Standing Firm Against the Tempter

God began by blessing humanity and giving a clear instruction: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). Humanity was entrusted with responsibility over all that God had created. We were given the sight of God, the blueprint for life on earth, and the privilege of walking daily in fellowship with Him. It was an extraordinary mission and journey.

Adam named all the animals, reflecting God’s mindset. Imagine the beauty of that daily fellowship, knowing God’s thoughts and working alongside Him. It was everything that truly mattered.

Then the tempter came, cunning and subtle, twisting the truth just enough to be convincing. Humanity did not see it coming. Eve fell into the trap, and Adam did not question it. How could they get it so wrong when God’s instructions were so clear? Humans tend to desire more, even when all necessary things have already been provided. This desire, this longing for what is not ours, is a weakness that humanity has struggled with since the dawn of time.

The Bible reminds us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Human beings often desire more, and that desire becomes a root through which the enemy works. Lucifer himself was given so much by God: beauty, authority, and honour, yet it was not enough. He desired what did not belong to him and tried to ascend above God (Isaiah 14:12-15). The same happened with Adam and Eve. They were given everything to succeed as stewards of God’s creation, yet they could not remain content.

God knew that human beings would struggle with desire and coveting, which is why He gave the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour” (Exodus 20:17). Even when God gives us all that we need, the human heart can still long for what belongs to others. This commandment shows God’s understanding of our nature and guides us to contentment and obedience.

The enemy twists truth and can use our weaknesses, just as he did with Jesus in the wilderness. Satan knew that Jesus was hungry after fasting for forty days and forty nights and tempted Him, saying, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3).

Throughout Scripture, we see that Satan exploits weaknesses to lead people astray. So how can we overcome him and remain steadfast in our walk with God? The answer is to resist him. You might ask, “How can I do this when it feels impossible?” In our own strength, we will fail, but through God’s Spirit, we can stand firm. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Remaining in Christ is essential, for Christ will remain in us.

Jesus said in John 15:4-5, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing.” This is the way to overcome. This is the way to live a victorious life. Jesus was tempted three times and overcame. When we abide in Him, nothing the enemy brings our way can move us.

The good news is that Jesus came to earth and died for our sins so that we can be reconciled to God the Father. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s clear instructions in Genesis 3, yet God is merciful and loving. He does not want any of His creation to perish. Just as He gave us free will to choose between good and evil, He also allowed us to choose life through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:20-22 says, “And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour, but now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

Through Christ, humanity has been restored to the mission God originally intended. We are called to walk in dominion once more, stewarding His creation with wisdom, love, and obedience. Knowing this, the next time the enemy tempts you to desire what is not given to you by God, draw wisdom and strength from Him. Stand firm, resist, and overcome the enemy’s devices by abiding in Christ and walking in the Spirit.