these latter days. John said–
BUT THERE (STANDS) ONE AMONG YOU. Jesus had already fasted and had now returned and was standing among the people, but John does not seem to identify Him. The verse continues–
WHOM (YOU) KNOW NOT. John diverted the question away from himself to Christ. His focus was not on himself but on Christ. Such was also the case in Jn 1:15 as John said–THIS WAS HE OF WHOM I SPAKE, HE THAT COMETH AFTER ME IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME: FOR HE WAS BEFORE ME. These are also in harmony with 2 Cor 4:5–FOR WE PREACH NOT OURSELVES, BUT CHRIST JESUS THE LORD; AND OURSELVES YOUR SERVANTS FOR JESUS’ SAKE. Regretfully, many misled preachers do indeed preach much about themselves, and little about Christ. Many church going people know far more about their preacher and his family than they do about Christ. John clearly related in his words that the Pharisees did not know Christ and were in darkness spiritually. John also seemed to be saying that you will not have to wait long for the Messiah. The verses continue–
Jn 1:27. HE IT IS. The He is Christ. The verse continues–
WHO COMING AFTER ME. John Baptist came before Christ to prepare the way. Christ came about 6 months after John. In addition John was born about 6 months prior to Jesus. The verse continues–
IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME. Jesus Christ is from everlasting to everlasting. He is preferred before John. The verse continues–
WHOSE SHOE’S (STRAP) (or sandals)
I AM NOT WORTHY (or I’m not good enough even–JNT)
TO (UNTIE). These words are similar to those John spoke before Christ came and was baptized–ref Mt 3:11. John indicated in Matthew, that he was not worthy to carry the Messiah’s sandals. Here John states that he is not worthy to untie them. John often spoke of himself in the context that he was nothing compared to Christ. The attitude of John the Baptist was that of humility and unworthiness in comparison with the Christ. It was an attitude of the lowest of slaves or servants. This is a much different attitude than what is taught in many churches today where people seek to exalt themselves rather than humble themselves.
There is no indication that the blind religious leaders that were sent to John comprehended what John was saying. There is no indication that they immediately asked which person it was that John spoke of that was standing among the people. They did not come to humble themselves and repent as many others did. Self righteous, highly religious people and clergy seldom ever humble themselves, come to repentance, and become born again. Rather, they continue in their blind–but positive they are right (or positive they are saved) religious attitude of deception all the way to their death and then hell. They continue to look like they are saved on the outside, but on the inside they are spiritually dead–ref Mt 23:27.
Such people as these often see true, born again, fruit bearing, light burning Christians as a threat. The seek for a way to falsely accuse, discredit, silence, and even eliminate them.
Satan’s followers (which are most people in the world) virtually never understand or believe they are following Satan. They are often positive and secure in that they think they are saved. They are usually sure they will go to a better place when they die. The following Scriptures denote how deceived people can be. Jesus said in Jn 16:2–3–THE TIME COMETH, THAT WHOSOEVER KILLETH YOU WILL THINK THAT HE DOETH GOD SERVICE. AND THESE THINGS WILL THEY DO UNTO YOU, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN THE FATHER, NOR ME. They often think they are of God but they really oppose God.
The verses continue–
Jn 1:28. THESE THINGS WERE DONE IN BETHABARA–KJV, (Bethany–other translations). It is reported that Bethabara means the “house of passage”. It was–
(EAST OF) JORDAN. It is reported that there were actually 2 Bethany–s. The one is where Lazarus lived which was near Jerusalem–ref Jn 11:1. The other was east of Jordan near Jericho which is the one this verse is referring to. Some believe this was in the vicinity that Joshua lead Israel over the Jordan into the promised land. The verse continues–
WHERE JOHN WAS BAPTIZING (or immersing). Originally the Word came to John the Baptist in the wilderness. Then John did baptize in the Jordan River somewhere in the wilderness area which is where Jesus was baptized. Jesus afterward fasted 40 days in the wilderness. Then Jesus returned to what appears to be the new place that John was baptizing. That new location is now in Bethany, east of Jordan.
The verses continue–
Jn 1:29. THE NEXT DAY
JOHN (SAW) JESUS COMING (TOWARD) HIM,
AND (SAID),
(LOOK) THE LAMB OF GOD. This is the first reference of Jesus Christ being called the Lamb of God. The word “Lamb” being used to denote Christ, appears in the New Testament approximately 30 times. One time it is used in a different fashion. The Jewish people should have been able to identify with the word “lamb” as it was used during Passover. As one searches the Scriptures it can be noted how various people saw the Christ.
HOW VARIOUS PEOPLE SAW THE CHRIS
FAITH
NO FAITH
BORN AGAIN
TEMPTATIONS
Before His conception Mary saw by faith a son named Jesus Who was the Son of the Highest–ref Lk 1:31,31.
