The story of Jesus’s temptation is a popular one, which you’ve surely heard as the basis of more than one sermon. But what is less known, however, is what Satan was really after. Notice how he launches his attack against Jesus:
“If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be turned into bread” (Matt. 4:3).
God had just previously declared an identity upon Jesus. And now Satan approaches Jesus in His weakest moment to question what God had already assured, taunting, “If you are the Son of God … .” Satan’s temptation was aimed to cause Jesus to doubt who He was and what He had.
Isn’t this the bulk of the issues we face and the beginning of so much of our own spiritual attacks? The Word of God contains a multitude of incredible assurances about who we are and what we have in Christ, and Satan comes to us with attacks, threats, lies and accusations that cause us to doubt it all.
Doing What Jesus Did
It’s important to notice how Jesus didn’t respond. He didn’t yell and scream at Satan as if His volume would make any difference. He didn’t run back to His disciples crying, “Please pray because the devil is lying to me.” Nor did He begin the latest self-help fad. No, what Jesus did is so much simpler. Three times He put the power of the Word of God at work against Satan by countering him with it. He boldly declared, “It is written,” effectively saying, “Shut up, devil!” This silenced Satan’s attacks and caused him to retreat.
You can apply Jesus’ model of spiritual warfare to whatever lies the enemy is launching at you today. Below I’ve listed a handful of Satan’s common attacks countered by the truth found in some of my favorite Satan-silencing Scriptures. As you read them, be sure to speak these truths aloud.
Addiction
I will not let myself be overcome by evil, but I will overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21).
Anxiety
I don’t worry about anything. Instead I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and I trust that all of my needs will be met (Matt. 6:31-33).
Fear
God has not given me a spirit of fear or shyness. Instead I have power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7).
Guilt
I’m in Christ, and therefore I’m a new creation. My record of wrongs is erased, and I’m no longer defined by my past or mistakes, but I have a fresh new start (2 Cor. 5:17)!
