THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - INVISIBLE IMPOSTERS
How the spirit of the world deceives us.
Welcome to this workbook designed to deepen your understanding of the spiritual battle and equip you to grow in your Christian faith. Over the next 30 minutes, we will explore the identity of Satan, his tactics, and how we can respond with faith and truth. Prepare your heart and mind as we dive into Scripture, reflect on its meaning, and apply it to our lives.
1. Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11
Read the following passage from the New Testament:
Matthew 4:1-11 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.
Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,
and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”
Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
2. Reflection: Understanding Satan’s Tactics
a. Who is Satan?
Satan is referred to by various names in Scripture, including:
The Tempter (Matthew 4:3)
The Devil (Matthew 4:1)
Satan (Matthew 4:10)
Reflection Question: Why is it important to understand these different names and titles for Satan? How do they help us grasp his nature and tactics?
b. What is the Offer Satan Makes?
In the passage, Satan presents three temptations to Jesus:
Temptation to Self-Sufficiency: "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
Temptation to Presumption: "Throw Yourself down… nothing bad can happen to You."
Temptation of Power and Glory: "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."
Reflection Question: What do these temptations reveal about the offers and strategies Satan uses to lead believers astray? How do they challenge our faith and reliance on God?
c. Jesus’s Response to Temptation
Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture:
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)
You shall not tempt the Lord your God. (Matthew 4:7)
You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. (Matthew 4:10)
Reflection Question: How does Jesus’s use of Scripture provide a model for resisting temptation? What can we learn from His responses about relying on God’s Word?
3. Action Points: Applying the Truth
Identify Temptations: Take a moment to reflect on current or past temptations in your life. Are there areas where you feel Satan is challenging your identity, your trust in God’s protection, or your pursuit of God’s glory?
Equip Yourself with Scripture: Choose one or two Scriptures that address your specific temptations. Memorize these verses and meditate on them regularly. Consider using tools like Bible apps or index cards to keep these Scriptures handy.
Prayer and Dependence on God: Pray for strength to resist temptation and for the ability to recognize Satan’s tactics in your life. Ask God for guidance to remain steadfast in your faith and reliance on Him.
Seek Accountability: Share your reflections and action points with a trusted friend or mentor. Discussing your struggles and victories can provide encouragement and support in your spiritual journey.
4. Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Jesus in resisting temptation and for the power of Your Word to guide us. Help us to understand and recognize the tactics of Satan in our lives. Equip us with the truth of Scripture and the strength to remain faithful to You. May Your Spirit lead us and protect us as we seek to follow You with all our hearts. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.