by John Lowe
(Woodruff, S.C.)
First, I want you to Notice that THE TEMPTER ATTACKS WITH AN "IF."
Sometimes there is power in a single word! For instance, there can be power in the single syllable "If," with which the devil begins his conversation with Jesus. It was brought into play by Satan, for the purpose of creating doubt in the Savior’s mind, a doubt of Him being under His Father's care, and he said it in a clever and mean way. Jesus used this word “if” differently in those lessons which he so frequently taught to his disciples when he was on earth!
He always makes use of it to inspire confidence; never to stir up distrust. I’ll give you a single instance of this: "If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" What a contrast between how Jesus used it, and the hateful manner in which the great enemy of God and man used it! There are seven things I want to point out about how Satan uses this little word “if.”
1. First, “If” doesn’t imply a point-blank denial. That would be too upsetting. Doubt serves Satan’s purpose better than opposition. A seed of doubt can grow into what is perceived as truth. “If” he could have created doubt about His Sonship in the human side of Jesus mind, he would have won; it’s as simple as that.
2. Second, he plants his "if" on our holy God. He makes any doubt he can raise in the Lord's mind, look like holy anx¬iety about Him being the divine Son of God. “If” he caused Him to worry about it, he would have won.
3. Third, he “ifs” a simple Scripture. It says in Psalm 2:7, "Thou art my Son". God raised up Jesus from the dead so that the work of salvation would continue. It was the resurrection that proved that Jesus was who He said He was; the eternal Son of God. “If” Jesus stayed in the grave then Satan would have won.
4. Fourth, he “ifs” a past appearance of God. At his baptism God said, "This is my beloved Son." God the Father identified Jesus as His Son on two occasions; His baptism and His transfiguration. The Holy Spirit also identified Jesus when He was baptized. John the Baptist was told that the one on whom the Spirit of God would come to rest would be the Christ. The spirit, in the form of a dove, came to rest on Jesus. All three members of the Trinity would eventually identify Jesus as the Son of God. Satan accuses us to God, and he contradicts our spiritual experience by causing us to doubt and by reminding us of past sins. He wins “if” we become discouraged and feel that we aren’t good enough for God to love us.
5. Fifth, he “ifs” a whole life. Jesus has a very special relationship with the Father that we’ll never know. God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three separate persons, but they are one-the divine Trinity. Jesus came into the world at the Father’s request and from the very first Jesus had been about his Father's business; yet after thirty years his Sonship is questioned.
6. Sixth, he “ifs” inner consciousness. Our Lord knew that he was the Father's Son; but the evil one is daring. The Bible describes him as a lion roaming the earth seeking anyone he can keep from coming to faith in our Savior. Perhaps, he still believes he can win if he can turn enough people away from believing in Jesus.
7. Seventh, he “ifs” a perfect character. It is understandable that He would question our faith, since we have many faults; but Jesus had none. How could he think that he would be able to change the character of the only perfect man who ever lived? God doesn’t change, for He is the same yesterday, today, and for ever.
The second thing I want to call your attention to is that The Tempter attacks with an “if,” and then he AIMS THE "IF" AT A VITAL PART.
1. First, he takes aim at our sonship. In our Lord's case he attacks his human and divine Sonship, and in our case, he would like to make us doubt our salvation. He’ll place thoughts in your mind: How can I be a Christian and still do some of the sinful things I did before I was saved? While I was praying, I had a lustful thought; how can I be a Christian. If the devil can cause us to question our salvation; he may prevent us from bearing any fruit.
2. Second, he takes aim at our childlike spirit. He tempts us to care only for ourselves. The temptation was, "Command that these stones be made bread." That would have been easy; didn’t Jesus say to the Pharisees, when they
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