AND HE WAS THERE IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert)







BEING

FORTY DAYS, (being) TEMPTED (BY) SATAN (or the Adversary);



















AND (He) WAS WITH THE WILD BEASTS (or ANIMALS); AND THE ANGELS (ATTENDED) (TO) HIM (or took care of Him-JNT).













AND IN THOSE DAYS HE DID EAT NOTHING:

WHERE DO TEMPTATIONS COME FROM?

   Eph 6:12-shows us that temptations come from the following.  FOR WE WRESTLE…AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES.  Eph 1:10-18 helps us to understand how to fight these temptations.  Little do people understand or believe that the ungodly thoughts they have—the imaginations that contradict the Word of God and leads a person to disobey God, are actually coming from demonic forces that we can hear and feel but cannot see-ref 2 Cor 10:5.  The kind of heart we have, coupled with the degree that we believe God’s Word (faith which worketh by love-ref Gal 5:6) ultimately determines how we respond to temptations.  When a person hears God’s word, if it is not mixed with true Biblical faith, it profits nothing-ref Heb 4:2.

   Ja 1:14,15 shows us: BUT EVERY MAN IS TEMPTED, WHEN HE IS DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUST, AND ENTICED.  THEN WHEN LUST HATH CONCEIVED, IT BRINGETH FORTH SIN: AND SIN, WHEN IT IS FINISHED, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH.

Temptations come from the Mk 4:19-THE CARES OF THIS WORLD (or life), AND THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES, AND THE LUSTS OF OTHER THINGS ENTERING IN, CHOKE THE WORD, AND IT BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL.

   People are tempted because they are afraid, as it is written Mt 25:25-AND I WAS AFRAID, AND WENT AND HID THY TALENT IN THE EARTH.  God tells us, Pv 29:25-THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGETH A SNARE.

   People are tempted as they are angry about something, as it is written Ja 1:20-22-FOR THE WRATH OF MAN WORKETH NOT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.  Pv 29:22-AN ANGRY MAN STIRRETH UP STRIFE, AND A FURIOUS MAN ABOUNDETH IN TRANSGRESSION.  God warns us, Pv 22:24-25-MAKE NO FRIENDSHIP WITH AN ANGRY MAN; AND WITH A FURIOUS MAN THOU SHALT NOT GO: LEST THOU LEARN HIS WAYS, AND GET A SNARE TO THY SOUL.  In other words don’t do this as you may be tempted and your soul may be snared.

   People are tempted as they DECEIVE THEIR OWN HEART-Ja 1:26.  They can seem to be religious but they do not control their own tongue.  Ja 1:26 THIS MAN'S RELIGION IS VAIN (or we may say worthless).  Indeed Pv 29:20-SEEST THOU A MAN THAT IS HASTY IN HIS WORDS? THERE IS MORE HOPE OF A FOOL THAN OF HIM.  A person that talks and talks and talks is usually very self centered and not Christ centered.

   Another way we are tempted is through unbelievers and make believe Christians.  Israel was commanded to be separate from the heathen lest they be led astray.  People that are born-again are also commanded not to have fellowship with unbelievers as it opens a door to be tempted.  We are taught to pray Mt 6:13-AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION.  How is it that some pray this prayer and yet lead themselves into temptation by disobeying God’s Word?  2 Cor 6:14-17-BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS?  AND WHAT CONCORD HATH CHRIST WITH BELIAL? OR WHAT PART HATH HE THAT BELIEVETH WITH AN INFIDEL?  AND WHAT AGREEMENT HATH THE TEMPLE OF GOD WITH IDOLS?  FOR YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD; AS GOD HATH SAID, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, AND WALK IN THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.  WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU.
   One may say that the center of yielding to temptations is that a person’s heart is centered more of self (or selfish desires) than on the desire to please Jesus, on the fear of God, and His judgment.

   Deut 30:17-shows us our own heart can deceive us.  It is written-BUT IF THINE HEART TURN AWAY, SO THAT THOU WILT NOT HEAR, BUT SHALT BE DRAWN AWAY, AND WORSHIP OTHER GODS, AND SERVE THEM.  Indeed Jere 17:9-THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?  Mt 13:15-There are people whose HEART IS WAXED GROSS, AND THEIR EARS ARE DULL OF HEARING, AND THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED. 
   There are people that have a wayside heart-ref Mt 13:19, a stony heart-ref Mt 13:5, a thorny heart-ref Mt 13:7, and a heart that is like a wave-ref Ja 1:6.  There is a gross heart-ref Mt 13:15; a hardened heart-ref Mk 6:52; a troubled heart-ref Jn 14:27; a lying heart-ref Acts 5:3; an uncircumcised heart-ref Acts 7:51; a heart not right-ref Acts 8:21; a foolish heart-ref Ro 1:21; an unrepentant heart-ref Ro 2:5; an evil heart-ref Heb 3:12, a covetous heart-ref 2 Pe 2:14; a deceitful heart-Jere 17:9; and a desperately wicked heart-Jere 17:9.  Some have a double minded heart-Ja 4:8.  Some look like they are a Christian as they-DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONOURETH ME WITH THEIR LIPS; BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME-Mt 15:8.  Some have a hard heart-Mk 6:52.  Indeed there are people that believe on Jesus and get baptized as the Scriptures say, and follow born-again ministers of God-ref Acts 8:13.  They look as if they are a true Christian and yet their HEART IS NOT RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD-Acts 8:21.  1 Jn 2:19 also shows us people that look like they are born-again, yet they are not.  There are many more.  

   Temptations come from:
   Afflictions
   Anger
   Being offended
   Cares of this world (or life)
   Conceit
   Deceitfulness of riches
   Deceive their own heart
   Deceive themselves
   Do not control their own tongue
   Fear or being afraid
   Filthiness
   Furious
   Hasty in his words
   Heart.  a person’s heart turns them away.
   Love of this world
   Lust
   Lusts of other things
   Naughtiness
   Persecutions
   Pleasures of this life
   Powers
   Pride. 
   Principalities
   Rulers of the darkness of this world
   Spiritual wickedness in high places.  Eph 1:10-18 helps us to understand how to fight these temptations.
   The devil
   Through unbelievers
   Tribulations and Troubles


