D. Scott Meadows

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” —Matthew 4:1

20 FEBRUARY PM, MORNING AND EVENING BY C. H. SPURGEON

A holy character does not avert [prevent] temptation—Jesus was tempted. When Satan tempts us, his sparks fall upon tinder; but in Christ’s case, it was like striking sparks on water; yet the enemy continued his evil work. Now, if the devil goes on striking when there is no result, how much more will he do it when he knows what inflammable stuff our hearts are made of [Hos 7.4–7; 1 Cor 10.12]. Though you become greatly sanctified by the Holy Ghost, expect that the great dog of hell will bark at you still.

In the haunts [hangouts] of men we expect to be tempted, but even seclusion will not guard us from the same trial. Jesus Christ was led away from human society into the wilderness, and was tempted of the devil. Solitude has its charms and its benefits, and may be useful in checking [stopping or slowing the progress of] the lust of the eye and the pride of life [1 John 2.16]; but the devil will follow us into the most lovely retreats.

Do not suppose that it is only the worldly-minded who have dreadful thoughts and blasphemous temptations, for even spiritual-minded persons [Rom 8.6] endure the same; and in the holiest position we may suffer the darkest temptation. The utmost consecration of spirit will not insure you against Satanic temptation. Christ was consecrated through and through [1 John 3.5]. It was his meat and drink to do the will of him that sent him [John 4.34]: and yet he was tempted! Your hearts may glow with a seraphic flame of love to Jesus, and yet the devil will try to bring you down to Laodicean lukewarmness [Rev 3.14–16].

If you will tell me when God permits a Christian to lay aside his armor [Eph 6.11–17], I will tell you when Satan has left off temptation. Like the old knights in war time, we must sleep with helmet and breastplate buckled on, for the arch-deceiver [John 8.44; 1 Tim 2.14] will seize our first unguarded hour to make us his prey. The Lord keep us watchful in all seasons [Matt 26.41], and give us a final escape from the jaw of the lion and the paw of the bear [1 Sam 17.37].

On Matthew 4.1

Immediately after His baptism and just before He entered upon His public ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ routed the devil in the wilderness. Matthew 4.1 is the first verse in this historical account. These forty days of temptation could have been marked upon a calendar. The location of the confrontation had a latitude and longitude. The Lord Himself was really there, truly Man and truly God in one glorious Person. His infernal opponent, Satan himself, though a spirit, was no less real and local for all that. He unwittingly played his part in God’s plan whereby Christ, the last Adam, showed Himself faithful and triumphant where the first Adam, even in Paradise, against the same Adversary, utterly failed the Lord.

Spurgeon chose this text to draw out devotional applications for the individual believer, without neglecting important aspects of its testimony to our Lord. As one small part of Mr. Spurgeon’s overall teaching, this application of the text is entirely legitimate and helpful.

The structure of this devotional message

I. Impeccability does not prevent temptation by the devil
II. Seclusion does not prevent temptation by the devil
III. Spirituality does not prevent temptation by the devil
IV. Therefore, beware of temptation by the devil

Points of interest

1. “Impeccability” as I have used it means “not able to sin.” Spurgeon implies his belief that our Lord Jesus Christ was impeccable in this sense. “Sparks on water” are always and necessarily extinguished. Elsewhere, Spurgeon wrote of “the Second Adam” that “he could not sin, nor in any shape or form become partaker with iniquity” (MTP #1812). “The creeds and theologians have generally affirmed His impeccability” (Shedd, Dogmatic Theology, 660).

2. Without a doubt, Spurgeon also accepted and taught the existence of a real, personal Devil called Satan, thus resisting the trend of unbelieving modernism in the 19th century. In this, Spurgeon was faithful to the plain testimony of Holy Scripture, along with all orthodox Christians through the centuries.

3. Spurgeon valued solitude and so should we. He wrote of “its charms and its benefits.” One who is right with God savors time alone with Him and finds it spiritually therapeutic. Spurgeon even notes that solitude “may be useful in” the Christian’s war against the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Not seeing things we may crave or people we may impress could indeed help us against these vices. Nevertheless, we were made for society, as well. Alternating times of companionship with other people and times alone is best.

Application

1. Always be spiritually vigilant. Remember that you still could commit the greatest sins. Solitude may even become a place of greatest temptation on account of its privacy. Even if you have been a Christian for many decades and are spiritually mature, you must keep guarding your heart constantly. The presumption that you are beyond sinning grievously only makes you more vulnerable.

2. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ. Our proneness to sin makes us appreciate His righteousness even more. Our enemy is His enemy. The Victor is our Savior. His victory is ours (1 Cor 15.57). Ω