Dealing With the Devil – Part 4

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. Matthew 4:8

The Bible says: ‘The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan!…You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve”’ (vv. 8-10). Paraphrased: Satan said to Jesus, ‘If you serve me I’ll help you rise to the top.’ When your ultimate ambition is to glorify God, you’re being led by God. But when your ultimate ambition is to glorify yourself, you’re being led by Satan. And he’ll appeal to your pride, for pride is at the very core of his being. His fall from the number-two spot in heaven was preceded by these lofty aspirations: ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High’ (Isaiah 14:13-14). Satan wants to take God’s place, but God isn’t moving. Satan covets God’s throne, but God isn’t abdicating. Satan wants to win you to his side, but God will never let you go. The truth is: you can’t defeat Satan in your own strength, but you don’t have to. The Bible says, ‘Let us…feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it’ (Hebrews 4:16).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, keep me from the lies that Satan will use to try and sway me away from You. Keep me focused on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen