Posted on 01/12/2025 1:44:45 AM PST by metmom
“And the tempter came and said to Him . . .” (Matthew 4:3).
It is not popular today to believe in a literal, personal devil, even among professing Christians. The devil is increasingly seen as being somewhere between a figment of our imagination and a useful device to coerce obedience.
Yet in addition to the name used here (“tempter”), the New Testament gives Satan many other names: “ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11); “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2); “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4); “Abaddon” and “Apollyon,” both of which mean “destroyer” (Rev. 9:11); and “the serpent of old” (Rev. 12:9).
With these and many other references to the devil in God’s infallible Scripture—all of which assume a real, supernatural person—it’s clear that Satan does exist. And he never made himself more personally manifest than when he confronted Jesus in the wilderness. The Lord’s opponent was an actual, personal foe in every sense of that expression.
Since the Fall, Satan has directed his full attention and fury against God and His kingdom work. While Christ was on earth, that opposition was particularly intense against the Son and His redemptive mission, beginning at the very outset of His ministry. Yet all the forces of hell continue to present us with real challenges as we endeavor to advance God’s kingdom. Thus all believers must remain ever vigilant and prayerful against a genuine spiritual foe.
Ask Yourself
Have you grown lax in guarding yourself from the “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) who actively seeks to devour you? He is not to be feared, for your God is triumphant, but he is definitely in need of accounting for. Ask the Lord to make you wise and wary of the enemy’s presence.
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
When referring to things that are spiritual, The Bible often times uses metaphor, since for a large part we don’t have the language or the wisdom to understand it any other way. In the case of angels and fallen angels, however, I take it as literal. Otherwise, what is the point of Jesus’ statement: “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven”. We’re not going to be resurrected as metaphors. There are also real-world occurrences that can be attributed to literal angels, and demons as well.
When referring to things that are spiritual, The Bible often times uses metaphor, since for a large part we don’t have the language or the wisdom to understand it any other way. In the case of angels and fallen angels, however, I take it as literal. Otherwise, what is the point of Jesus’ statement: “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven”. We’re not going to be resurrected as metaphors. There are also real-world occurrences that can be attributed to literal angels, and demons as well.
Don’t blame me, I only clicked that once.
Heheh. You can say that again.;-)
Have you grown lax in guarding yourself from the “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8) who actively seeks to devour you?
I can attest to the power of evil. If I let my guard down in those areas where I am weak, I quickly get into trouble.
Thank God I am older and wiser about such matters. I can't believe I made it through youth.
Your finger stuttered.
However, in my case, I think a LOT of it is due to lack of opportunity.
It's my THOUGHTS that require repentance more than actions.
Same here. I spend a great deal of time repenting for dwelling—even ever so slightly—on temptations that come through my thoughts.
Such temptations are often women in revealing attire that pop up in ads online. If I don't control my thoughts and my eyes, I find myself tempted to dwell on them. Such things can and do infect the mind.;-)
It’s my THOUGHTS that require repentance more than actions.
~~~
Pastor once said;
“Stealing a horse doesn’t make a man a horse thief, it only proves that he was one all along.”
Devil made you do it.
Great saying. God created Satan as a tempter in order to give us free will to choose. Will we choose to follow after God’s spirit, or will we choose our animal soul?
I don’t think the pressure ends by succumbing to temptations. I think they continue digging deeper until our souls are destroyed. I think by Jesus saying “Get behind me Satan” he dismissed the source of temptation, ridding himself of the temptations themselves.
indeed
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