   There are many Scriptures telling us how to fight Satan.  There are many examples throughout the Bible of what to do and what not to do.  Only a few are presented here.
   We are in a war, a fight, a conflict, a struggle, a wrestling match.  It is a fight going on for your soul.  You are in an army and you are a soldier.  A soldier must prepare.  A soldier first goes to basic training to learn how to fight.  When a person surrenders their life to Jesus, they need to do the same thing.  Regretfully, many say they want Jesus, but they will not surrender their life to Him.  They will not allow Him to become the Lord of their life.  They want heaven, but they also want to control their own life.  Stubbornness and rebellion to God’s Word brings death.  Surrender, humbleness, and childlikeness brings life.
   We need to Be strong in the Lord, and rely on His power-ref Eph 6:10.  We need to Eph 6:11-PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES (or devices or schemes) OF THE DEVIL.  We need to do everything possible according to God’s Word to stand against Satan’s many attacks.  V12-FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES.  V13-WHEREFORE TAKE UNTO YOU THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD.  The whole armour of God is God’s Word, which produces faith, plus being a doer of the Word and not just reading or hearing it.  We need to do this so THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY, AND HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND.  Regretfully, few people will do all that is needed to be done to stand.  V14-STAND THEREFORE, HAVING YOUR LOINS GIRT ABOUT WITH TRUTH.  The truth is Jesus, the Word, and rightly dividing the Word.  AND HAVING ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.  In other words having on Jesus.  V15-AND YOUR FEET SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.  You stand on Jesus.  You stand on God’s Word.  V16-ABOVE ALL, TAKING THE SHIELD OF FAITH which comes from God’s Word.  Faith is a shield.  We do this so we SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH or put out or cast down ALL THE FIERY DARTS which are those thoughts which arise in your heart and mind, the emotions, knots, and burning feelings which arise in stomach.  These come from the Wicked one.  V17-AND TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION (or trust in Jesus), AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.  Regretfully, (in this wicked, adulterous, and lukewarm generation) most professing Christians are not people of true Biblical faith which deny themselves and pick up their cross and follow Jesus. 
   1 Tim 6:12 tells us to FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH.  We are in a fight against Satan.  It is called a fight OF faith. 
   Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  We need to put aside all obstacles, and excuses, and begin to study God’s Word for it is written, Hos 4:6-MY PEOPLE ARE DESTROYED FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.  We get and grow in knowledge by studying and obeying God’s Word as it is written in 2 Tim 2:15-STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD.  The next part of the verse is A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED.  We are not only to study but be a worker for God, living by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.  The last part of 2 Tim 2:15 says-RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.  It is difficult for many to rightly divide God’s Word in this generation because of personal desires, baggage from the past they will not forsake, and much preaching on the airwaves and pulpits that mixes truth with error.
   Jesus tells us clearly-Mt 11:29-LEARN OF ME.  This needful and first command few obey.  They let the world, their own desires, and other things crowd in.  Learning God’s Word for most takes 2nd or 3rd place, or no place at all.  It ought to be 1st place in our life. 
   When Satan attacks us, expect Lk 24:38-THOUGHTS (to) ARISE IN YOUR HEARTS and your emotions to rise. 
   Another defense is to deny yourself, deny your worldly desires, pick up your cross and follow Jesus-ref Lk 9:23. 
   It is written, LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, (every obstacle, every excuse, everything that hinders our walk with the Lord) AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US, AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE (the works, the course) THAT IS SET BEFORE US (by God), LOOKING UNTO JESUS…-Heb 12:1,2.
   2 Tim 2:4-NO MAN THAT WARRETH ENTANGLETH HIMSELF WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS LIFE; THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM WHO HATH CHOSEN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER.  Don’t become entangled with the affairs of this life.  Don’t take on unnecessary pressures.  Don’t give a place to Satan to attack you by disobeying even one Scripture. 
   Lk 14:33-So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.  Understand that WHOSOEVER WILL SAVE HIS LIFE SHALL LOSE IT: BUT WHOSOEVER WILL LOSE HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE, THE SAME SHALL SAVE IT.  FOR WHAT IS A MAN ADVANTAGED, IF HE GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIMSELF, OR BE CAST AWAY?-Lk 9:24,25.
   And never be ashamed or embarrassed about Jesus, as it is written-FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL BE ASHAMED OF ME AND OF MY WORDS, OF HIM SHALL THE SON OF MAN BE ASHAMED-Lk 9:26.  Indeed, some will perish as they say these words, but God I WAS AFRAID-Mt 25:25.  I was afraid when I went to serve you.  I was afraid when I went to witness.  I was afraid of what might happen.  I was afraid because I didn’t know enough of God’s Word.  I was afraid of the people’s threats, so I made excuses.  I was afraid to pray over my food in a public restaurant as people might stare at me.  I was afraid to give tithes as I might not be able to pay my bills.  God tells such a person that they are a wicked and lazy servant-ref Mt 25:26.
   Be faithful to God’s Word, to Jesus in all that you do and then you should hear these words-Mt 25:21-WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT: THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE RULER OVER MANY THINGS: ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD.
   Fight the good fight of faith as Ja 4:7 says-#1 SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD (to His Word, to obeying His Word) and #2-RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
   When it comes to being tempted by sin the Scriptures tell us Heb 12:4-YE HAVE NOT YET RESISTED UNTO BLOOD, STRIVING (or struggling) AGAINST SIN..  Study, learn, understand and obey God’s Word, and use it against Satan as Jesus did.  A little story goes like this.  A bad man jumped into a car and forced the girl to drive away.  She got emotional and begin to say, I can’t take all this pressure in my head.  He held a weapon to her head and said, if you don’t straighten up, your head won’t be there.  She immediately got herself under control.  You can resist sin.  You can get yourself under control through faith.  The problem is that perhaps you don’t want to give up certain sins and desires. 
   2 Cor 10:3-5-FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH: (FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL (or worldly), BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS;).  We are to cast DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.  We are to bring  INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST.  We are to be obedient.  2 Tim 2:3-THOU THEREFORE ENDURE HARDNESS (problems, difficulties, persecutions), AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST.

   Some may think God tempts them, but this is wrong.  Such thinking is from the devil.  It is written Ja 1:13-LET NO ONE SAY WHEN HE IS TEMPTED, "I AM TEMPTED BY GOD"; FOR GOD CANNOT BE TEMPTED BY EVIL, NOR DOES HE HIMSELF TEMPT ANYONE-NKJ

   Satan is called the tempter.  It is written, AND WHEN THE TEMPTER (or Satan) CAME TO HIM-Mt 4:3.  Satan will tempt you or trick you to disobey God.  Jesus was LED UP...TO BE TEMPTED OF THE DEVIL-Mt 4:1.  Satan wants to cause you to fall.  It is written, LEST BY SOME MEANS THE TEMPTER HAVE TEMPTED YOU, AND OUR LABOR BE IN VAIN-1 Thes 3:5.  Often his temptations come like they did on Eve.  It is very subtle.  It is a very small temptation.  It involves just a little disobedience.  The disobedience or temptation may prompt you to do something that is so insignificant, you do not even consider it as a temptation or a test.  Once you disobey or listen to a little thing, then a little bigger temptation should follow later.  Satan tempts you in very subtle ways, because he knows if you recognize the temptation as it really is that you should resist it and not give in.  Giving in to a little temptation can result in a little blindness.  Then it can grow and grow until total darkness sets in.  Beware of Satan’s devices.  Remember, first Eve was tempted.  She disobeyed God.  Then she did even more sin as she tempted Adam.  Then Adam fell. Remember, SELFISHNESS AND PRIDE QUESTIONS, ARGUES WITH, AND DOUBTS GOD’S WORD.  A good and honest heart does not. 
   When a person falls they don’t know it as they forget what manner of person they were and the darkness blinds them.  However, other born again Christians around them may know it.  If the fallen person is not childlike to correction, if he doesn’t take the lifeline of correction to help himself up, he is usually doomed to die.  You cannot say you did not know.



