Still tempted? He hasn't stopped barking!

[Christ4Ever]

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." Matthew 4:1


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A Holy character does not avert temptation-Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ's case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work. Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he do it when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of. Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Ghost, expect that the great dog of hell will bark at you still. In the haunts of men we expect to be tempted, but even seclusion will not guard us from the same trial. Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness, and was tempted of the devil. Solitude has its charms and its benefits, and may be useful in checking the lust of the eye and the pride of life; but the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats. Do not suppose that it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-minded persons endure the same; and in the holiest position we may suffer the darkest temptation. The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against Satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through. It was His meat and drink to do the will of Him that sent Him: and yet He was tempted! Your hearts may glow with a seraphic flame of love to Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness. If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armour, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons, and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear.

Charles Spurgeon

Amen!

 

[Coconut]

It is not the strength of a mans devotion, but the object of a mans devotion ...

As much as I look up to Spurgeon, I am compelled to humbly add to his words here... because I think he left off without saying the most important thing...that is...all the demons on earth could not have brought Jesus down to Laodicean lukewarmness ...nor can all the demons on earth bring down any man who has His Spirit...tho it is true he will surely be sorely assaulted by satans flaming arrows ....satan will not prevail against that man, for he cannot...if .God be in him ...I believe 1 John 3:9 underscores this truth...a promise of rest for the weary.

so the object of our faith is not that we must to be at constant watch for devil(s).....tho we are aware of his devices....but the object is always Christ,....

'Not by [mans] might nor by [mans] power, but by MY SPIRIT,' Says the Lord of Armies. (Zechariah 4:6)



Blessings

 

[Christ4Ever]

Understand sister and agree.

Sometimes with Charles Spurgeon's sermons, attempting to squeeze 8 pages into a paragraph devotional leaves one excluding other jewels of thought that may also be found within the same sermon.
Thanks for sharing.

Blessings to you as well dear sister in Christ.