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

Genesis 3:1–5 Revelation 12:9 identifies the serpent with Satan. See also Job 2:4–5; Ephesians 4:26–27

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not surely die,” the serpent told the woman. “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

He tempts Christians to fall away

1 Thessalonians 3:5 See also Luke 22:31; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.

He inspires people to put God to the test

Acts 5:3–9 See also Psalm 78:18, Psalm 78:41, Psalm 106:14; Acts 15:10; 1 Corinthians 10:9

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.” “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

He makes sin attractive

Lack of integrity: Matthew 5:37; Acts 5:3; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Timothy 5:14–15; 2 Corinthians 2:10–11 unforgiveness; James 3:14–16 envy and selfish ambition

Jesus Christ is tempted by Satan

In the wilderness

Matthew 4:1–11 parallels Mark 1:13, Luke 4:1–13

Through Simon Peter

Matthew 16:23 parallel Mark 8:33

Jesus Christ identifies with believers

Hebrews 4:15 See also Hebrews 2:8

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

Satan tests Christians

Revelation 2:10 See also Luke 22:31; Revelation 3:10

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Satan's temptations can be resisted

By being alert

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

By prayer

Matthew 26:41 parallels Mark 14:38, Luke 22:40 See also Matthew 6:13 parallel Luke 11:4; Luke 22:32, Luke 22:46

“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

By relying on God's faithfulness

1 Corinthians 10:13 See also 2 Peter 2:9; Revelation 3:10

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

By Jesus Christ's service as high priest

Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:15