Who Rules Your Life?

N.T.#495  "Who Rules Your Life?"

Feb. 26, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

We read where the devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. This was after He had fasted 40 days in the wilderness. It would have been no problem for the Son of God to do that, but in doing so, He would have been questioning God's willingness to provide for Him. 

Something may not be wrong in itself, but it may not be good for us at the time. Have we ever questioned God's provision for us? Have we done things outside God's will or ahead of His timetable?

The second temptation is found in verses 5-8. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He claimed that all this authority had been given to him, the devil, and he could give it to anyone. Therefore, he offered it to Jesus if He would worship him. Of course, this was a lie, which the devil is good at. 

Adam was called to rule the world on God's behalf. (Gen. 1:26) By rebelling against God, he abdicated his role and handed it over to Satan, who is now the "god of this age (world)" and the "ruler of the power of the air." (2 Cor. 4:4 and Eph. 2:2) Thus, the devil offered Jesus what he had come into the world to claim. He had come to be the King over a kingdom. And, if He listened to Satan, Jesus wouldn't have to work so hard. All Jesus had to do was worship the one who could give it to Him immediately. 

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

LET IT GLOW

All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whosoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (verse 6-7)

Well, in the first place, the devil had it all wrong. God had control over His creation, not the devil. Secondly, the devil had only the power which God allowed. Remember, the devil wanted to be like God. That is why he was thrown out of heaven. 

Jesus worship the devil? Really? The devil was trying to divert Jesus from His mission and to receive His worship. It did not work. 

What was Jesus' answer? Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou worship. 

No way was Jesus going to get His authority from the devil. He was present whenever God kicked him out of heaven. Jesus' authority was from God Himself and would always be. This was a power thing. 

Jesus came to confront, overcome, and ultimately destroy evil. One day the devil will be gone from us. In the meantime, we battle with temptations to sin. 

Who is God of your life? 

LET IT GO

Are we allowing God to rule as our Master?

Is our trust in Him?

Who do we serve-self (devil) or the Lord God?

What about our family and friends? Have we shared what God had done for us?

Is there anything we spend our time doing instead of reading God's Word?