Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man.
In most cases, when some people think that they’re being tempted, it is just the natural byproducts of a course of action taken by themselves, or others, and in some cases, the devil was going his merry way, in running his normal errands when folks stopped him and asked him to tempt us.
We do live in an evil world, with fellow fallen beings like ourselves and because of this the natural fallout could result in adversities and trials for the Christian and non-Christian alike, for none are exempt. Thus, it is just a fact of life that trials are a natural part of the package, and this all persons must be reconciled to.
However, when we speak of persons asking devils to tempt them, we’re referring directly to temptations that were unprovoked by the devil, but were rather the result of those inner cravings, as defined in our first passage. These cravings and latent tendencies must be understood for what they are, whether they are cultivated, inherited, or both.
The reason why the nature of these cravings should be thoroughly understood, is because they differ in intensity from person to person, and therefore, one must be aware of the specific issues, pertaining to ourselves, for it’s on these points that the devil goes to work, in the majority of cases.
Therefore, tailormade temptations are structured to fit specific persons, and they come with one’s name, address, zip code, and social security number baked in and already stamped with the devil’s approval for, a lot of time, planning, and effort goes into the mix to make a surgical strike on the person in question.
Several relevant factors are taken into consideration when constructing tailormade temptations, such as the time, the place, the disposition, the ambience of the place, the weather-related events, the influence that would obtain, the physical, social, and spiritual status of the person, and most of all, a list of factual observations, devils have gleaned over an extensive period of time.
Although devils are fallen angels, they do retain a sizeable advantage over human beings as far as the intellectual, physical, and spiritual capabilities go. In fact, were it not for the restraining power of God in the world, they would be capable of bringing to the Christian, temptations of such severity and accuracy as to threaten the Christian’s very existence. Let’s read:
Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind therefore have I hope.
22 It’s because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.
Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
1st Corinthians 10: 12 Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Revelation 12: 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time.
[The Great Controversy pp 517] The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us, were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer.
We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our own strength, no method of defense.
If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder, torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in our misery, and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine claims, and yield to Satan's temptations, until God gives them up to the control of evil spirits.
But those who follow Christ are ever safe under his watch-care. Angels that excel in strength are sent from Heaven to protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about his people.
When it comes to resisting tailormade temptations, God would have us to understand that these forays are structured to target our weakest points, at our weakest times, and every chink in our armor would present a favorable opportunity for satan’s success.
Not only should we be aware of our weakest points, we must also be cognizant of triggering mechanisms which could fan latent tendencies and cravings into life. Persons who are struggling on issues pertaining to adultery should avoid South Beach, as much as is possible for the atmosphere down there is pregnant with opportunity for yielding to temptation.
In other words, if persons know that they’re weak in the area of physical lust, by going down to hang out casually on South Beach would be the equivalent of asking the devil to tempt them, and even though he may have been running other errands not related to you, he will have no problem stopping by, to make the most of the opportunity.
Again, if we are struggling on issues related to diets and foods, it will be presumptuous to place oneself in a situation such as an “all you can eat” restaurant, that will encourage us to gorge ourselves to the full. This also is the equivalent of inciting temptation on ourselves, especially if we lack self-control.
In the history of David’s fall we could learn valuable lessons that can translate into victory if we’re willing to be taught by God. Lessons, such as knowing one’s self, knowing what triggers spiritual weakness, and how to beef up security in times of idleness, for this is when devils are most successful in bringing to us, those tailormade temptations.
Thus, for our case study, we will review the history of David’s fall, and the history of Christ’s victory in the wilderness, for both Christ and David were the targets of tailormade temptations, and as such, we are to learn from the fall of David, as well as the success, which Christ accomplished in our behalf.
Let’s start with David, a man who was in the habit of leaning on the everlasting arms when in peril. At the time when David was being hunted down, like a wild beast by king Saul, he was at that time, living on the edge.
And even though his weakness for beautiful women was still present with him, the fact of that he had to be constantly looking over his shoulder, seemed to keep his mind preoccupied for the time being.
Yet, the history of David demonstrates a very clear pattern of choices, and when observed by devils, it would form the basis for David’s own tailormade temptation, for as was stated before, devils do have archives, or binders full of observations, which are drawn upon, when structuring surgical temptations. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the Lord hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife.
42 And Abigail hasted, and arose and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.
43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives.
2nd Samuel 5:13 And David took more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
1st Chronicles 3:1 Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:
2 The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
3 The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.
5 And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:
9 These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.
Thus, as satan pulled the files on David’s history, he saw that there was a pattern of behavior in the man that would be most likely to lend itself favorably to temptation, if the right circumstances were to be put into place. And so, he goes to work, planning a diabolic strategy that would ultimately be executed with surgical accuracy.
