Title

Beware of the Opportune Time

Scripture
Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
(Luke 4:13)
Devotional
Some foolishly see the devil as a cartoon character with cloven feet, horns and a hooked tail. The Bible says that he can transform himself into an angel of light. (1) Satan is diabolically good at what he does. As he tempted Christ in the wilderness, he will tempt you in your wilderness. As he departed for a more opportune time, he will likewise depart from you until he can blindside you when you least expect it. Satan is a coward; he will not often openly attack, but will wait for a time when you are most vulnerable. When your guard is down he attacks. When you are down, he will make his accusations. When you are tired, he will seduce you with the lust of the flesh. When you are experiencing success, he will tempt you with the pride of life. Nevertheless, always remember that he likewise tempted Christ and Christ is the victory. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”(2)

(1) 2 Corinthians 11:14, (2) James 4:7
Thought For The Night
“Irritation in the heart of a believer is always an invitation to the devil to stand by.” Eleanor Doan in Speakers Sourcebook
 
Evening Text
Luke 4:13: Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
 
Looking for Answers
Evening Study Guide
Defining:  “Opportune times,” those times that make us vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one: fatigue, hunger, sicknesses, boredom, bad company, and the like.
 
Referencing: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin,” Hebrews 4:15.
 
Applying: Be aware of the Tempter’s ways. Follow the counsel of Jude and James: Do not dare to bring a reviling accusation against him, but simply say, “The Lord Rebuke you,” (Jude 9). Likewise, submit yourself to God and resist the devil and he will flee from you, (James 4:7).