   Mk 1:13 (pt 1).          AND HE (this is Jesus)—
   WAS THERE IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert).  The Spirit sent Jesus away from people and the distractions of the world to do his long fast.  It is written in Mt 6:17,18-BUT, WHEN THOU FASTEST,…FAST,…UNTO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET: AND THY FATHER, WHICH SEETH IN SECRET, SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY.  Do not proclaim you are fasting to people.  Do it in secret as it is written in Mt 6:1-WHEN YE FAST, BE NOT, AS THE HYPOCRITES, OF A SAD COUNTENANCE: FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES, THAT THEY MAY APPEAR UNTO MEN TO FAST. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD.  The verses continue—

   Lk 4:2 (pt 1).               BEING

   Mk 1:13 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:2 (pt 2). FORTY DAYS, (being) TEMPTED (BY) SATAN (or the Adversary).  Even though a person is fasting, away from people and the distractions of the world, Satan can tempt us in various ways in our fleshly desires, thoughts, and even dreams.  The temptations from Satan continued (sometimes more and sometimes less) during the entire ministry of Jesus.  The temptations came even when He was hanging on the cross. 
   In the same way, the children of God can expect to be tempted by Satan until the Lord calls them home.  The war or conflict with principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places is a battle for your soul-ref Eph 6:12.  Those that build on the Rock (which is Jesus) and (which is God’s Word) will win.  Those that build on the sand (or any way other than Jesus) will perish. 

   When fasting, a person can be asleep and have a dream that seems so real, they can awake thinking they ate something. They can have thoughts they must leave where they are because something is happening somewhere or to someone that requires their attention.  If there is a telephone nearby, they can be tempted to call someone.  Yet despite this, as the darts in ones stomach disappear, and the desires of the flesh lessen, God oftentimes opens up the Scriptures in incredible ways to those that fast.  At the end of a 7 day fast with praying, the emotions a person had just a few days earlier have greatly decreased. The fiery darts (or up tightness) in ones stomach has greatly dissipated. Sexual desires decrease.  Much of the emotional hold Satan has on a person can be broken with such a fast of at least 7 days.  Jesus, Moses, and Elijah fasted 40 days-ref Deut 9:9; 1 Ki 19:8. Paul mentioned fastings often, but gave no details-2 Cor 11:27. Paul mentions a 14 day fast-ref Acts 27:33.
The verses continue—

   Mk 1:13 (pt 3). AND (He) WAS WITH THE WILD BEASTS (or ANIMALS). This shows that Jesus had gotten away from any people and surrounding villages or cities. It shows the hostility of the environment he was in.  The verse continues—
   AND THE ANGELS (ATTENDED) (TO) HIM (or took care of Him-JNT). With the angels attending to Jesus and His heavenly Father watching over Him, there was nothing to fear from the wild animals.  Jesus did His fast just as any born-again Christian would do. It is doubtful that He had any special help.  He would not have used His divine powers.  After His fast was over and the temptations from Satan were finished, the angels probably brought Him food.

   Should a person be called of God to do a 40 day fast, as the fast nears the end, it is good to have another person nearby to assist you when you are finished—however, not immediately with you until the end.  It is a time to be spent with God, not with people. In the case of Jesus, the angels took care of Him, as they indeed do for all born-again Christians that fast in accordance with God’s will and calling.
   Nevertheless, every born-again Christian has one or more angels (which are ministering spirits) watching over them continually-ref Mt 18:10; Heb 1:14. The verse continues—

   Lk 4:2 (pt 3).            AND IN THOSE DAYS HE DID EAT NOTHING. Because Jesus fasted in the wilderness, we may also surmise that the Spirit led Him there for this purpose also.  Moses fasted forty days-ref Ex 24:18, 34:28.  Elijah appears to have fasted forty days-ref 1 Ki 19:8.

A fast unto the Lord, as Jesus did, involves no food, no fruit juices, no vitamin pills, etc.—only lots of water.  Jesus fasted forty days-ref Lk 4:1,2. The devil tempted him-ref Lk 4:3-13. 

