Continuing in Matthew 4, we find that the devil doesn't skip a beat. Stopped in his first attempt by Jesus' counter-punch with scripture, the Tempter now changes his tact by abusing scripture. It is like he is saying, "Okay, if you want to refer to scripture, I'll show you one that fits my purposes."
Sometimes we are of the opinion that if we know the scriptures, and are familiar with where they are and what they are generally talking about, we are immune from the devil's wiles. But here is a truth that we need to grasp. Scripture is no replacement for relationship. As important as it is, the scriptures are one generation away from the source. When you spend time with God, and get to know him in a deeply personal way through prayer - heart to heart communication of your inmost being - you will discover Him. Not just about him and his plan for mankind, but you will discover and increasingly understand Him!
The tempter knows the scripture. He quotes from Ps 91:11,12, and calls Jesus to put the promises of God to the test. This psalm is about the relationship that God has with his children, and the devil correctly applies the principle of the protection that God has promised those that love him. So what's the problem? The problem is that of presumption. Men do that a lot, you know. Because God offers us a promise of protection, we choose to do foolish things without concern for the potentially bad outcomes. We need to use the brains we have been given, and trust God for the things that are out of our control. This is not being presumption, but faithful: faithful to use what he has given me, and full of faith in him for all else.
Jesus answered, "Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." The proper use of scripture requires knowing, not just scripture, but the author of it. Your view and use of the scriptures will be in keeping with the intent of God and the ways of God.
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