“For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:5).
When it comes to the existence of a demonic realm, there seem to be two general viewpoints among the world at large. The first is held by those who dismiss the idea of a Satanic domain as the laughable product of an overactive imagination. The other embraces the existence of a dark spiritual realm through various forms of entertainment or practices associated with the occult.
The Bible endorses neither view. Unlike those who dismiss the concept of a demonic realm, the Scriptures do not represent the Devil as a myth, fable, or the cartoon equivalent of a pitchfork-carrying villain in red pajamas. Nor do the Scriptures view demonic-related themes or occultic activity as something to take part in, emulate, support, or encourage.
Instead, “the tempter” referenced here is positively identified as a literal being known as the Devil in Matthew 4:1-3. While Satan is no equal for God in terms of authority, power, or ability, he is certainly recognized as a formidable adversary who possesses desires (Luke 22:31), plans (Ephesians 6:11), and the ability to carry out his intentions (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
In fact, it was the tempter’s ability to carry out his malevolent intent that troubled Paul the Apostle. For instance, Paul was so concerned with the fate of the young Christian community at Thessalonica that he dispatched Timothy to “…find out about your faith. I wanted to see whether the tempter had in some way tempted you, making our work meaningless” (GW).
We can limit the tempter’s ability to impact our lives in a similar manner by reading and internalizing the Scriptures daily. In addition, we should prayerfully seek to adopt the following attitudes for help in dealing with our spiritual adversary…
Be forgiving: “A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan, for we know what he is trying to do” (2 Corinthians 2:11 TLB).
Be humble: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT).
Be vigilant: “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8 CSB).
Be self-controlled: “If you get angry, do not sin; do not allow the sun to go down on your anger and do not give an opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 Mounce).