The Temptation of a Two-Letter Word

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One temptation we may face right after Easter is whether or not we will follow through on the renewal we experienced as we celebrated God’s amazing grace. Easter reminds us of Who has ultimately won the battle. It refreshes our faith and gives us confidence that we can all be overcomers through Christ!  

But, what about those fleeting moments of doubt? Lows often come after the highs. Even Jesus experienced the ache of temptation – and not long after He had been baptized by John. In fact, when Satan came to tempt Jesus, he used a two-letter word to accuse Him and try to seduce Him into sin. What was the word?

 - If -

Yes, Satan took that two-lettered word and tried to play Jesus. In the Matthew 4:1-11 account of Jesus' temptation, we find these statements:

“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” 
“If you will bow down and worship me (all this I will give you).” 

Jesus wasn’t persuaded by Satan’s quick tongue or accusations, and we don't need to fall into those traps either. 1 John 2:16 describes the temptations Satan tries to throw at us - and even Jesus - as:

The lust of the flesh (or the cravings of sinful man)
The lust of the eyes 
The pride of life (or the boasting of what he has and does)

Jesus defense was the Word of God, and He was quick to share it. He was prepared, through fasting and prayer. We can also face the accusations of Satan without undue pressure and stress if we are watchful, wise and prepared with the Sword of the Spirit - God's truth. (Ephesians 6:17)

What’s fascinating about that little word, if, is that it shows up another time when Jesus had to deal with temptation. This time He is in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He poured out His heart to the Father and sought a different solution to His fate, these words were cried out in anguish:

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42

Quite the contrast! There is no accusation, but only a heart of submission.

The temptations we face in life are no different than what Jesus faced while He lived on this earth. As both the Son of Man and Son of God, He fully understands our frailty. He “has been tempted in every way, just as we are” but was without sin. He understands us, and He knows the temptations that we face. Because of those realities, we can go to our High Priest and “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” We can find God’s mercy and grace to help us overcome anything that Satan may throw our way. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

As we live each day in the resurrection power of our Savior may we embrace the fact that when (not if) we are tempted, God promises to always give us a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 encourages us that God “will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” That’s an amazing promise!

We, as believers, do not fight this battle alone! We have the Word of Truth, the Spirit of God, the empathy of Christ and God’s faithfulness to provide a way out. So, the next time you are faced with temptation to yell at the kids, roll your eyes at the church member or challenge your pastor (ahem, aka your husband) ... stand up and let the Devil know “Not Today!”

Note: For further inspiration (and to help you keep your cool today - or someday), check out this song entitled “Not Today” by Hillsong United at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kebQsnSTRI
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