Unshakable Faith in a Shaken World: Satan’s Aim
Our passage today is a front-row seat to a dialogue between God and Satan. In this conversation, initiated by God, we see the Father’s pride in his children and Satan’s hit at our motives.
BATTLE READY: THE GEAR
In our Battle Ready study, we have learned of four anchors that are foundational in all our spiritual battles. Let’s review those anchors.
BATTLE READY: THE BATTLEFIELD
We have learned much about Satan in the desert temptation encounter with Jesus. He attacks when we are vulnerable, alone, and exhausted. He is always offering a shortcut way to live independently from God. He is out to destroy us and make the wrong path look to be the most inviting path. But in the desert temptations, we learn more about Jesus. Here are three important takeaways.
BATTLE READY: THE BATTLEFIELD
The spiritual battle never ends. Satan doesn’t leave the office and head home. He works day and night, weekends and holidays. He is looking to trip us up whether we are surrounded by people or all alone. As we have seen in the garden and desert temptation encounters, he goes after us in times of strength and weakness.
BATTLE READY: THE BATTLEFIELD
“It’s the right thing to do,” Satan says. “And it’s the right time to do it.” God’s timing, his destination, and the way to get to the destination are always perfect, but Satan wants us to work in his time frame, follow his path, and get to his desired destination. His way always involves a shortcut from the road of obedience. That was the essence of the third temptation in the desert.