MONDAY, JANUARY 22
Luke 4:9-13
2 Peter 2:1-6

“…many shall follow their pernicious ways;
by reason of whom the way of truth
shall be evil spoken of.”

THE PRIDE OF LIFE

Satan’s ultimate punch to defeat Jesus was brutal: “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence …” As the father of lies, he abode not in the truth and though he might quote scriptures, yet nothing comes out of his mouth without the stain of deception “for there is no truth in him… he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).

Jesus’ reply was most appropriate. The promised assistance is that when believers humbly submit themselves to the Lord’s guidance, they cannot but obey His commandments. One is sure of plunging into the lake of fire when one obeys the will and wishes of the devil. More people give in to the bidding of the devil than to the laws of God. They like to follow the path of unrighteousness and wickedness because their hearts are evil. They incline themselves to the works that will puff themselves up. Like the devil, they become proud, boasters and lovers of themselves. The devil wants us to love ourselves and sadly he has promoted some Christian authors such as Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, and Joseph Prince to spread this message. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of ” (2 Pet 2:2).

Modern practices in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements today include fabricated miracles and wonders. These are counterfeit ways of proving the power of God, when in fact there is no need to prove that Jesus is the Son of God. Supernatural acts will not convict anyone to believe. God’s Word alone is sufficient to bring a person to acknowledge his need of the Savior. These modernistic ways are identical to Satan’s temptation of Jesus. Let us never tempt the Lord. Do not think we can manipulate God by worldly gimmicks. Do not tempt Him by asking that which is against His Word. Obey Him instead!

THOUGHT: Am I so proud as to tempt the Lord?
PRAYER: Father, Thou art worthy of my reverential fear for Thou reigneth over all the universe. Grant me the humility of heart and mind to acknowledge that I am but dust before Thy holy presence.