Two-minute read.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.”
Matthew 4:8
Rightful owner.
In the third and last temptation from the enemy, Satan offers Jesus something He already has: authority over the Earth. Christ, as God’s Son, rightfully owns all the world has. The devil has control over things temporarily, but his offer to give Jesus authority over the kingdoms of the world remains a hollow one he can’t fulfill. You can’t give what you don’t own. The enemy’s offer of idolatry falls on deaf ears, as Jesus uses scripture to respond again.
“Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Matthew 4:10
Done with the devil, Jesus banishes him with three words, “Be gone, Satan.” And since we follow Christ, we can do the same thing. When we feel the enemy whispering in our ear, we can do what Jesus did and say, “Be gone!” We do have authority and victory through Christ. Jesus tells us the devil exists and he wants to destroy us. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 precisely what to do to stand firm against Satan’s attacks:
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18
Weak, hungry, and ready for a shower, Jesus stood firm against the enemy’s attack. Relying on truth, protected in righteousness, carrying the gospel of peace, carrying the shield of faith, and wearing the helmet of salvation, Christ used the sword of the Spirit, God’s word, to defeat Satan. And we can, too.
Knowing our identity in Christ, that we belong to God’s family, adopted by the blood of Christ, makes us rightful owners along with Jesus. In the Lord, we have all we need to defeat Satan and claim victory over his spiritual attacks. Stand firm today, knowing Jesus already won the battle; in Him, we find life.
Journal Questions:
- How can I apply today’s devotion to my life?
- How do you feel under attack from Satan?
- What scripture can you rely on today to give you victory?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Jesus, giver of life, victor over Satan, Savior of our lives. As we pursue Him wholeheartedly, strengthen us for the battle. Give us the scriptures we need to defeat Satan when we need them. Let us honor and glorify You as we stand firm against the enemy’s fiery darts. All glory belongs to You as we prevail repeatedly against the enemy’s attacks. IJNIP. Amen
