TEMPTATION

The devil vexed Job, deceived David, and caused Peter to fall. It is he, whom the Bible calls a 'murderer', a 'liar', and a 'roaring lion'. He remains our enemy to this day. Satan tempts us in three ways; we see these tactics used against the very Son of God ... 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:1-4

First, he tries to get us to distrust God’s providential care. The temptation is to solve our own problems and meet our own needs (using our own plans, in our own power). 

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands, they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Matthew 4:5-7

Second, he wants us to presume upon God’s grace by willingly putting ourselves in harm's way (whether it be physical, economic, moral, or spiritual). Note that Satan used Scripture in an attempt to legitimize this temptation. This is also the manner by which false teachers persuade men as they misinterpret the Word of God. 

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.  Matthew 4:8-11

Third, he appeals to our prideful nature and selfish ambitions. The devil tempts us to scheme our way into receiving that which the Lord has already promised; in other words ... God’s plan, but Satan’s way. 

Wiersbe - Satan uses temptation to bring out the worst in us, but God uses these difficult experiences to build us. 

Remember ... 'temptation' in itself is not sin. 'Yielding to temptation' is what you are to fear. The Holy Spirit abides in you but doesn't insulate you from being tempted. The Lord instead promises an escape ... but if you walk in the Spirit, you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16) 

Jesus Christ overcame the evil one by using the Word of God. It behooves us to study the Bible, commit it to memory, and abide by its truths. Only then are we equipped to recognize and resist temptation.