The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here – Luke 4:9

Jesus’ temptation is a powerful reminder of the intrigues of the devil in the lives of believers (Lk. 4:5, 9). The question is not whether Satan will tempt us. It is whether we will prevail, just as Jesus did. With our vision for 2017 being, “Pruning for Fruitfulness” (Heb.12:1-2), it’ll be helpful to learn from our Master’s experience and draw strength from His victory. For, if we are going to be fruitful this year, we must overcome the deceitfulness of the enemy that keeps us in useless relationships and engagements, and trips us into sin.

            Notice, first that Jesus overcame the devil because He was where the Father wanted Him to be – in the wilderness (2). When we prefer our choice of location to where God wants us, we break His hedge and weaken our defences (Eccl. 10:8). That’s the essence of walking by the Spirit (Gal. 5:1). The believer’s victory over temptation is in the Spirit’s leading; and He leads us where we’ll be fruitful (Ps. 23).

            Second, it is instructive to note, that being led by the Spirit does not guarantee immunity against temptation. Alertness to, and preparedness against the devil’s schemes is the key to victory in spiritual warfare (1 Pt. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:10-18). For, even though Jesus was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (vs.2), the devil was there to tempt Him (5, 9). However, Christ’s alertness after forty days and forty nights of fasting put Him one step ahead of the devil.

            The third thing to remember is the tantalizing nature of what the devil would cause us to see and desire. Satan always appeals to our vulnerabilities – the cravings of the flesh (Lk. 4:3-4), the glitter of this world (5-8), and the pride of life (9-12). He failed with Jesus in these same areas he succeeded with Adam. The difference is the focus of both men in their temptations. It’s not easy to walk away from sensual appeals or the praise of men. However, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2), and leaning on the grace of God (2 Cor. 12:9) will always give us the victory.

            Fourth, Jesus prevailed because He was determined to do the will of the Father (Jn. 6:38). Consequently, He armed Himself with the word of God, the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17b), and He effectively used it against Satan. He did not just quote scripture; He lived it! That makes all the difference in spiritual warfare. We can’t call the devil’s bluff.

            So, as we journey through the year 2017, let’s remember that we will be tempted in every way. Our example should be Jesus and His victory (Lk. 4:1-12; Heb. 4:15). Let’s draw strength from Him and be prepared and determined to overcome every temptation that may come our way, and be fruitful.