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)

It is interesting to read twice that Jesus was led by the devil to the point of temptation (Lk. 4:5, 9). It is a powerful reminder that we too can be led by the devil that way. The question is whether we will prevail each time the devil leads us to that point or not? Since we are being called to “Live for God’s approval” this year, it’s crucial for us to learn from this experience of our Lord at the beginning of His earthly ministry, for strength against the devil.

Jesus overcame the devil because He was where the Father wanted Him to be according to the leading of the Holy Spirit (2). Many times, we wander from the Lord to places where we become vulnerable to the devil’s schemes. That’s why God commands us to walk by the Spirit to avoid gratifying the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16). The Spirit gives us strength to resist the devil and get him to flee from us (1 Peter 5:9).

Again, notice that even though Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, it was there the devil led Him to the points of temptation (2,5, 9). The point is, being led by the Spirit does not insulate anyone from temptation. The devil actively “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (8). That’s why we must know Satan’s schemes, so that he cannot outwit us.  (2 Cor. 2:11). The advantage in being led by the Spirit is not that we will be shielded from temptation, but that we’ll be strengthened by His power against it. The Spirit leads us to put on the armour of God for strength “in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10-11), so that when the day of evil comes, we, like Christ, will be able to stand our ground, after all is done (13). Again, when we’re led by the Spirit, we move in the authority of Christ “to overcome all the power of the enemy” (Lk. 10:19).

Recognize that what the devil leads you to hear, see, or feel will be tantalizing enough to bait you. The devil appealed to three areas of our vulnerability: the cravings of the flesh (Lk. 4:3-4); the glitter of this world (5-8), and the pride of life (9-12). It’s not easy to walk away from the captivating look of a beautiful lady or a handsome man. Looking the other way from a stash of cash or the latest BMW or an architectural novelty for residence is equally difficult. Likewise, it’s not a joke to shake off the praise of men and be humble. It takes the grace of God to always sustain us, and that’s why the final point is so important.

Never forget that Jesus prevailed because He was determined to do the Father’s will. Consequently, He armed Himself with the word of God, which He used effectively against Satan (Eph. 6:17b). He did not just quote scripture, He lived it, and that makes all the difference. The devil knows when you quote the word of God with no intention to live it. You can’t call his bluff.

 So, as you journey through 2018, remember that you will be tempted in every way. Your example should be Jesus and how He overcame His temptation. Study it, draw strength from it and, moving with wisdom, be readied, empowered and determined to overcome every temptation that may come your way.