The tempter
Satan does not rest from sending temptations to make us fall. A constant war is constantly on in the spirit realm for man’s soul. Because we got ourselves into this mess, God made weapons to avoid falling into the enemy’s schemes. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our capacity (1Cor10:13). The word temptation has two meanings, first it means trial, and second it means leading to sin. God has an escape plan made readily available for us when a temptation comes. So while Satan is putting stuff in our lives tailored to make us fall, God beforehand has provided a way out. God does not tempt man to sin he only tests our hearts. Job says that since he knows where we are going when he tests us we will come out pure as gold (Job 23:10). When we enter into temptation, we do it out of our own free will, no one forces us. Jesus said that we need to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation because the possibility is ever present (Mt26:42).
Matthew 4:3-9
3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’b]”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’d]”8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus was tempted in the sin aspect when Satan, the tempter took him to the desert. What was at the table in the desert was obedience. First, he tempted him not to trust God with his provisions. Next, he tempted Jesus by trusting his Father for protection. Finally, he tempted Christ with access to power at the cost of worship. The final temptation that Satan put Christ in was to violate the number one commandment of the ten; you should no other gods before me (Ex20:1-3). Since he succeeded in pulling this stunt with the first Adam, Satan thought he could do it with the second. The first Adam turned the power God gave him over to Satan with the temptation of disobedience (Ro5:19-21). God’s desire has always been that we obey and not engage in sacrifices. Samuel told King Saul to wait until he arrived because he was to perform the offering, but Saul did not wait (1Sm15:22). King Saul was taken out of his office because of his disobedience. The consequence of disobedience Adam suffered was the ushering of death through sin into all mankind. Sin and death came through one Adam but God’s grace reigns towards us through Christ. Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commandments (Jh14:15).
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Job 23:10
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Matthew 26:42
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Exodus 20:1-3
And God spake all these words, saying,2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Romans 5:19-21
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
John 14:15
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.