Joseph saw by faith that which was conceived of the Holy Ghost Who would save His people from their sins–ref Mt 1:20,21.
While He was in the yet in the womb of Mary, Elizabeth saw by faith Her Lord–ref Lk 1:43.
Zacharias saw by faith the redemption for His people and a Horn of Salvation–ref Lk 1:68,69.
The inn keeper in Bethlehem had no faith. There was no place at the inn to put Joseph and Mary up. He saw nothing–ref Lk 2:7.
The angel of the Lord saw a Saviour–Christ the Lord–ref Lk 2:11.
The shepherds saw a baby, but by faith saw a Sign and The Christ–ref Lk 2:11,12.
The shepherds by faith became the first people ( or preachers) following the birth of Jesus to make known to others the saying which was told them concerning this child–ref Lk 2:17
Simeon saw a baby, but by faith saw the Lord’s Christ and salvation, a light to lighten the Gentiles and a sign which was to be spoken against–Lk 2:32,34.
Anna saw a baby but by faith saw redemption and a sign–ref Lk 2:12.
The other people at the temple are never mentioned at the time of Simeon and Anna as seeing anything. They had no faith.
The wise men saw a young child, but by faith had traveled from the east and saw the King of the Jews, the Christ–ref Mt 2:4,9.
King Herod saw a threat whom He tried to kill. He had hatred and jealousy and no faith–ref Mt 2:16.
The doctors in Jerusalem at the temple saw a 12 year old and were astonished by His understanding and answers, but they did not know this was the Christ. They had no faith–ref Lk 2:42,47.
The towns– people of Nazareth saw nothing more than a boy which grow up, a carpenter, and a carpenter’s son with brothers and sisters. They had no faith–ref Mk 6:3; Mt 13:55,56.
But John, through faith, saw the one and only Lamb of God which was the ultimate Sacrifice. Jesus ultimately did what all the past Passover lambs could never do–He took away the sin of the world.
Of the multitude of people that came in contact with the baby Jesus, the young child, the 12 year old, and then a carpenter–only a few selected by God and to whom it was revealed by the Holy Ghost, or angel of the Lord could understand–ref Lk 2:26. So it is today. Many hear or read the Word of God, but they see or understand little or nothing. Some teach Sunday schools, preach in pulpits, and are missionaries. Some appear to serve God in a full time ministry. However, Jesus Christ, God Who came to this earth in human form is nothing more than an historical figure of long, long ago that has had little or no effect on changing or converting their heart and lives from the old man to the new. They have never been Biblically born again.
Yet, tragically, others allow the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, the lusts of other things, personal desires, the pleasures of this life, temptations, fears, or persecutions to turn them aside.
Each called person in Jesus Christ needs to deny self, put that crown of thorns upon his own head in this life, pick up his cross and follow Jesus, so that he may obtain the crown of life for eternity. Each needs to be careful and fight the good fight of faith so that they do not trade in the incorruptible crown for a corruptible one which shall pass away. Each person needs to keep their thoughts centered on Jesus Christ, run the race with patience, keep their body, and bring it into subjection lest by some means the tempter tempt them and they fall away and become a castaway–ref 1 Cor 9:25,27. It is written BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURETH TEMPTATION: FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED, HE SHALL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE, WHICH THE LORD HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM–Ja 1:12. AND WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD SHALL APPEAR, YE SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN OF GLORY THAT FADETH NOT AWAY–1 Pe 5:4.
The verse continues–
WHICH (TAKES) AWAY THE SIN. Without the forgiveness of a person’s sins there can be no salvation–ref Isa 53:12; Heb 9:22; Ps 103:12; Ro 5:9. The verse continues–
OF THE WORLD. We are reminded of the Passover lamb which was killed and it’s blood protected the people of Israel. It is written of Jesus in Isa 53:7, and somewhat repeated in Acts 8:32–HE IS BROUGHT AS A LAMB (or sheep) TO THE SLAUGHTER. Then in Ro 8:34–IT IS CHRIST THAT DIED. Then it is written of those that follow Jesus in Ro 8:36–FOR THY SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL THE DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER.
Some or many of the people with John on this “next” day would have been different from the previous day. In addition the investing committee would have probably left and returned to Jerusalem.
Taking away the sins of the world was a new doctrine. This was accomplished at the cross as the Lamb of God was crucified and rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God making intercession for the saints–ref Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25–27. It is written: Ro 4:25–WHO WAS DELIVERED FOR OUR OFFENCES, AND WAS RAISED AGAIN FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION.
