Overcoming Temptation – Jesus' Victory and Our Power in Himનમૂનો

Satan’s Authority: Where It Came From

At the fall of humanity, dominion over the earth was given to Adam and Eve by God (see Genesis 1:26-28). They were created to rule over the earth and all living creatures. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, they forfeited their dominion by obeying Satan (in the form of the serpent) instead of God. This act of disobedience led to the curse of sin entering the world, and in essence, Satan took over the role of "prince of this world" (John 12:31, John 14:30).

Theologians often refer to this as Satan gaining the "right" to the earth, not by God's direct gifting but through the fall of humanity. This is why Satan can claim in Luke 4:6 that the kingdoms and authority were "delivered to him" he's not claiming that God gave it to him directly, but rather, it was handed over to him when humanity fell. Satan is essentially the usurper of the dominion originally intended for mankind.

The Fall of Humanity and Its Impact on Dominion

Genesis 1:26-28 – God gives Adam and Eve dominion over all the earth. They are to rule and multiply. However, at the fall, they gave that dominion up.

Genesis 3:6-7 – The temptation of Eve and Adam’s decision to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil represents the shift of dominion from humanity to Satan. By choosing to listen to Satan’s voice over God’s command, they surrendered their God-given authority. Which we also do when we disobey God and sin against Him.

Romans 5:12 – Through Adam, sin entered the world, and death came as a result, affecting all of humanity. This is where Satan’s claim of dominion begins, as death and decay entered creation.

2 Corinthians 4:4 – Paul refers to Satan as the "god of this age," indicating that his authority over this world system is a result of humanity’s fall.

Satan’s Offer to Jesus:

When Satan offers Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world", he is offering Jesus something that, on one hand, he has dominion over (due to the fall). But on the other hand, Satan's offer is temporary and comes with a high cost: worshiping him.

Luke 4:6 – Satan says, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish." "Delivered to me" refers to the dominion and glory over the earth that Satan has, which was "handed over" at the fall of humanity.

Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world, but he knows that Jesus already possesses a higher authority and glory than what he can offer. Jesus is not just the ruler of the kingdoms of the world; He is the King of the Kingdom of God (John 18:36). Satan’s offer is temporary and counterfeit, and it is not genuine because it comes at the cost of worshiping him.

Jesus Rejects Satan’s Offer

When Jesus rejects the temptation and responds, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Luke 4:8), He affirms God’s supremacy and the eternal nature of God's Kingdom. Satan’s offer of temporary worldly power is no match for the eternal glory that belongs to God and Jesus.

Matthew 28:18 – Jesus claims "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." This emphasizes that the dominion Satan offers is fleeting and does not compare to the authority that Jesus possesses.

Revelation 11:15 – The ultimate Kingdom of God is not subject to Satan’s rule but will be fully revealed when Jesus returns and establishes God’s eternal reign over all creation.

The Bigger Picture: Satan’s Offer Is a Counterfeit

Satan’s offer to Jesus is the same temptation he has used throughout history: a shortcut to glory, bypassing God; and His plan of suffering and obedience. In offering dominion, Satan is giving Jesus something that already belongs to God and belongs to Jesus by right, but it comes with a false condition—worshiping Satan. Jesus rejects this false offer because true glory and power can only come through obedience to the Father's will, not through compromise with the enemy.

Satan’s "Authority" in Context:

Satan's power over the world is real, but it's temporary and limited (Revelation 12:12).

Jesus’ ultimate victory will overtake Satan’s power when God’s kingdom is fully realized on earth (Revelation 11:15). Jesus' rejection of Satan’s offer affirms that His mission will bring true victory over Satan’s counterfeit kingdom.

Conclusion:

When Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms and glory of the world in Luke 4:6, he is offering Jesus what he has gained by humanity's fall. Dominion was initially given to Adam and Eve but was lost in their sin, and Satan now holds a temporary claim over the world system. However, Jesus, through His obedience and rejection of Satan’s counterfeit offer, reaffirms that true power and glory come from worshiping God alone. This moment is a powerful reminder that worldly glory and authority are fleeting and ultimately belong to God and through obedience to His will, Jesus will regain and establish dominion eternally.

Which would you choose?