How do we Recognise Temptation
Genesis 3: 1-7; Matthew 4: 1-11; Luke 4: 1-13

We know that being the light involves us acting on the need to put to death the things in us that belong to our sinful nature. In this we look into Colossians ch. 3. (Col 3: 5).How do we know that we are not putting the sinful nature to death? How do we know when the devil is enticing us to act by the sinful nature? How do we recognise temptation?

How does Satan tempt us? From the Gospel records and from Genesis 3 we can find how Satan works and how he is defeated.

How the Serpent Moves

The devil asks research questions aimed at deconstructing the foundations. [The serpent is a white ant!]

What were God’s actual words?
What did God actually mean?
What were God’s real motives?

He makes an offer

“The food is good!” “You will not be hungry!”
“People will admire you!” “ I will give you power!”
“You can have a heightened spirituality!”
“You won’t have to suffer!”

He accuses someone (See also Revelation 12: 10)

“God is holding out on you. He knows that you will obtain the knowledge of good and evil.”
“ God cannot be trusted!”
“God does not trust you!”
Are we ever tempted to believe that God cannot/ will not answer our prayers?

He waits for an opportune time. (Luke 4; 13) He plays on our needs and vulnerabilities. He knows when we have material needs, are tired or discouraged.

He pretends to speak the Word of God. He quotes the Bible out of context. Sometimes he trivialises the Bible or treats its meaninmg as mere interpretation.

How Jesus Bruises the Head of the Serpent

Jesus quotes the Bible
He corrects the misuse of the Bible
He rebukes Satan
He refers Satan to the authority of the Word and will of God
Jesus reminds Satan that it is God alone who is to be served and worshipped

Lindsay Johnstone

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