..as you face temptation.
August 9, 2010 (Monday)
They accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan. Jesus replied, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” He then warned his accusers that they were on dangerous ground by saying that the work of God was the work of the Devil (Mark 3:20-30).
Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan at the outset of His ministry. He knew the Devil was real and told us so.
Piecing together what the Bible says about Satan, we believe he was created as one of God’s angels, but led a rebellion against God. He was punished by being cast out of Heaven. A place of torment called Hell has been prepared for him and his demons or angels. As of now he is actively at work as “the god of this world,” fomenting evil in many forms.
The Devil has power, but it does not equal that of God. Nevertheless, he does not shrink from tempting the strongest of us. The real power belongs to Jesus, who said before He ascended to His Father, “All authority is given to me in Heaven and in Earth.”
The Apostle Paul reminded us that we are engaged in spiritual warfare, against a spiritual enemy. The ultimate victory belongs to Christ and His people, but the battles go on today. We are reminded by God’s Word: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Cor 10:13 NIV).