Deeper Life #364

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

—Matthew 4:10

THE CENTRAL CITADEL FOR THE Devil’s attack on Jesus was the same as for his attack upon us—“my right to myself.” He tempted Jesus to do God’s work in His own way.

Likewise, even when a soul is sanctified, the Devil attempts to get the saint to do God’s work in his own selfish way. He will do anything to dethrone the Lord as Lord!

The keynote of Jesus’ reply, throughout the temptation, was His steady insistence that” For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Is this your testimony, too?

Prayer Thought: Forgive me, O Lord, when I insist on my own way. Help me to realize that Satan works through selfishness on my part.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 4:1–11