Central Truth

As followers of Jesus we may be placed in dangerous situations. That does not mean, however, that we should seek danger. God does not desire our injury as an act of faith.

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Reflections

There are some churches in West Virginia with a reputation for special services of frenzied singing and shouting that climax in the handling of poisonous snakes. Adherents of these churches view the handing of snakes as sign of their faith and a fulfillment of this passage in Mark 16: “They will be able to handle snakes with safety.” (NLT) I have heard of other Christians who have gouged out eyes and cuts off hands in “fulfillment” of Matthew 5:29-30. A friend of mine in my youth once heard a voice that urged him to step on his glasses as a sign of faith that God would heal his eyesight. What can we make of all of this? Certainly I don't fault the sincerity of these individuals. Can we discern, however, what God wants from us in these and other situations?

The temptation of Jesus gives us important clues as to the nature of the issue and the entity behind the dilemma. Satan places Jesus on top of the temple and then tempts him. In Matthew 4:6 Satan says, ”If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.” (NKJV) Here Satan is showing he wants to bring harm to the believer. He likes to twist words in the Bible as a means of forcing the believer to prove their faith. Jesus, however, saw right through it. This is a temptation not from God but from the enemy. Jesus replies, “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” (NKJV)

Discerning the difference between the voice of God and the voice of Satan is very important. Satan wants to put the believers in harmful situations. He wants believers to deface their bodies that are now God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). He wants to confuse their faith. God, however, loves believers and never does violence to their spirits, bodies, or souls.

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Discussion Questions

1. Have you had a temptation similar to the ones detailed in today's devotional?

2. How do you know the difference between Satan's voice and God's voice? (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:1-19)

3. Jesus had memorized Bible verses that He used to triumph over these temptations. Do you have Bible verses memorized that would help you in temptations such as these?

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