   When doing a fast, if there is a medical problem, certainly consult a doctor—a born-again one preferably.  We may also note that Jesus withdrew Himself from people during His time of fasting and was led BY THE SPIRIT INTO THE WILDERNESS. A person needs to get away from people and things that could distract him.  This is confirmed in the previous Scripture as well, as it is written in 1 Cor 7:5-DEFRAUD YE NOT ONE THE OTHER, EXCEPT IT BE WITH CONSENT FOR A TIME, THAT YE MAY GIVE YOURSELVES TO FASTING AND PRAYER.
   The authors of this commentary recommend born-again Christians consider fasting two half days a week or one full day a week., ref Lk 18:12-I FAST TWICE IN THE WEEK, plus other Scriptures also.
   They also recommend fasting at least once a year for 7 days.  Even though a 7 day fast is difficult, the rewards after are tremendous.  Before a person would attempt a 10 or 14 day fast, it is recommended they do a 7 day fast.  In a few rare and special cases, God does call His servants to do a 21 or 40 day fast.  In doing a fast of 40 days, if it highly recommended that a person knows it is God calling him to do it.  During the last 10 days, it is good for the person fasting to have someone they can contact should help be needed.  Walking gets quite difficult as 40 days approach.  Vomiting may take place. We also recommend consulting a born-again brother in Christ that has done such a fast on what to expect before attempting it.
   When a person fasts for a long time (no food, no vitamins, no fruit juices should be taken, only water ), be sure to drink plenty of water.  Filtered or bottled water is preferable if possible.
   A person needs to purpose in their mind they will complete the fast and not give up.  Many thoughts arise in a person’s mind.  One of the main temptations is to give up: to not finish the fast (of seven days, ten days, twenty-one days, or forty days, or whatever) that God has called him to do.  It is good to be in a place with no distractions, no family, no television or radio, no newspapers, and no people around etc.  It is a time to dwell in God’s Word and to pray as much as possible without distraction.  Satan often tempts the person to call or go and see someone during a fast.  Jesus was alone for the entire time.  He set the example we are to follow. 
   A person may have dreams about their favorite foods.  Lying thoughts from Satan may arise in a person’s mind that something is happening and they have to give up their fast and attend to certain problems.  During these times, the Scriptures often become much more alive to a person as the desires of the flesh subside.  It is written in Ps 109:24-MY KNEES ARE WEAK THROUGH FASTING; AND MY FLESH FAILETH OF FATNESS.
   As a person goes into their fourth day and beyond, they may find themselves sleeping more and more, but not feeling greatly refreshed physically. 
   Once a person finishes their fast, they should begin eating small amounts.  Some recommend a small amount of soup. Wait a few hours and do it again. Slowly return to normal eating habits. It is not uncommon for a person to lose about 1 to 2 pounds a day.  It is not uncommon to develop a white film on one's tongue, as the body eliminates toxins.  Bad breath may occur.  The darts a person may have in their stomach when stress comes from Satan, begins to disappear during a fast, especially after 4 or 5 days. It helps break those fiery darts from Satan.  Satan knows this and thus fights a person that wishes to fast for 7 days or more.
   After the fast is over, the fiery darts are still gone.  They slowly return over a period (months).  It is not uncommon that once a person is finished fasting, Satan is waiting for them with a surprise.  There are many Scriptures in the Bible about fasting and the tremendous benefits.  We recommend a concordance to help you look them up.
   Mt 9:15-AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, BUT THE DAYS WILL COME, WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM (which is Jesus) SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THEM, AND THEN SHALL THEY FAST.
   Isa 58:3-9-WHEREFORE HAVE WE FASTED, SAY THEY, AND THOU SEEST NOT?  WHEREFORE HAVE WE AFFLICTED OUR SOUL, AND THOU TAKEST NO KNOWLEDGE?  BEHOLD, IN THE DAY OF YOUR FAST YE FIND PLEASURE, AND EXACT ALL YOUR LABOURS. BEHOLD, YE FAST FOR STRIFE AND DEBATE, AND TO SMITE WITH THE FIST OF WICKEDNESS: YE SHALL NOT FAST AS YE DO THIS DAY, TO MAKE YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD ON HIGH.  IS IT SUCH A FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN?  A DAY FOR A MAN TO AFFLICT HIS SOUL?  IS IT TO BOW DOWN HIS HEAD AS A BULRUSH, AND TO SPREAD SACKCLOTH AND ASHES UNDER HIM?  WILT THOU CALL THIS A FAST, AND AN ACCEPTABLE DAY TO THE LORD?  IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN?  TO LOOSE THE BANDS OF WICKEDNESS, TO UNDO THE HEAVY BURDENS, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND THAT YE BREAK EVERY YOKE?  IS IT NOT TO DEAL THY BREAD TO THE HUNGRY, AND THAT THOU BRING THE POOR THAT ARE CAST OUT TO THY HOUSE?  WHEN THOU SEEST THE NAKED, THAT THOU COVER HIM; AND THAT THOU HIDE NOT THYSELF FROM THINE OWN FLESH?  THEN SHALL THY LIGHT BREAK FORTH AS THE MORNING, AND THINE HEALTH SHALL SPRING FORTH SPEEDILY: AND THY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHALL GO BEFORE THEE; THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE THY REREWARD.  THEN SHALT THOU CALL, AND THE LORD SHALL ANSWER; THOU SHALT CRY, AND HE SHALL SAY, HERE I AM. IF THOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE MIDST OF THEE THE YOKE, THE PUTTING FORTH OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING VANITY.
   Mt 6:16-18-MOREOVER WHEN YE FAST, BE NOT, AS THE HYPOCRITES, OF A SAD COUNTENANCE: FOR THEY DISFIGURE THEIR FACES, THAT THEY MAY APPEAR UNTO MEN TO FAST. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD. BUT THOU, WHEN THOU FASTEST, ANOINT THINE HEAD, AND WASH THY FACE; THAT THOU APPEAR NOT UNTO MEN TO FAST, BUT UNTO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET: AND THY FATHER, WHICH SEETH IN SECRET, SHALL REWARD THEE OPENLY.
   One of the authors of this commentary went into a certain church.  As it is recalled, the minister of that church asked the congregation to fast a half a day.  The reaction was incredible.  It was as if they wanted to run the preacher out of the church and get rid of him for suggesting such a thing.  Such are the ways of many unbelieving or worldly Christians.  Real born-again Christians are few.
The verses continue—

   Mt 4:2 (pt 1). AND WHEN HE HAD FASTED FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS.  Such a fast means He ate nothing at all for 40 days, but did drink water only. 

There are various lengths of fast mentioned in the Bible. Various fasts people might consider are a half day, a full day, three days, seven days, ten days, fourteen days, twenty one days, forty days. Forty days is the longest. Jesus fasted forty days. Others that fasted 40 days include Moses-ref Deut 9:9,11,18,25; possibly Joshua-Ex 24; and 32, plus Elijah-ref 1 Ki 19:8. The verses continue—

   Lk 4:2 (pt 4). AND WHEN THEY (HAD) ENDED, HE AFTERWARD


   Mt 4:2 (pt 2). HE

   Mt 4:2 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:2 (pt 5). (BECAME HUNGRY).  The 40 day fast was now completed.


   Mt 4:3 (pt 1).            AND WHEN THE TEMPTER (this is another name for Satan).  The verse continues—
   CAME TO HIM.  Mt 4:1 had mentioned that Jesus had been led into the wilderness to be tempted.  Mk 1:13 uses the words, forty days tempted of Satan.  Throughout the 40 day fast that Jesus did, He was tempted.  Now that Jesus is at His weakest, the tempter returns.  The devil wasted no time in coming to Jesus to tempt Him.  The verse continues—

   Lk 4:3 (pt 1).             AND

   Mt 4:3 (pt 2) ref Lk 4:3 (pt 2).    THE DEVIL


   Mt 4:3 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 3). SAID,


   Lk 4:3 (pt 4).              (TO) HIM.  The devil did come to Jesus and did speak to him. 
   The devil speaks to people-ref Gen 3:1-ref 6; Lk 4:3,6.  He speaks to us in our thoughts, imaginations, our hearts, our emotions, through our hurts, through our personal desires, through our lusts, through other people, through circumstances, and in other ways as well.  The voice we actually hear in our heart and mind is often so loud, and persuasive, that we are usually positive it is our own thoughts giving us the right thing to do.  The idea that it is Satan speaking to us usually seems ridiculous.  It usually doesn’t even come to our mind.  THE DEVIL SAID TO HIM—

