“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1
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 armor, I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in wartime, 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.
Adapted from Morning and Evening.
