Knowing the Devil's Playbook

When the Devil tempted Jesus in the desert, there were three different things that He challenged:

1. He challenged Christ’s lordship over His body – The first area that he tempted Jesus in was in His physical hunger. “If you’re the Son of God, turn these stones to bread.

2. He challenged Christ’s Lordship over the church – Throw yourself off of this temple and prove that you’re the Messiah that God promised. If you are, He’ll have His angels protect you

3. He challenged Christ’s lordship over the entire creation – Just worship me and I’ll give you the whole world right now.

In each one of these instances, the Devil offered Jesus something that He, Jesus, was already planning to prove that He had. Jesus was already planning to prove lordship over the flesh by raising from the dead. He was going to prove lordship over the church through many signs, wonders, and through His word. Jesus is also going to have every knee bow and tongue confess that He is Lord. The Devil offered Jesus what He already had. He didn’t change the ultimate goal or outcome. He just tried to alter God’s timing and remove the relationship piece.

If we look at Adam and Eve’s interaction with the Serpent, we’ll see the same pattern. God offered Adam and Eve His image, His likeness, wisdom, dominion, and rulership. The Serpent then came along and offered them the exact same package. The only thing he changed was the timing that God had instructed and the removal of the relationship piece.

As the Devil comes after us and attacks, the two things he wants to take away are God’s timing and ultimately our relationship with Him.

Just food for thought.

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field

- Genesis 3:1

Be not ignorant of Satan’s devices. Lest Satan should get an advantage over us.

- 2nd Corinthians 2:11

Pastor Ed Brewer