   Mt 4:3 (pt 4), Lk 4:3 (pt 5). IF (YOU) (ARE) THE SON OF GOD.  It appears Satan was tempting Jesus from more than one angle.  Satan appears to have been trying to make Jesus doubt that he was the SON OF GOD.  Satan appears to have been trying make Jesus believe that it was only in His thoughts that He was the SON OF GOD and that is was really not true.  In other words, “Who do you think you are?”  At a later time the people said to Jesus in Jn 8:53- WHOM MAKEST THOU THYSELF?  And in Jn 10:33-THOU, BEING A MAN, MAKEST THYSELF GOD. 
   Perhaps, in addition to Satan trying to put doubts in the thoughts of Jesus about God being His Father, he may also have been implying that if God is your Father, He is unkind and unfaithful in letting you go hungry.  He will not help you.  You have to do it yourself.  Thus the accuser (which is Satan) tries to overthrow our trust, our dependence, and our personal relationship with God.  The devil often puts negative, accusing, and hateful thoughts in our minds about God when things are not going the way we want.  He did this with the children of Israel as they wondered in the wilderness in the place Massah, and Meribah.  They tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?-Ex 17:7.  They did not believe God would provide them bread-ref Ex 16:3.
   It may also be said that Satan was telling Jesus to prove who He was by doing some divine thing. 
   We are to trust in and love God, even in the hardest, the darkest, and the most difficult of times.  A person’s trust and love will be tested time and time again to see if it is genuine or not.  When our minds are filled with thoughts contrary to God’s Word, that try to shake and overthrow our faith in God, will we stand or fall?  This battle persisted with Eve as Satan said, HATH GOD SAID-ref Gen 3:1.  Eve finally disobeyed God.
   Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God-ref Mt 4:3-11; Lk 4:3-13. 
   Some believe this could be translated, “Since thou art…”  The verse continues—
   COMMAND.  Satan was tempting Jesus to do something which would not be led of His Father.  Satan was trying to trick Him to do something he wanted Jesus to do-to disobey His Father.  Satan wanted Jesus to use His divine powers.  In the same way, Satan puts thoughts in all our minds to do things which are sin.  Often they seem like next to nothing.  They may even seem like a good idea.  To have an obedient walk with Jesus, born-again Christians need to know God’s voice and to know when it is the voice of deception in our thoughts and emotions.  We need to cast DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST-2 Cor 10:5.  If we don’t, our emotions can lead us to believe lies, and ignore reality.  The verse continues—Command

   Mt 4:3 (pt 5).             THAT

   Mt 4:3 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 6). THESE STONES


   Lk 4:3 (pt 7).              THAT IT

   Mt 4:3 (pt 7), ref Lk 4:3 (pt 8). (BECOME) BREAD.  Jesus after his 40 day fast was hungry.  Satan tempts Him with something that sounds like the right thing to do.  He tempts Jesus in the area of His immediate and greatest need, which was food.  Jesus was in the wilderness, where there was probably no food available.  Satan also used a temptation regarding food in dealing with Eve and succeeded.  Expect the forces of darkness to observe you carefully, looking for areas to attack you through your thoughts, desires, and any sin, baggage, or yokes you have not repented of.  Even if you have repented of them, Satan may use them again to tempt you.  Desire, poverty, emotional and physical pain, stress, various hurts, being tired, as well as loneliness gives a place for the Devil to attack unsuspecting people in the areas of anger, frustration, dissatisfaction, depression, and unbelief.  These can often result in a person trusting in something other that God for their relief.  A person may justify what they do because of the situation they are in.  Satan tempts them in some way.  They sin against God and may even accuse God, and after may say, “I’ve done no wrong.”.  A person is to obey God’s Word and walk by faith, not by sight.  It is better to endure the hardship now than to live and prosper in sin and perish afterwards.  One purpose of doing a miracle such as turning stones to bread is to bring people to faith or to confirm faith that leads one to salvation-ref Jn 6:4, 12:18.  Such a purpose was not possible with Satan.
   Satan appears to be telling Jesus, if you are really the SON OF GOD, prove it by doing what I told you to do.  Prove it by using your divine power.  Rely on yourself, not that of your Father.  Satan wants us to trust in ourself and do things our own way.  God wants us to trust in Him and do things His way.  In the wilderness, Israel did not seem to believe God could provide food for them.  Jesus, in the wilderness, appears to be being tempted to believe His Father in heaven would not provide food for Him.  We must be careful that we do not give any place for the devil nor even give the appearance of not trusting in God.  Jesus knew that all things would be provided to Him by the Father as were needed.  This is true for all that follow and obey God. 
   The way Jesus responded to the temptations was to be an example of how each of us should respond.  He responded as a man. 
   Jesus responded to all three temptations that he was to be tested with from the devil by using the Word of God.  He used the words from Deuteronomy which is also called the book of obedience.  Satan wanted Jesus to respond independently, apart from His Father.  He wanted Jesus to use His divine power.  However, to our knowledge, Jesus is never recorded using His divine power for himself to fight against Satan.  Jesus fed others by His divine power, but he would not yield to Satan’s temptation and feed Himself.  Mostly He used His divine power to help others. 
   Born-again Christians, when tempted, are not to act independently from their heavenly Father.  When Satan tests born-again Christians, he wants them to respond using worldly or carnal knowledge which he can easily defeat.  A person cannot argue successfully with worldly wisdom against the prince of this world-the devil.  Satan wants them to respond independently from the Father, and the Word when he tempts or tests them.  God’s Word clearly shows us how born-again Christians are to respond.  It is written, 2 Cor 10:4-(FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS;)
   Eve, and then Adam were tempted regarding food.  They fell.  The children of Israel wandering the wilderness were tempted regarding food.  God was angry with their response,  Jesus was tempted by Satan regarding food.  This time Satan did not succeed. 
   It is not uncommon that sometime after a person receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, as they seek to follow Him, that they are tested regarding food.  There may come difficult times and they have little to eat.  Their trust in God is being tested.  The Bible tells us of the BEGGAR NAMED LAZARUS, WHICH WAS…FULL OF SORES, AND DESIRING TO BE FED WITH THE CRUMBS WHICH FELL FROM THE RICH MAN'S TABLE:…THE BEGGAR DIED, AND WAS CARRIED BY THE ANGELS INTO ABRAHAM'S BOSOM.  The rich man died and went to hell.  ABRAHAM SAID to the rich man, SON, REMEMBER THAT THOU IN THY LIFETIME RECEIVEDST THY GOOD THINGS, AND LIKEWISE LAZARUS EVIL THINGS: BUT NOW HE IS COMFORTED, AND THOU ART TORMENTED.  Heb 11:36-39 tells us of God’s people that had faith of whom the world was not worthy, yet they had TRIAL OF CRUEL MOCKINGS AND SCOURGINGS, YEA, MOREOVER OF BONDS AND IMPRISONMENT: THEY WERE STONED, THEY WERE SAWN ASUNDER, WERE TEMPTED, WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD: THEY WANDERED ABOUT IN SHEEPSKINS AND GOATSKINS; BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED, TORMENTED; THEY WANDERED IN DESERTS, AND IN MOUNTAINS, AND IN DENS AND CAVES OF THE EARTH.  Be not deceived by vain preaching (some even from famous people) that would have you believe that prosperity, riches and all things going well represents faith, for it is written, MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, AND DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF-1 Tim 6:5.
   The first two temptations appear to cast doubts about or to challenge Him to prove if he was the Son of God.  The third temptation was to offer Him the world. 

