Satan uses three aspects of our human life to tempt us
into sin. The lusts aroused by what we see, the lusts of our human flesh, our
pride and our rebellion against authority. Study the way Satan tempted Biblical
characters such as Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:6), Jonah, Moses and even Jesus
(Matthew 4:3). He appealed to fleshly gratification, power and recognition and
self-interest.
Attempting to fulfill the lusts of our flesh always causes
our moral demise and allures us from following God’s will for our life
(Galatians 5:16-25). Satan is subtle and very good at what He does. In fact, at
the end of the Millennium, God looses Satan from his chains in hell so he can
attempt to deceive those born during the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ
right here on the earth with us (Revelation 20:7).
Satan convinces people who lived in the presence of Christ
during the Millennium, just as he did when Jesus lived on the earth for 33
years. He blinds their eyes and deafens their ears and appeals to
the lust of their eyes and flesh, as well as to their pride and rebellious
nature. As we follow after God and obey His will for our life (Ephesians 2:10),
it is much easier to discern Satan’s deception from the start.
Only
God and His Kingdom will last forever (1 John 2:15-17). If we recognize that this
world is passing away and everything in it, then we can put into perspective
the fiery darts of temptation from our #1 enemy. Relinquish all lust, pride and
rebellion to Christ. Only those who depend solely on Christ as
their life (Colossians 3:4) will believe to the end and be saved (Matthew 10:22).
Prayer:
Father God, when Satan tempted Jesus, he found no flesh in
Him that He could appeal to. He tried, but Jesus was so united with You that He
rose above Satan’s carnal appeals. Jesus also used Your Word to defeat the
enemy. Remind us to drench our life with Your scriptures so that we too can
withstand the enemy when he comes like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Thought for the Day:
Cling to the vine of Christ and draw your fulfillment from
Him rather than from your flesh, the world or the devil. – John 15:5
