Satan in Matthew 4, 9of9

~ Satan Departs ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:1-11).

 

Scripture 2 ~ “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Lament and mourn and weep!  Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:7-10).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Satan in Matthew 4, 8of9

~ Satan Expects A Payoff ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Again, 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’ (Matthew 4:8-9).

 

Comment ~ Obeying Satan always comes with a cost!  Obeying Christ also comes with a cost.  The key is choosing who you will obey.

 

Joshua understood the implications of who a person chooses to serve.

 

"Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt.  Serve the Lord!  And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:14-15).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Satan in Matthew 4, 7of9

~ Satan Shows ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Again, 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’ (Matthew 4:8-9).

 

Comment ~ Think of Satan as the first to use “show and tell.” 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Satan in Matthew 4, 5of9

~ Satan Is Deceitful ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ Notice how Satan quotes Scripture but leaves out part of the passage.

 

“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.  For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone”’” (Matthew 4:5-6). 

 

Comment ~ Satan was quoting Psalm 91:11-12, but he skipped part of the passage which reads:

 

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.  In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11-12).  Notice Satan’s omission in his quote. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Satan in Matthew 4, 8of9

~ Satan Expects A Payoff ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Again, 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’ (Matthew 4:8-9).

 

Comment ~ Obeying Satan always comes with a cost!  Obeying Christ also comes with a cost.  The key is choosing who you will obey.

 

Joshua understood the implications of who a person chooses to serve.

 

"Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt.  Serve the Lord!  And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:14-15).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Satan in Matthew 4, 4of9

 ~ Satan Speaks ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread’” (Matthew 4:3).

 

“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.  For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone”’” (Matthew 4:5-6).

 

“Again, 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’ (Matthew 4:8-9).

 

Comment ~ Be careful who you are listening to. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Satan in Matthew 4, 3of9

~ Satan Knows God’s Word ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.  For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone”’” (Matthew 4:5-6). 

 

Satan was quoting from Psalm 91:11-12. 

 

Comment ~ It is important that realize Satan is not ignorant of the Word of God.  However, when he uses God’s Word he twists it or leaves out important parts of what he is quoting. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Satan in Matthew 4, 2of9

~ Satan Comes To Us ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~

“Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread’” (Matthew 4:3).

 

Comment ~ Notice that Satan comes to us – we don’t have to go looking for him.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Satan in Matthew 4, 1of9

~ Satan Is An Opportunist ~

 

Series Note:  Matthew 4 is a well-known chapter which gives an account of Satan tempting Jesus Christ in the wilderness.  There has been a lot written and discussed regarding these three temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life). 

 

While the study of Matthew 4 is a rich study regarding our Savior Jesus Christ it also allows us to have insight into some of Satan’s abilities and actions.  This series contains nine examples which make it clear that Satan is a real personality. 

 

Scripture ~ “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry” (Luke 4:1-2). 

 

Comment ~ Jesus was in “extreme hunger” and Satan temps Him with food!  Satan knows and understands our current weak areas.

 

Also notice that Satan, as is often his tactic, tries to create doubt: “If You are…”

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Angels, 12of27

~ The Chief Fallen Angel: Lucifer ~

General Information  ~  Angels are powerful spiritual beings who perform specific tasks on behalf of God.  Angels are mentioned many times in Scripture but seldom by name.

Meaning of Lucifer  ~  Scripture records the names of three specific angels.  Each of these have interesting meanings of their names when contrasted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The meaning of the name Lucifer is “Bearer of light.”  His name relates to his created purpose—not his present activities.  Lucifer is believed to be the original name of Satan. 

Lucifer—A Fallen Angel  ~  Lucifer—like Adam and Eve—sinned because of pride which caused them to want to be like God!  “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!  How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit” (Isaiah 14:12-15).  Today, many are still seeking to be equal with, or superior to, their Creator. 

Lucifer’s Names  ~  In Scripture this great enemy of righteousness is referred to as Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub (the prince of the devils), the adversary, the accuser, the devil, the dragon, the old serpent, the prince of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the god of this world, and the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.  In summary he is the constant and chief enemy of God who is always seeking to deceive and destroy individual humans. 

Lucifer’s Traits  ~  First, before rebelling Lucifer was apparently a powerful and gorgeous being, however he wanted to be equal with God his Creator. 

Second, we know that when he fell he fell very fast.  “He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’” (Luke 10:18). 

Third, Lucifer/Satan is a leader who apparently brought a third of the angels with him in his rebellion (by comparing Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 9:1; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 12:3-9). 

Fourth, Lucifer/Satan is described as the father of lies and a murderer.  Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

Comment  ~  A key purpose of all angels was to bear the light of Jesus Christ.  This messenger of God concept seems to be their primary purpose.  Like Lucifer in heaven Adam and Eve on earth desired to be equal with God—Scripture records that some of the angels and all of mankind (through Adam) are fallen. 

Light  ~  Jesus Christ is the “Light of the World” (John 8:12, 9:5).  In His absence we are to be His lights in the world (Matthew 5:14).  Lucifer was intended to be a witness of Christ—“bearer of light.” 

Counterfeit Light  ~  Today Lucifer/Satan is a counterfeit light.  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

True Light  ~  Jesus Christ is the only true light.  “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light [Jesus Christ].  That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:6-9).  Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).

Reflective Light  ~  Christ’s children are to reflect the Son of God’s light—like the moon reflects the light of the sun.  “You [Christians] are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Bad News / Good News ~  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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