   Regretfully most people claiming they are a Christian know and understand very little of the Bible.  Mostly their knowledge comes from that they have heard in church or from other sources.  When they are tested or tempted by Satan, they seldom pass the test.  They do not recognize it is Satan.  They do not recognize it is a test.  They do not even recognize they are in a battle for their soul.  They do not know how to respond.  They do not know how to use God’s word to defeat Satan.
   It is very common for preachers, missionaries, and ministries to hear people say to them, “I know “you” are wrong.  I heard some say, or I read some book which said.  I know they are right and you are wrong.”  It is very seldom anyone comes saying, “I humbly come seeking to reason together with you.  Let us use God’s Word as our authority”.

   Jesus was now at His weakest.  He had just fasted for forty days.  Satan often tempts us at the time we seem to be at our weakest.  We may note the first temptation involved food.  It came in the form of a challenge, “if thou be,” then prove it by doing this or that.  We may say, this sounded reasonable, after all, Jesus was hungry.  This temptation certainly would have appealed to His flesh.  When Satan tempts us he can be expected to give us a good reason to do what he wants us to do.  What really was at stake here was this: would Jesus be led of the Spirit of God? or would He be led of the devil?  Would Jesus follow and obey God? or would He follow and obey the devil?  Jesus is the Son of God.  He had the power to turn the rocks into bread; however, it needs to be noted, that doing so would not have been the will of the Father, but rather, what Satan desired Him to do.  This temptation was also devoted to “self.”  He was being tempted to satisfy His hunger by using His divine power.  The miracles that Jesus later did benefited others, not Himself.  Satan wanted Jesus to act independently from His Father.  Should Jesus have been disobedient in even the smallest matter, He would not have been obedient in all things, even unto death.
   When temptations come on you, and you consider it is the devil tempting you, then you may expect to hear in your thoughts, “It is not the devil.  It is only your own thoughts giving you some good advice.”  In other cases, you may hear, “This is God speaking to you to do this, or that.”  AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT-2 Cor 11:14.  How can we know the thoughts that come from God and the thoughts that come from Satan?  The answer is by God's Word.  Study, study, and study.  Get to know the voice of God from the Bible so well, that you can identify the deceptions of the devil when they come.  Also, do the following things from James 4:7-10
   SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD.
   RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.
   DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU.
   CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YE SINNERS;
   AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE MINDED.
   BE AFFLICTED, AND MOURN, AND WEEP:
   LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING,
   AND YOUR JOY TO HEAVINESS.
   HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP.
How do we purify our hearts?  It is written Acts 15:9-PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH, and Ro 1:17-THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.  Thus, we may say, that a lack of a person’s heart being purified is a result of a lack of Biblical faith
   God's Word is the key.  Many say, in this generation of deception that we are now in, “God told me to do this, or that,” yet it contradicts God's written Word.  Beware. 
   Remember, Eve was also tempted with food. 
   Jesus overcame this temptation.  He did not yield to Satan's subtle deception.  Jesus responded with God's Word.  The way to fight Satan, when he speaks to us and tempts us in our thoughts, through our flesh, or in our emotions, is by using God's Word.  Jesus said, IT IS WRITTEN, THAT MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD-Lk 4:4.  He quoted a passage from Deut 8:3.  Quoting God's Word to Satan caused him to cease this temptation and go on to another.
   Consider what Jesus had said.  His Word tells every born-again Christian how to live.  We are to live BY EVERY WORD OF GOD.  We are to live by the Bible. 
   The first recorded temptation or test of Satan was “IF THOU BE.”  Among the last temptations or tests that Jesus endured on the cross was of the same nature.  Satan does not give up.  He keeps trying and trying.  Note the temptation, or test, as Jesus was hanging on the cross dying.  AND THEY THAT PASSED BY REVILED HIM, WAGGING THEIR HEADS, AND SAYING...“IF THOU BE” THE SON OF GOD, COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS.  LIKEWISE ALSO THE CHIEF PRIESTS MOCKING HIM, WITH THE SCRIBES AND ELDERS, SAID, HE SAVED OTHERS; HIMSELF HE CANNOT SAVE.  “IF HE BE” THE KING OF ISRAEL, LET HIM NOW COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS AND WE WILL BELIEVE HIM-Mt 27:39-42.
   The born-again Christian should be very familiar with these tactics.  Satan will speak to us in our thoughts to do this or that contrary to God’s will or not to do something that God wants us to do “because!”  Satan will tell us to do something wrong and then give us a good reason why we should do it.  He will tell us, “It is all right.”  He may tell us, “No one will know.”  He may tell you that you can accomplish what your heart desires by doing it his way, rather than God's way.  It is all lies, yet often our heart self centered, unpurified and disobedient heart agrees with these temptations and we sin.
   Those that follow Christ need to fear God and learn obedience.  They need to love Him, learn to trust in Him, sever Him and be patient and wait for Him no matter what.
   Consider, Jesus WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED (or tested) LIKE AS WE ARE, YET WITHOUT SIN-Heb 4:15.
   The verses continue—

   Mt 4:4 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 1). BUT (JESUS) ANSWERED


