TEMPTATIONS: THE WORSHIP QUESTION

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.’  Matthew 4:8-9

REFERENCE
Matthew 4:1-11

We saw yesterday that Satan is a relentless tempter and eclectic in stratagem. He tried to tempt the Lord relentlessly and with various approaches. His first was to challenge (or call to question) His Sonship, and here, he tries to distract and misdirect His worship. The Lord knew better, “One must worship God only.”

The dictionary defines worship as, “The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.” Worship is what we do that says to God that He has the first place in our lives. Who or whatever you give your worship to becomes your God. The components of worship include: time, adoration, pursuit and words of praise.

True worship requires devotion and attention. In the place of worship, we receive power, build intimacy with God, and enthrone God over our lives and circumstances. The devil understands that, so he does everything to misdirect/corrupt our worship, luring us to give our worship to things or people.

To effectively misdirect our worship, Satan brings distractions into our lives that make us pursue things rather than God. He appeals to our lust for worldly pleasures so we give no quality time to God and His Word; and cause our hearts to long after created things and not the Creator. He occupies our minds with life’s challenges and offers short cuts that make us think we don’t need God to fulfill our divine mandate. He offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if He would give to him (Satan), the worship due to God.

Sooner or later, life will offer temptations to bow and worship at strange altars or before ‘Satan-sent’ men and deals, in order to get something you desire. Learn from Jesus: “You can never use Satan’s methods to achieve God’s will for your life.” God will fulfill His Word to you in due time.

God seeks true worshippers amongst His people (John 4:23). He is delighted by sincere and heartfelt worship. Don’t hold back your worship – give it to Him always and to no other.

After Satan failed in tempting Jesus with His Sonship, he attempted to misdirect/corrupt His worship. The devil has not changed; if he fails to tempt you in your Sonship or identity in Christ, he will attempt to misdirect/corrupt your worship. Don’t let him!

SCRIPTURE PHOTO

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Psalm 29:2, Revelation 4:11, & Ephesians 6:11.

CONFESSION
I am clothed with the whole armor of God and I stand against the schemes of the devil. I submit to God, I resist the devil and he flees from me, in Jesus’ name. God created me for His pleasure; and I receive grace to give Him the glory/worship that is due Him as long as I live, so help me God.