‘Then the Devil came to him and said, “If you are God’s Son, order these stones to turn into bread.” After spending forty days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry. Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.’ ” ‘ Matthew 4:1-4

In the first temptation, we see how the first words that come out of Satan`s mouth are targeted at discrediting Jesus’ identity. He says “If you are the Son of God” In essence, he is saying if you are who you say who you are, not that I don’t know that, but do you? He challenges Jesus at His identity with the intention of making him question himself. This is exactly what he does today. Your true identity as defined by God is one of the areas the enemy replaces with a counterfeit one that he presents your way. You start to adopt certain practices, question your sexuality, your abilities, skin colour.

He goes on to tell Jesus to command the stones to turn into bread. What is most interesting is this; in the book of John, Jesus declares that he is the bread of life. Satan offered bread to the bread of life. How could he be offered something similar but less fulfilling? Nevertheless, that is the exact tactic of the enemy, in our vulnerabilities, insecurities, and inadequacies. He presents to us an image that resembles our true selves and the only difference being it would be of lesser value.

‘Then the Devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the Holy City, set him on the highest point of the Temple, and said to him, “If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says: ‘God will give orders to his angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’ ” Jesus answered, “But the scripture also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” ‘ Matthew 4:5-7

Apostle Joshua Selman likes to say, the number one evidence of a healthy spiritual life is a healthy prayer life. Mind you, prayer is not going to God to ask, its communion with God. In the second temptation, the devil takes Jesus to the highest point of the temple and plays the relationship card. This time around, the
devil uses scripture. This is a textbook strategy the enemy uses to lure us into sin. He shows you portions of scripture, which when read out of context, can lead one to believe it is the will of God.

Another very common approach is highlighting “gray areas” of scripture, leading some to believe that God is okay with certain sins. Amongst his poisonous facts that have penetrated society are
issues around pornography, masturbation, and homosexuality. One reason that has made this more than a morality issue is this; it has become an easy avenue for the enemy to keep many in bondage, driving a wedge between man and God.

‘Then the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. “All this I will give you,” the Devil said, “if you kneel down and worship me.” Then Jesus answered, “Go away, Satan! The scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’ ” Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him. ‘ Matthew 4:8-11

Desperate and frustrated, the enemy kicks it up a notch. In the third temptation, he offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He decided to target authority and dominion. The enemy offered Jesus
what He already had. In Matthew 28:18, He says, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (AMP). How many times have we been offered things we already have at the risk of compromising our authority in prayer, identity, or relationship with God? God says I have given you all things pertaining to life and godliness 1 Peter 1:3. He also says the heavens belong to Him but the earth He has given unto man and all dominion has been given over all on the earth Genesis 1:28, and yet here we are pursuing the counterfeit, at some compromise.