   Lk 4:4 (pt 2).              HIM,

   Mt 4:4 (pt 2).             AND SAID,

   Lk 4:4 (pt 3).              SAYING,

   Mt 4:4 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 4). IT IS WRITTEN.  These are the first words that the Scriptures record that Jesus spoke in the New Testament and in Matthew’s Gospel.  The first words He spoke chronologically are in Lk 2:49. 
   Note, Jesus fought the wrong thoughts (or the voice which He heard) which came from the devil by using God’s Word. 
   Satan knows God’s Word well.  He can quote it skillfully, as can some of His followers.  Their understanding of God’s Word is not the same as that of a born again Christian.  They cannot rightly divide God’s Word, yet they think they can.  They think they see but see not.  The hear, but hear not.  They are usually sure they understand, but their understanding is flawed.  It has been said that the only offensive weapon that we have is God’s Word.  God’s Word is for both defense and offense.
   Do not try to use earthly wisdom to reason with the wrong thoughts that come into your head.  Satan understands the things that be of men—that means he understands and knows how to use man’s worldly ways and thoughts, but he does not comprehend THE THINGS THAT BE OF GOD-Mk 8:33.  To try to understand what to do using worldly wisdom can lead a person astray.  To use God’s Word can lead a person in the right way if a person rightly divides the Word.  The verses continue—

   Lk 4:4 (pt 5).               THAT

    Mt 4:4 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 6). MAN SHALL NOT LIVE (ON) BREAD ALONE.  A person is not to live on physical food alone.  Physical food may keep the body alive only for so long.  To live by the all the Word of God means a person needs to hear or read and obey it.  A person is to live by faith, not by sight.  If a person obeys God, God will provide food and drink as it is written in Lk 12:29,30-AND SEEK NOT YE WHAT YE SHALL EAT, OR WHAT YE SHALL DRINK, NEITHER BE YE OF DOUBTFUL MIND.  FOR ALL THESE THINGS DO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD SEEK AFTER: AND YOUR FATHER KNOWETH THAT YE HAVE NEED OF THESE THINGS. 
   The disciples of Jesus said, MASTER, EAT.  Jesus replied MY MEAT IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM THAT SENT ME, AND TO FINISH HIS WORK-ref Jn 4:31,34.  The verse continues—
   BUT BY EVERY WORD.  It did not say by “some” of the Word as some churches teach.  God forbid, some teach only the New Testament.  Some leave out such books as the Revelation and Daniel.  Some go by only the 4 Gospels, while others teach only by the Epistles.  Others leave out many subjects the Word of God teaches, or they nullify God’s Word by saying these Scriptures do not apply to today.  The verses continue—

   Mt 4:4 (pt 5).              THAT (COMES) OUT (FROM) THE MOUTH

   Mt 4:4 (pt 6), ref Lk 4:4 (pt 7). OF GOD.  The first group of words that Jesus is recorded as speaking after His baptism and the first words he used in fighting Satan’s temptation are taken from the Old Testament.  The words that Jesus used were taken from Deut 8:3.  It is written, THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART-Heb 4:12
   Spiritual food is also needed for a person.  Spiritual food is the entire Bible.  Spiritual food will keep a person alive for eternity if mixed with faith which works by love.  If a person eats of the Spiritual food from God, the rest will certainly be provided.  God’s Word is not only written for our learning, but also for us to use.  By rightly dividing God’s Word and using it as Jesus did, rather than worldly thinking, schemes and devices, we can defeat the wrong thinking Satan puts in our hearts and minds.  However, we need to recognize the wrong thoughts.  Regretfully, most people do not.  Israel murmured and complained in the wilderness when they were hungry.  Jesus waited on His Father.  After the 3rd temptation, the angels came and ministered to Him. 

   The Christian is to live by God’s Word, the Bible, the whole Bible.  Worldly (or carnal) churches and cults often add or take away from God’s word.  They may seldom use the Old testament.  They may seldom use the Epistles, or the Revelation.  They may use mostly only the Epistles, or the 4 Gospels.  They may use mostly only the Psalms or Proverbs.  They may add other books, writings, or prophecies to the Bible.  The 66 books of the Bible is what we are to use—all of it. 
   The Bible was written by about thirty-nine persons over a period dating from approximately 1700 or 1600 B.C. to l00 A.D.  The tern WORD OF GOD appears about 50 times in the Bible.
   It is written: KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION.  FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST-2 Pe 1:20,21.  ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS-2 Tim 3:16.  BUT I CERTIFY YOU, BRETHREN, THAT THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN.  FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT OF MAN, NEITHER WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST-Gal 1:11,12. 
   2 Pe 1:16-FOR WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES, WHEN WE MADE KNOWN UNTO YOU THE POWER AND COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BUT WERE EYEWITNESSES OF HIS MAJESTY.  Note Peter said WE WERE EYEWITNESSES. 
   1 Jn 1:1-3-THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING, WHICH (a) WE HAVE HEARD, WHICH (b) WE HAVE SEEN WITH OUR EYES, WHICH (c) WE HAVE LOOKED UPON, (d) AND OUR HANDS HAVE HANDLED, OF THE WORD OF LIFE;…AND (a) WE HAVE SEEN IT, (b) AND BEAR WITNESS, (c) AND SHEW UNTO YOU THAT ETERNAL LIFE, WHICH WAS WITH THE FATHER, AND WAS MANIFESTED (or made known) UNTO US;).  THAT WHICH (a) WE HAVE SEEN AND (b) HEARD (c)DECLARE WE UNTO YOU.
   2 Pe 1:19-WE HAVE ALSO A MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY; WHEREUNTO YE DO WELL THAT YE TAKE HEED.  Note that YOU will do well to take heed or pay attention to what is being said. 
   Then God gives us a warning: Beware, for there are people that may TROUBLE YOU, AND WOULD PERVERT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST-Gal 1:7.  Beware, that you do not turn aside UNTO ANOTHER GOSPEL-Gal 1:6.  For Paul tells us, FOR DO I NOW PERSUADE MEN, OR GOD?  OR DO I SEEK TO PLEASE MEN?  FOR IF I YET PLEASED MEN, I SHOULD NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST-Gal 1:10.
   BUT THOUGH WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL UNTO YOU (other) THAN THAT WHICH WE HAVE PREACHED UNTO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED (or condemned)-Gal 1:8.
   Know that a little false doctrine can cause great harm, as it is written, A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP-Gal 5:9.
   Rev 22:18-19-FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK.
   The last written word in the Old Testament is curse.  The last verse of the New Testament deals with grace.

   The first temptation is concluded, but two more are to come.  Satan does not give up when you win a battle against him or overcome him by faith.  He can be expected to keep trying the same thing over and over, as well as continually trying other tactics.  He is often relentless in trying to overthrow a person’s faith.  He understands men’s worldly desires-ref Mt 16:23, and knows how to tempt a person with them.




