- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,539
"I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them," the devil said, "because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me." Luke 4:6-7 NLT
What if there was an easier way? It’s an innocent question that can open the door to wicked possibilities.
Jesus came to save the world for good and for the glory of God. He went to the cross to pay for our sins, and God was glorified by His sacrifice. But what if there was an easier way? Before you condemn this as heretical thinking, remember that Jesus Himself asked the Father whether there was another way (see Matthew 26:39).
Satan had a shortcut. In exchange for a little worship, Satan would give Jesus the glory of all the kingdoms of the world (see Luke 4:6-7).
Did Satan really have the authority to make this offer to Jesus? John 12:31 refers to Satan as “the ruler of this world.” Whether or not he had the authority, Satan’s offer came with a catch. Jesus had to disobey the first commandment by worshipping Satan instead of God.
Whenever a shortcut comes with a commandment-breaking catch, do what Jesus did. Answer Satan’s temptation with scripture and submit yourself to God. Say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Prayer: Lord, help me take the hard way when a shortcut would dishonor You.
What if there was an easier way? It’s an innocent question that can open the door to wicked possibilities.
Jesus came to save the world for good and for the glory of God. He went to the cross to pay for our sins, and God was glorified by His sacrifice. But what if there was an easier way? Before you condemn this as heretical thinking, remember that Jesus Himself asked the Father whether there was another way (see Matthew 26:39).
Satan had a shortcut. In exchange for a little worship, Satan would give Jesus the glory of all the kingdoms of the world (see Luke 4:6-7).
Did Satan really have the authority to make this offer to Jesus? John 12:31 refers to Satan as “the ruler of this world.” Whether or not he had the authority, Satan’s offer came with a catch. Jesus had to disobey the first commandment by worshipping Satan instead of God.
Whenever a shortcut comes with a commandment-breaking catch, do what Jesus did. Answer Satan’s temptation with scripture and submit yourself to God. Say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Prayer: Lord, help me take the hard way when a shortcut would dishonor You.