The window of opportunity for most women to get pregnant in a month is six days, and therefore, the planning of satan must take this into consideration, for it was his purpose that David’s one night stance must result in pregnancy.
Also, the tailormade temptation would have to be executed during daylight hours, in order for David to be able to see Bathsheba, as nightfall would negate the effort. David would also have to be home, on his rooftop at the exact moment, and thus, matters and situations must somehow be made to converge at the precise time, for David to decide to go up on his rooftop, for some unknown reason.
The exact spot where Bathsheba would be located must be at such an angle that David would get the best view of her, and at the same time, the devil has to make certain that her husband would not be at home, for if Uriah were to be present, this would be a spoiler, no doubt.
Also, the weather has to also be conducive to the temptation, since a rainy day would most likely find his targets indoors, and thus, the devil goes to the weather channel to study the precipitation if any for that day. He discovers that it would be a sunny day with clear blue skies and he says bingo.
Let’s reiterate again, that when some persons may complain of being tempted by the devil, in most cases, they have not a clue what they are speaking about, because a real temptation is something that is well studied out, well planned, and well executed.
Considerable research, together with the historical context, and archives of factual evidences, go into the structuring of tailormade temptations, for they are not those fly by night aberrations which might occur spontaneously, on the spur of the moment, as some persons erroneously believe.
In addition to the physical factors mentioned earlier, the spiritual condition of king David at the time will be of critical importance to the success or failure of the assault, and thus, David must first be groomed, or primed for the temptation over extended periods of time.
In other words, David must first stop praying, for he must be brought to the point where he believes that his knowledge of God’s word alone, together with his own will power, would be sufficient to keep him from temptation. This constitutes one of the most fatal mistakes any Christian can make.
The knowledge of God’s word without the power of God is the equivalent of having a v 12 supercharged engine in a Lamborghini, with no gas. The motive power for us to do right is centered in, and comes solely from the presence and person of God alone. Let’s read:
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] Instead of relying in humility upon the power of Jehovah, he began to trust to his own wisdom and might. As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man's carnal nature. The work of the enemy is not abrupt.
It is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. It begins in apparently small things—the neglect to be true to God and to rely upon Him wholly, the disposition to follow the customs and practices of the world.
We know the rest of the story, for according to the sacred record, the devil executed his diabolical plan flawlessly, and the rest is history. And since these things are written for our admonition or instruction, upon whom the end of the world is coming, we will do well to take heed lest we fall into the same traps as king David once did.
Now we turn to Jesus, who was also the target of 3 tailormade temptations, only in this instance, satan doesn’t have any historical archives of observations of latent tendencies as he did with David. Therefore, his strategy must of necessity be different, although the temptations will also be tailormade to suit the Person of Christ.
Throughout the ages, the devil correctly observed, and concluded that the way to a person’s mind is often through their stomach, and throughout each successive generation that has come upon the face of action, he has had almost 100 % success, starting with Adam and Eve, continuing with Noah and many of God’s people throughout history.
And since Christ, in His mortal incarnate state has to eat at some point in time, it’s just a matter of satan prepping the time and place, so as to tackle Jesus at His most vulnerable point. To ask Jesus to turn stone into bread, when Jesus was not hungry would have no impact, or appeal whatsoever.
Therefore, satan must wait until such a time would obtain, so as to have maximum impact. Also, Christ would be tempted to use Divine power, in a manner that is contrary to God’s will, and contra indicated to man’s capabilities and thus, will render Jesus as One who is ineligible to save us. Let’s read:
[The Desire of Ages pp 119] If Christ's confidence in God could be shaken, Satan knew that the victory in the whole controversy would be his. He hoped that under the force of despondency and extreme hunger, Christ would lose faith in His Father, and work a miracle in His own behalf. Had He done this, the plan of salvation would have been broken.
We cannot turn stones into bread, even if we tried, and therefore, if Satan could get Jesus to use Divine power to deliver Himself when faced with hunger as we mortals often face hunger, then Jesus would, by so doing place victory entirely out of reach for the human family.
The reason for this is that Jesus would be using ways and means that are not inherently available to any of us, and if Christ were to go that route it would’ve been a virtual admission on God’s part that it is not possible for human nature to control the impulses and clamors of the flesh.
And then, if this is the case, then there must be an original flaw in God’s creation of man, thus making it virtually impossible for him to overcome, and by extension, placing all the blame for Adam and Eve’s failure, squarely on God.
Thus, the devil waits for the opportune moment to carry out his tailormade plan against Christ. He must time this temptation precisely, at a point when Jesus would be at His weakest physically, with no friends to offer any help, and where the only choice Jesus would have is to work a miracle to save Himself, or to obey God and die, if it came to that. Let’s read:
[The Desire of Ages pp 118] For forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak and emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony, “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14. Now was Satan's opportunity. Now he supposed that he could overcome Christ.
