Jesus was led by the Spirit to go into the wilderness and fast for 40 days.
Satan who is a deceiver and the father of lies tempted Jesus during that time by trying to make Him doubt His Identity as the Son of God.
“if you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus replied with the word “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
Again, Satan tested Jesus. 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.’
Jesus answered “It is written, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”
The third temptation came differently,
As He was taken to an exceedingly high mountain by Satan who showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
Satan then left and angels come to minister to Jesus.
Jesus dealt with Satan with the Word
The way Jesus dealt with Satan shows us how to overcome temptation. He used the word of God. God’s words is the only authority Satan recognises and is the believer’s weapon against Him.
The Power of The Word
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
As you can see from the verse above the word of God is powerful. The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God needs to be kept sharp. For myself personally, the word of God is my main stay. Over the years I have memorised scripture.
Jesus the Son of God.
Satan tried to tell Jesus He was not the Son of God when Jesus knew His identity. Every year His family went up to Jerusalem to present their selves to the priest. One year Jesus went missing. Mother Mary and Father Joseph were very worried as to His wear abouts. [Jesus had lingered behind. [ I wonder if He had heard His Father tell Him to stay.] When they found Him, He was in the temple answering the questions of the teachers who were amaze at His wisdom. And when Mary asked “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Luke 2:49-50
What is our Identity.
It is important that the word gives us our identity. We are God’s adopted children.
Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, From a young age Jesus knew His Father.
Ephesians 1:5 NKJV
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,[a] Father.”
Romans 8:15 NKJV
God sees us as fearfully and wonderfully made. He looks at as and sees His Son. How wonderful is that! Nourish your Spirit by reading out loud these scripture below.
Our Identity in Christ Jesus.
- I am loved. 1 John 3:3
- I am accepted. Ephesians 1:6
- I am a child of God. John 1:12
- I am Jesus' friend. John 15:14
- I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him. Romans 8:17
- I am united with God and one spirit with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17
- I am a temple of God. His Spirit and his life lives in me. 1 Corinthians 6:19
- I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
- I am a Saint. Ephesians 1:1
- I am redeemed and forgiven. Colossians 1:14
- I am complete in Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:10
- I am free from condemnation. Romans 8:1
- I am a new creation because I am in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved. Colossians 3:12
- I am established, anointed, and sealed by God. 2 Corinthians 1:21
- I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
- I am God's co-worker. 2 Corinthians 6:1
- I am seated in heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6
- I have direct access to God Ephesians. 2:18
- I am chosen to bear fruit John. 15:16
- I am one of God's living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5
- I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I share His nature. 2 Peter 1:4
- I can always know the presence of God because He never leaves me Hebrews. 13:5
- God works in me to help me do the things He wants me to do Philippians 2:13
- I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need. James 1:5