I want to end with this few day pondering on 1 Cor. 10:13 with an illustration.
There once lived a German monk who changed the world. Martin Luther was his name, and he became the figure head of the Protestant reformation. Many biographies have been written on him and they all contain one of Luther’s traits that we find strange – arguing with Satan. Luther would often have enormous struggles with the Devil, and a few of these instances are legendary. On one instance Luther was alone in his study, translating the Bible from Greek/Hebrew into common German. He felt the Devil tempt him saying, “You know your faults. Who would follow you if they knew who you really were. You know you deserve death and hell, give up this protest and go home.”
Luther in his journal described it like this in his journal: “I felt the breath of Satan on my neck, felt like giving up, and immediately threw my bottle of ink at him and said in response: “I know I deserve death and hell, what of it?! I know One who stood in my place and made satisfaction in my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is one day there I shall be also!”
Now I don’t recommend arguing with Satan, but look at what Luther did. He was banking on the person and work of Jesus in the midst of his temptation. That is what fueled him! Luther knew Jesus stood in His place, absorbing the wrath of God aimed at man for sin, doing what no other human could do, absorbing the sin of man and wrath of God, defeating Satan by dying in our place, killing death by rising from the dead, and because of that satisfaction has been made in Luther’s behalf. Indeed satisfaction has been made for all who trust in Him. Luther trusted, and when tempted He fought back with a blood bought heart, loving Jesus too much to give in to fleeting comforts and empty promises.
Church, you can stand in temptation like Luther did, banking on Jesus too. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus is our sure footing in temptation. Why? He was tempted in every way we are, and never caved. He obeyed on our behalf so we could be accepted before God. It makes sense that Hebrews 4:16, the very next verse says this, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Friends, help is waiting, Christ is there. Standing strong for us. Go to Him, go to Him.
The Publicans 