Up to this time, a person’s sins were only covered as it is written: Heb 10:1–4,8–FOR THE LAW HAVING A SHADOW OF GOOD THINGS TO COME, AND NOT THE VERY IMAGE OF THE THINGS, CAN NEVER WITH THOSE SACRIFICES WHICH THEY OFFERED YEAR BY YEAR CONTINUALLY MAKE THE COMERS THEREUNTO PERFECT. FOR THEN WOULD THEY NOT HAVE CEASED TO BE OFFERED? BECAUSE THAT THE WORSHIPPERS ONCE PURGED SHOULD HAVE HAD NO MORE CONSCIENCE OF SINS. BUT IN THOSE SACRIFICES THERE IS A REMEMBRANCE AGAIN MADE OF SINS EVERY YEAR. FOR IT IS NOT POSSIBLE THAT THE BLOOD OF BULLS AND OF GOATS SHOULD TAKE AWAY SINS. ABOVE WHEN HE SAID, SACRIFICE AND OFFERING AND BURNT OFFERINGS AND OFFERING FOR SIN THOU WOULDEST NOT, NEITHER HADST PLEASURE THEREIN; WHICH ARE OFFERED BY THE LAW.
Should a righteous person (one saved by faith–ref Ro 4:3; Gal 3:6l Ja 2:23) have died before the resurrection they would have gone to Paradise–ref Lk 23:43. They could not go to heaven and dwell in the presence of a holy God as their sins had not yet been washed away by the blood of the Lamb. He had not yet been crucified and raised from the dead. Their sins had only been covered by the blood of animals.
Since the resurrection, a person’s sins are washed away by the blood of the Lamb. The saved now go to be with Christ–ref Phili 2:21; 2 Cor 5:8, however the unsaved go to the place called Hell to await the great white throne judgment. They cannot go to heaven. They are not born again through trusting in Jesus Christ. Their sins have never been washed away by the blood of the Lamb.
Some might identify the use of the word “WORLD” as meaning that the forgiveness from God is extended to all the world. The term “the world” does not mean all mankind, but rather those throughout the world (both Jew and Gentile) that God grants repentance–which are called and chosen of God–ref 2 Tim 2:25; Mt 11:25,26; 13:10–16; Jn 12:37–40; Acts 11:18. 1 Pe 1:2–Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. It means–all that would receive Him stedfastly as Lord and Saviour–both Jew and Gentile alike. Only a few will ultimately receive Jesus Christ by faith and obey Him. It is written Heb 5:9–AND BEING MADE PERFECT, HE BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM, ref Mt 7:21.
If the Lamb of God took away the sin of all the world, everyone would be saved. The Bible states clearly in many ways that only a few are really saved.
LAMB OF GOD
THE LAMB OF GOD
PASSOVER
It is written, TELL THE WHOLE COMMUNITY OF ISRAEL THAT ON THE TENTH DAY OF THIS (first) MONTH EACH MAN IS TO TAKE A LAMB FOR HIS FAMILY, ONE FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD-NIV (Jesus was our Lamb). YOUR LAMB SHALL BE WITHOUT BLEMISH, A MALE OF THE FIRST YEAR (Jesus was without blemish). AND YE SHALL KEEP (or take care of) IT UP UNTIL THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF THE SAME MONTH. They examined the lamb for four days, just as Jesus was examined when He came riding into Jerusalem four days before He was crucified. AND THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY OF THE CONGREGATION OF ISRAEL SHALL KILL IT IN THE EVENING–Ex 12:3,5,6. The family, obviously, must have become fond of the innocent little lamb that had become theirs for four days. It is easy to highly esteem something, when one recognizes the great cost involved. By keeping this command of God, there was a painful realization, by all, of the precious price being paid on their behalf. This likewise portrayed the ultimate sacrifice for sins–when Jesus, our Passover Lamb, was sacrificed for us. As it is written, in Jn 1:29–BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. No bone was broken of our Lamb as He hung on the cross dying. This was foretold in the Passover; as it is written, NEITHER SHALL YE BREAK A BONE THEREOF–Ex 12:46. Even the fact that Jesus' body was not to be left on the cross overnight was foretold in the Passover. For it is written, NEITHER SHALL THE SACRIFICE OF THE FEAST OF THE PASSOVER BE LEFT UNTO THE MORNING–Ex 34:25.
BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD–Jn 1:29. Jesus Christ (our Passover–His blood saves us) was crucified on this exact day at 9 a.m. (the third hour) and died at 3 p.m. (the ninth hour). Jesus Christ is our unblemished Lamb, Who was examined for four days as He entered Jerusalem, then died for you and me. HE IS BROUGHT AS A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER…HE WAS CUT OFF OUT OF THE LAND OF THE LIVING: FOR THE TRANSGRESSION OF MY PEOPLE WAS HE STRICKEN–Isa 53:7,8. He became the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
The Feast of Passover was fulfilled on God's exact date, when Jesus became our Passover Lamb. As it is written, BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD–Jn 1:29. The verses continue–
Jn 1:30. THIS IS HE. John makes a positive identification of the Christ, the Lamb of God. Jesus seems to have referred to this identification in Jn 5:33,36. It is written THIS IS HE–
(dd)
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