Power in the Word

Power in the Word After Jesus was baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Was this a test for Christ, or an example of the power in the Word for us to learn from? I think it would be the later of the two. Christ wanted us to know that there is power in the Word. (Luke 4:1-14) shows how Christ defeated Satan’s temptations from all aspects. Even when He was offered all the Kingdoms of the earth by Satan at that time, Christ knew He did not need Satan to give it to Him, because it was rightfully His in the future. Just the same as we can have eternal life with Christ at His return. Satan would have us believe different by tempting us as he did Christ with riches and power of this world. Christ showed us one of His best methods for setting Satan straight when he asked Christ to worship him. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give to thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:6-8) This simple quote from the Scripture put Satan at bay for Christ and it will also work for us. When the devil is tempting us, we also have the same authority to say, “Get behind me Satan” in Jesus name, and his spirit will flee. Where do we get this authority to ward off evil spirits? From Christ, whom all power is given to. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18) This same power of the Word is given to us if we believe and take the authoritive steps to use it. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. (Matthew 9:8) We have power against all unclean spirits… And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1) Was this power for the twelve disciples only? Not at all… All man shall live by the Word of God, and those who do will have all the benefits and power of the Word. But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4) We need the Word just as we need food to live. The Apostle Paul would best explain this power in the Word as the “Armor of God” in the Book of Ephesians, and that we need this power to fight against the evil spirits of this world in our everyday life. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13) We are in a spiritual war as we speak, and will be until Christ returns. So what is this armor of God that we would have as our defense against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places? Paul goes on to explain the making up of this armor… Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:14-15) Paul is explaining here to be ready and to prepare for battle. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Be ready for anything and with your faith in the Word you will be able to discern truth, fighting off the lies and deception of the wicked. To complete the armor, Paul goes on to say… And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17) Again it is our salvation through Christ and the Word of God, which is Christ, to stand against the Spiritual battle that awaits us all.

I would agree with Red and also point out that 40 is the number of probation and even though he was fully God and fully man he had to serve his probation period just as the Israelites in the desert 40 years also this verse shows us something very important about Satan that he has the authority to tempt Christ is very interesting and notice he temps him with scripture as well as worldly things this shows us Satan must felt somewhat equal to Christ in power (he was wrong of course)it also shows us Satan has some rule over earthly things that he could offer the world to Christ and it also shows us Satan is a master a twisting scripture put all this together we see a picture of Satan as the Anti christ Good news is Christ wins again