Satan tempts us to bring out the worst in us, but God tests us to bring out the best in us. A test or trial is a God-given opportunity for us to practice and thereby strengthen our spiritual relationship with the Lord. The cause of temptation stems from our old carnal nature when it is not under control. Temptation does not originate with God.

Satan’s very nature is to tempt. One of his names is the “tempter.” In the Garden of Eden, Satan, disguised as a serpent, tempted Eve. In the Book of Job, Satan tried to tempt Job to curse God, using every means available— even Job’s wife. Satan also tempted the Lord Jesus. Peter warns us that Satan is trying to devour us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Temptations are real, and they are common in our day-to-day lives. However, yielding to temptation is considered sin. Someone once said, “Temptation becomes sin only when the suggestion of evil is accepted and yielded to.”

What is the way out of temptation? Jesus faced temptations and overcame them victoriously. In every instance, He used Scripture. Every time Jesus responded to temptation, He quoted Scripture! The same applies to us today. If we are to overcome temptation, we must study the Word of God!

This requires reading the Word.
This requires understanding the Word.
This requires using the Word against Satan!

The necessity of studying and understanding Scripture is seen in Matthew 4:6, where Satan says to Jesus: “If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge concerning You, and in their hands they shall bear You up, lest at any time You dash Your foot against a stone.’”

Satan knows the Word and will twist it to fit his agenda. The only way to recognize this deception is by staying in the Word! James gives us a powerful truth in his letter: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

As we enter this Lenten season, may we spend quality time in Scripture and strive to gain a deeper understanding of it. May the Lord help us and grant us a meaningful Lenten season!

God bless!