If you are the Son of God? This was what Satan first said to Jesus to tempt him. These are the first recorded words of Satan to Jesus. Tell these stones to become bread (Matt. 4:1-4)). Jesus had been fasting for forty days. He was obviously hungry and weak. He was being tested by the Spirit out in the wilderness. He was wrestling with the reality of is divine origin. He would wrestle with his manly desire to prove himself. Satan knew this. Satan is a brilliant but fallen archangel of God. Satan's plans are crafted by superior knowledge and enacted by perfect timing. He's a schemer (Eph. 6:11). If ever Jesus was to sin, it would be now. It is written; "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God," Jesus answered. Not this time, Satan.

If you are the Son of God? This was the second attack. Throw yourself down. For it is written: "He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone" (Matt. 4:5-7). Satan even uses the Scripture to tempt us! And, this whole attack wasn't really about bread, it was about proving oneself. And, it was about getting Jesus to respond to Satan. So many sins are caused by individuals needing to prove themselves?in response to Satan's temptation?if you are so tough?; if you loved me you would?; if you weren't so insecure in your salvation? For sure, Jesus wanted to prove himself! He knew he was the Son of God. But, he still had to suffer to be made ready to do the ultimate?to become the source of our eternal salvation (Heb. 5:8-9). It is written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test," Jesus retorted. Jesus knew the Scriptures. Not this time either, Satan.

All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me, Satan then said (Matt. 4:8-10). It seems ironic that Satan was offering to give Jesus anything because as the Son of God, he already was heir to it all. The same thing happens to Christians every day though. And to think, Jesus would bow down to Satan? There's a lot to be had serving the world?serving Satan. It's easy to see that wickedness can yield some big, short-term gains. The gains are short-term though. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Gal. 6:7). One never gets away with a sin. It has to be paid for. Every time. There's ALWAYS a cost! In the eternal picture, unless Christ pays for it, you will. In the temporary, even if Christ is paying for your sins because you've accepted him, you will still have to suffer sin's consequences?guilt, pain, alienation, punishment, estranged relationships, etc. Sin is how we bow down and worship Satan. We worship and serve created things, namely ourselves (Rom. 1:21-25). Not Jesus though. He blazed the trail. He set us the best example. Away from me, Satan! For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Not this time either, Satan.

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him (Matt. 4:11). Is Satan dogging you right now? Follow Jesus, and say, not this time, Satan. He will leave if you do it Jesus' way. You can, you know.