   Lk 4:9 (pt 1).              AND

   Mt 4:5 (pt 1).             THEN

   Lk 4:9 (pt 2).              HE

   Mt 4:5 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:9 (pt 3). THE DEVIL (or Adversary)


   Mt 4:5 (pt 3).              (TOOK) HIM (which is Jesus)

   Lk 4:9 (pt 4).               (and) BROUGHT (or led) HIM

   Mt 4:5 (pt 4).             UP INTO THE HOLY CITY.  Note, Jerusalem is called the HOLY CITY.  This term was first used in Neh 11:1 and is used app 8 times in the Bible denoting Jerusalem in Israel, and two more times denoting the Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven.  The verses continue—

   Lk 4:9 (pt 5).               TO JERUSALEM.  Satan was allowed to lead Jesus to a certain place to be tempted.  Jesus did not resist.  We are not told how He got there.  The verses continue—
   
   Mt 4:5 (pt 5), ref Lk 4:9 (pt 6). AND (HAD HIM STAND)
   ON (THE HIGHEST POINT) OF THE TEMPLE.  Satan is able to take or persuade us to go to certain places to tempt us.  Some believe this may have been on the wall above the Kidron Valley.  It may have been on top of the building that houses the Holy of Holies.  Again, we are not told how he got there, or if He was seen by other people.  High places of the world, in the church, or in ministry are places that Satan can tempt us (pride).  The verses continue—

   Mt 4:6 (pt 1), ref Lk 4:9 (pt 7). AND (SAID) (TO) HIM.  The devil speaks to people-ref Gen 3:1-ref 6; Lk 4:3,6.  He speaks to us in our thoughts, our hearts, through our emotions and in other ways as well.  The verses continue—
   IF (YOU) (ARE) THE SON OF GOD.  Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God-ref Mt 4:3-11; Lk 4:3-13.  Some believe this should be translated, “Since you are the Son of God…”  The verses continue—
   (THROW) (YOURSELF) DOWN:

   Lk 4:9 (pt 8).              FROM (HERE):  Again Satan was tempting Jesus to do something which would not be led of His Father.  Satan was trying to trick him to do something he wanted Jesus to do-to disobey His Father.  In the same way, Satan puts thoughts in all of our minds to do things which are not led of God and are sin.  Often they seem like next to nothing.  To have an obedient walk with Jesus, born-again Christians need to know God’s voice and to know when it is the voice of deception in our thoughts.  We need to cast—DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST-2 Cor 10:5.  The verse continues—

   Mt 4:6 (pt 2), ref Lk 4:10 (pt 1). FOR IT IS WRITTEN.  Satan now uses the Word of God to tempt Jesus.  Satan knows the Word of God, and knows how to skillfully use it to mislead people.  He does not rightly divide it, or understand it as does a Spirit led born-again Christian.  Satan can be expected to tempt every born-again Christian with the Word of God.  He can be expected to use the person’s circumstances, emotions, worldly desires, or other things to cause the person to wrongly divide God’s Word and thus sin and yield to the temptation of Satan.  Satan uses God’s Word out of context.  The verses continue—
   HE SHALL (COMMAND) HIS ANGELS (TO BE RESPONSIBLE) (OVER) (YOU).  The words Satan used are in Ps 91:11,12.  Satan knows how to twist and misuse God’s word to tempt us to do wrong.  For those that do not rightly divide God’s word, Satan, regretfully, is often very effective.
   Mt 4:11 tells us that the angels came and ministered unto Him.  Born again Christians have an angel that minister to them and watch over them, as it is written in Heb 1:13,14-THE ANGELS…ARE THEY NOT ALL MINISTERING SPIRITS, SENT FORTH TO MINISTER FOR THEM WHO SHALL BE HEIRS OF SALVATION?  Mt 18:10-TAKE HEED THAT YE DESPISE NOT ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES; FOR I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IN HEAVEN THEIR ANGELS DO ALWAYS BEHOLD THE FACE OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.  The verses continue—

   Lk 4:10 (pt 2).           TO KEEP (or guard, or protect) (YOU) (carefully):

   Mt 4:6 (pt 3), ref Lk 4:11 (pt 1). AND (ON) THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL (LIFT) (or support) (YOU) UP, LEST AT ANY TIME (YOU) (STRIKE) (or hurt) (YOUR) FOOT.  Satan tempted Jesus with the Word to try to cause Him to sin.  Satan also will tempt people in the same way.  Satan will also speak through the unsaved and carnal Christians to tempt born-again Christians to sin by using the Word of God.  Born again Christians need to be on their guard against the schemes of the Devil as he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour-ref 1 Pe 5:8. 
   The verses continue—

   Mt 4:6 (pt 4), ref Lk 4:11 (pt 2). AGAINST A STONE.
    The KJV reads in Matthew’s Gospel—…HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING THEE: AND IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP, LEST AT ANY TIME THOU DASH THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE. 
   The KJV reads in Luke’s Gospel—…HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER THEE, TO KEEP THEE: AND IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP, LEST AT ANY TIME THOU DASH THY FOOT
AGAINST A STONE.
   Satan did not quote all the two Scriptures.  He quoted from the Old Testament, Ps 91:11-12-FOR HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER THEE, TO KEEP THEE IN ALL THY WAYS.  THEY SHALL BEAR THEE UP IN THEIR HANDS, LEST THOU DASH THY FOOT AGAINST A STONE.  As noted above, Satan left out the words, IN ALL THY WAYS.  He also added AT ANY TIME.
   He also certainly did not use the next Scripture, Ps 91:13.  This was a prophecy showing Satan’s defeat. 
   By using this Scripture, Satan himself was acknowledging that Jesus is the Messiah. 
   He dares people to do things-ref Mt 4:5,6.  When Satan tempts a person, he also puts in a person’s thoughts the reason to yield to the ungodly temptation.  It often works. 
   The promise was that the Angels shall keep thee.  Then the part of the Scripture that Satan left out was “IN ALL THY WAYS”.  How shall the angels keep thee?  “In all thy ways”—the promise is contingent up being obedient.  So it is with the born again saints.  Many preachers seem to talk about God’s promises to us, but they often leave our obligation to God before the promise can be fulfilled.  Then when God’s promise is not fulfilled because of our own disobedience, we want to blame and accuse God and not ourselves.
   It may be said that Satan was telling Jesus to prove who He was by doing some divine thing. 
   It may also be said that Satan was tempting Jesus to disobey God, to jump down, and murder himself.  It appears he wanted Jesus to believe he could jump down and nothing would happen to Him..  Satan even misused Scripture to entice Jesus to do so.
   If indeed Jesus would throw Himself down and be killed, this would eliminate Him.One might consider how many people (including teenagers) commit suicide.  They hear a voice that tells them to kill themselves.  Then the voice gives them a reason that seems right to their heart.  They obey the devil’s voice and perish.  The devil never told them what awaits them afterwards.  If they go to a Christian church, chances are good that their pastor never told them either. 


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