Because We Are . . .
“And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread . . . If You are the Son of God, throw yourself down (from the temple’s roof)’ ” (Matthew 4:3-6).
“If You are . . . ." Satan knew perfectly well Jesus was the Son of God. The visit of the angel to Elizabeth and Zechariah, to Mary, and the shepherds in the field did not escape the Tempter’s notice. That’s why he incited Herod to kill Jesus.
Some argue the devil hoped to trick Jesus into using His supernatural powers to benefit Himself, and short-circuit the Father’s plan of redemption. Perhaps they are right. But I wonder if Satan might have had an additional purpose. If he could cause Christ to doubt, even for a moment, who He was and to Whom He belonged, would that have sidetracked the Father’s plan of redemption? Though it’s a rhetorical question, it carries a weighty spiritual application for you and me.
“If you really are a child of God . . . .” How often has the Tempter suggested something similar to us? A bazillion times, probably. And why not? If he tried that tactic to pull Jesus off track, we can expect him to try the same with us.
Satan knows perfectly well that we repented of our sins and now belong to God. That’s not the issue for Satan. Our relationship with the Father is not in question. But – and this is critical -- if the Tempter can cause us to question our relationship, he’ll take immediate advantage of that chink in our spiritual armor.
How should we respond to the implied accusation, “If you are”? With God’s word.
For example: “But as many as received (Christ), to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). And again, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). And yet again, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16).
Scripture provides dozens of assurances that we belong to our heavenly Father, and Satan’s question is straight from the bowels of hell. What you and I need to answer is: whose words will we believe?
Prayer:
Lord, I am sorry for doubting I am your child. How that must hurt you when I question your unconditional love for me. I am sorry for giving greater audience to your enemy, than I give to you as You speak to me through the Word and those who faithfully teach it. Lord, renew my faith, that I might move mountains. Amen.
Rich
rnmaffeo@aol.com
“If You are . . . ." Satan knew perfectly well Jesus was the Son of God. The visit of the angel to Elizabeth and Zechariah, to Mary, and the shepherds in the field did not escape the Tempter’s notice. That’s why he incited Herod to kill Jesus.
Some argue the devil hoped to trick Jesus into using His supernatural powers to benefit Himself, and short-circuit the Father’s plan of redemption. Perhaps they are right. But I wonder if Satan might have had an additional purpose. If he could cause Christ to doubt, even for a moment, who He was and to Whom He belonged, would that have sidetracked the Father’s plan of redemption? Though it’s a rhetorical question, it carries a weighty spiritual application for you and me.
“If you really are a child of God . . . .” How often has the Tempter suggested something similar to us? A bazillion times, probably. And why not? If he tried that tactic to pull Jesus off track, we can expect him to try the same with us.
Satan knows perfectly well that we repented of our sins and now belong to God. That’s not the issue for Satan. Our relationship with the Father is not in question. But – and this is critical -- if the Tempter can cause us to question our relationship, he’ll take immediate advantage of that chink in our spiritual armor.
How should we respond to the implied accusation, “If you are”? With God’s word.
For example: “But as many as received (Christ), to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). And again, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). And yet again, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16).
Scripture provides dozens of assurances that we belong to our heavenly Father, and Satan’s question is straight from the bowels of hell. What you and I need to answer is: whose words will we believe?
Prayer:
Lord, I am sorry for doubting I am your child. How that must hurt you when I question your unconditional love for me. I am sorry for giving greater audience to your enemy, than I give to you as You speak to me through the Word and those who faithfully teach it. Lord, renew my faith, that I might move mountains. Amen.
Rich
rnmaffeo@aol.com
posted by rich at
6:51 PM
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