Schemes of the Devil (revealed through the temptation of Jesus)

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03/08/19 - Bulletin Articles

Paul warned the Corinthians and Ephesians against the “schemes” of Satan (cf. 2Corinthians 2:11 and Ephesians 6:11). Though two different Greek words are translated as “schemes” in these passages (respectively, noema- evil purpose; and methodeia- cunning arts, trickery), together they render a fairly complete composite of Satan’s intentions toward us. His thoughts and purposes are to deceive and trick in order to destroy our faith, and thereby our souls.

We often and rightly think of Jesus as our perfect example. Indeed, Hebrews 4:15 tells us that He was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” So we look to our Savior as our supreme guide in how to deal with and respond to Satan and His wiles, as well we should. The record of His interaction with Satan in the wilderness is a “case study” of how to handle Satan’s nefarious schemes, cf. Luke 4:4,8,12.

But, not only can we learn much from the Savior in this account, we can also become much less “ignorant” of Satan’s means and methods too. Indeed, to forewarned is to be forearmed! Let us, therefore, spend a few minutes learning Satan’s tactics, if you will. (Please read Luke 4:1-13.)

Satan will wait for (or cause) our circumstance to be severe, and then propose what appears to be a simple and sensible solution, vv.2-3. After Jesus had fasted for forty days, He was obviously hungry. Satan’s proposal to “tell this stone to become bread” seemed simple and sensible enough, and the situation was severe. Not only had Jesus been fasting for well over a month, He was, after all, still in the wilderness (so-called because there was no sustenance there)! What have we learned? Satan can be patient; he will wait for “an opportune time,” vv.1-3,13. That opportune time will be when he thinks we are vulnerable and weak. Also, he can and will make his temptation appear to be a simple and sensible solution to a severe situation. Jesus was certainly in a dire position. But, the problem with the “solution” Satan proposed is that: 1) Jesus would have been obeying Satan rather than God, cf. Romans 6:17-18; and, 2) Jesus would have been using the power entrusted to Him for personal rather than purposeful reasons. Satan already knew who and what Jesus was. Performing a miracle for him would have gone against the intended purpose of them, cf. John 20:30-31. Satan’s schemes will come when he thinks we are (or we actually are) the most vulnerable, and will appear to be “harmless” solutions. But will in reality, they will be efforts to thwart the purposes God has for us, cf. 1Thessalonians 4:1-8.

Satan will offer a “short-cut” or “easier way” to the goal, vv.5-7. Whether or not what Satan offered (all the kingdoms of the world and their glory) was within his power to deliver is debatable. Jesus called him “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), so I tend to think he may well have had the ability to deliver on this particular “deal,” though he is also a liar (John 8:44), so even if he had the ability, he would have probably welshed. Nonetheless, consider that Jesus was here to attain what Satan was offering; only the path to ownership and authority for Him required His suffering agony on the cross. It was only after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection that He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth,” Matthew 28:18. So, what Satan is offering Jesus is a “short-cut,” or “easier way” to the goal. He did the same thing to Eve, cf. Genesis 3:5; effectively denying that she would have to “remain faithful to God” in order to achieve the desired objective. He uses similar tactics on us today- suggesting that he can give us “everything life has to offer” for one act of obeisance to him. But as Jesus knew and teaches by His example, there are no “short-cuts” to faithfulness. It is hard work, and requires diligent endurance, cf. Hebrews 3:12-14. Don’t listen to the devil’s tails about “short-cuts,” instead “work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and work for His good pleasure,” Philippians 2:12-13.

Satan will tempt you to test God, vv.9-11. The final (at this time, cf. v.13) temptation Satan offered Jesus was to test God’s protection of Him. Notice that this time Satan used Scripture. Jesus had rebuffed both of his previous efforts by appealing to the Word of God, so the devil bases his third effort on what God had promised in Psalm 91:11-12. But, God cannot lie; it is impossible for Him to do so, cf. Hebrews 6:18; Titus 1:2. So, what He says, He will do, period. It is not God’s faithfulness that needs proving, but man’s, Romans 3:4. Jesus, as a man, had to prove Himself, Hebrews 5:7-9; God did not and does not need to prove Himself. These things notwithstanding, Satan will tempt us to test God. Test His love; test His faithfulness; test His provision; test His protection. Note that Jesus, in answer to this particular scheme of Satan, quotes from Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not force a test on the Lord your God.” But also consider what the next two verses urge instead, “You should diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you…” It is never God that needs testing/proving, it is always us, cf. 2Corinthians 13:5! Don’t let Satan tempt you to test God; instead, prove yourself to Him.

Satan sometimes presents himself as “a roaring lion” (1Peter 5:8) to scare us into his clutches, but more often is the subtle “serpent” seeking to deceive “by his craftiness” (2Corinthians 11:2). So, don’t be “ignorant of his schemes,” 2Corinthians 2:11. If he deemed his methods appropriate for the Son of God, he will surely use them on us!