Jeanie Martin Ministries

After Jesus was baptized, He was declared the Son of God by His Father. Then He was led into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, by the Holy Spirit. The devil appeared in a visible form and he spoke with an audible voice. His mission was to tempt Jesus to sin against God.

“If thou be the Son of God, command these stones to be made bread,” he said.

His intent was to plant a seed of doubt into the mind of Christ. He wanted Jesus to doubt His Divine Sonship. Jesus replied, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Though he laid his divinity aside, Jesus had not forgotten who his Father declared him to be.

Below, I have shared a few facts that I believe may enrich you strategically before the onset of every spiritual battle. Spiritual armor and weapons are what we use to defeat the enemy. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places; (Eph. 6:12-18).

#1 – Know your identity in Christ, and know who you belong to.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light, (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).

The devil observed Jesus’ outward appearance and concluded that after 40 days and nights Jesus had to be very hungry and weak. After all, he is just a man who needed food for nourishment and strength. Jesus consistently quoted what was already written in the Scriptures.

#2 – You must submit to God first!

Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you; (James 4:7 KJV).

Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city and sat him on a pinnacle of the temple; (Matt. 4:5). He said, “If you are the Son of God throw yourself down.” The devil was tempting Jesus to jump from the highest point to see if God will command angels to catch him; (Ps. 91:11). Jesus replied, “It is written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

The serpent used the same tactics with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He used the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to tempt her, and she took the bait. “Go ahead and eat the fruit, you won’t die, you’ll be like God,” he said, (paraphrased). So, Eve exchanged the spoken truth of God’s word for satan’s lie. Disobedience resulted in the fall of man; (Gen. 3).

#3 – God is forever faithful; all of His promises are true.

Finally, satan took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you. If you bow down and worship me,” he said. Jesus replied, “Away from me satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”

This time satan tempted Jesus with worldly things. Oh, the lengths the enemy will go to test your knowledge! This is why you must know the word of God for yourself.

#4 – PRAY! Go into your prayer closet and talk to God. He invites us to ask anything that is in accordance to His will, and He will answer you. “Take your needs to God in prayer. In the name of Jesus.”

Many aren’t able to resist the bait of satan because they are moved by material things. But, before long they realize that they made a huge mistake because material possessions rust, or they can be stolen; most of the time we lose excitement over time and move on to the next object of our desire. However, God questions our choices.

“But what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36; Matt. 16:26)

#5 – Examine yourself. Do you desire the things of the world more than eternal things? 

All that is in the world, lust of the flesh, the eye, and pride. These are not of God, but of the world. (1 John 2:16 KJV).

• “Lust of the flesh” … (craving for sensual gratification).
• “Lust of the eyes” … (greedy longings of the mind).
• “The pride of life” … (assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things).

In conclusion, Jesus set an example for believers to follow. The battle is not against flesh and blood. Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty for the pulling down of strongholds. The battle is spiritual, therefore, you must know the Word of God for yourself in order to quote it. Read your Bible daily, study it, and live it! Whenever satan appears before you, you will have the strength of the Word of God as a firm foundation to stand on. Never doubt the power of the Word of God. Stand your ground and use your weapons wisely.

 

 

 

 

*Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-11

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