Tailormade temptations are made to fit the person who is being targeted, and therefore there would be nuances that become necessary as the situation is scheduled to unfold. As Christians, we will discover that we do have strong urges, which strive to make us say and do things that are not in accordance with God’s will.
Fierce pangs of hunger, to the point of fainting could drive a person to eat things that are forbidden, and extreme thirst could do the same, if we don’t follow Christ’s example. The urge to merge is what drove David over the edge, and in our day, it is still driving men and women to do things that are not right.
Balaam’s plot to overthrow Israel was centered on the urge to merge, because if the leaders of Israel cannot control their feelings, but could be led to let their feelings control them, then the battle for their minds would have been won, for wheresoever the mind goes, the body always follows. Let’s read:
[P&P page 451] Balaam knew that the prosperity of Israel depended upon their obedience to God, and that there was no way to cause their overthrow but by seducing them into sin.
[S.G bk 4 pp 48] He counseled Balak to proclaim an idolatrous feast in honor of their idol gods, and he would persuade the Israelites to attend, that they might be delighted with the music. And then, the most beautiful Midianitish women should entice the Israelites to transgress the law of God, and corrupt themselves, and also influence them to offer sacrifice to idols. This Satanic counsel succeeded too well.
Our victories in overcoming tailormade temptations can only be materialized, by following closely in the footsteps of Christ. Jesus didn’t wait for temptation to come His way, before He prayed. Instead, He took preemptive measures by communing with God in the wilderness, before the approach of devils.
Preemptive preparation almost always guarantees victory, for it is not God’s will that we face the devil without first being prepared, and strengthened for whatsoever he may throw at us. Let’s read:
[D.A. pp 321] When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.
But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin.
This is what David failed to do, and this is also what we often fail to do, for when we compare situation to situation, we discover that both David and Christ were suffering under extreme clamors of the flesh, in David’s case the clamor was bad, in Christ’s case the clamor was a good one, because there’s nothing wrong with being hungry.
It really does not matter whether the clamor may be good or bad; what matters is how we respond to the temptation. If folks neglect prayer, and the study of the word of God, they will become sitting ducks for tailormade temptations, for the clamors and latent tendencies, indigenous to human nature, will drive us over the edge.
We have no clue when tailormade temptations will come our way, but what we can, and should do is to be fully prepared as Christ did for the timing and the intensity of the temptation becomes irrelevant if we are girded with the panoply of heaven always.
Knowing a whole lot of Scripture is good, but in and of itself it cannot stave off tailormade temptation. In David’s case, he most likely knew more Scriptures than me and you, for he wrote portions of the Bible. Knowledge is good, but knowledge without Christ’s power, will only render us informed victims.
Let those who are preparing for what is coming, lay the groundwork for victory by spending quality time with God, the only source of our strength. Instead of wasting precious hours on things that are of little or no consequence, let us set aside time to seek Christ while we can for the days of earth’s final conflict are soon approaching.
During earth’s final crisis devils will open their entire arsenal upon the Christian, and tailormade devices, which had been previously put on the back burner, because of God’s restraining power, will now be let loose upon those who choose to be faithful.
Many of us are not expecting this, and others have harbored the view that because they trust in Jesus, they will be insulated. While God promises to take care of the righteous during that awful time, they will not be immune to tailormade temptations that will be leveled against the commandment keeping people of God. And for this reason, persons should manage their expectations prudently, to say the very least. Here’s a preview of what we are referring to. Let’s read:
[7 LTMS letter 30A par 15] Satan has a thousand masked batteries which will be opened upon the loyal, commandment-keeping people of God to compel them to violate conscience. The followers of Christ must expect to encounter sneers. They will be reviled; their words and their faith will be misrepresented. Coldness and contempt may be harder to endure than martyrdom.
With some persons it would require more courage to encounter a laugh than to be thrust through with a sword. But we must stand steadfastly for the truth, not returning railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing. Parents will turn harshly against their children who accept unpopular truth. Those who conscientiously serve God will be accused of rebellion.
Property that was willed to children or other relatives who believe the present truth will be given into other hands. Guardians will rob orphans and widows of their just dues. Men will take to themselves property to which they have no right. The words of the apostle will be verified in the near future: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Tailormade temptations can be likened to precision guided missiles, but they can all be shot down, if the Christian is found fully clad with the armor, found in the book of Ephesians. Christians must, at all times be connected to the Source of our strength, for it is too often the case that some are disconnected and do not know.
In the wee hours of the morning, before the worry and cares of the day begin to take a toll upon us, let us set aside some time alone with God, so that He may strengthen us as He did Jesus, to face all of the unforeseen barrages of temptations that may come our way.
We therefore end with a passage of Scripture which delineates the grim nature of the conflicts, and the need for the Christian to be clad in Christlike armor from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet at all times. Let’s read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
God Bless!