Temptation

 And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Matthew 4:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.4.9.ESV

In this temptation, the devil revealed his true colours. He offers the world, but he demands our very souls. There's no profit in gaining the world for a season if we lose our souls for eternity.

In the previous temptation, the devil attempted to twist Scripture round on Christ to use it against Him. He failed miserably however, so tried one last throw of the dice. Because he failed with Christ, all of us who are in Jesus can have the victory over temptation as well.

Of course, satan would have no authority if God didn't allow him. Yet scarily there's an element of truth to this temptation. The kingdoms of this world really are in thrall to satan, until they get swallowed up into the Kingdom of God.

Ultimately however, satan is on a short leash for a short time before he's destroyed forever in hell. We need to play the long game. We need to resist the devil and flee from temptation.

'Almighty Lord, thank You for Your Sovereignty over satan. Please help us to live in Your power to resist the devil and to flee temptation. In Christ's name we pray, amen'

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