4122 Satan, as tempter

God’s people are incited to evil by Satan. He seeks to exploit their weaknesses in order to deflect them from obedience to God.

Satan incites God’s people to evil

Satan exploits human weaknesses Ge 3:1-5 Rev 12:9 identifies the serpent with Satan. See also Job 2:4-5; Eph 4:26-27

He tempts Christians to fall away 1Th 3:5 See also Lk 22:31; 1Ti 3:7; 2Ti 2:26

He inspires people to put God to the test Ac 5:3-9 See also Ps 78:18,41; Ps 106:14; Ac 15:10; 1Co 10:9

He makes sin attractive Lack of integrity: Mt 5:37; Ac 5:3 Sinful desires: 1Co 7:5; 1Ti 5:14-15
2Co 2:10-11 unforgiveness; Jas 3:14-16 envy and selfish ambition

Jesus Christ is tempted by Satan

In the wilderness Mt 4:1-11 pp Mk 1:13 pp Lk 4:1-13

Through Simon Peter Mt 16:23 pp Mk 8:33

Jesus Christ identifies with believers Heb 4:15 See also Heb 2:8

Satan tests Christians

Rev 2:10 See also Lk 22:31; Rev 3:10

Satan’s temptations can be resisted

By being alert 1Pe 5:8

By prayer Mt 26:41 pp Mk 14:38 pp Lk 22:40 See also Mt 6:13 pp Lk 11:4; Lk 22:32,46

By relying on God’s faithfulness 1Co 10:13 See also 2Pe 2:9; Rev 3:10

By Jesus Christ’s service as high priest Heb 2:18; Heb 4:15

See also