Temptations
Satan observes the temperament and the constitution: He lays suitable baits of temptation. Like the farmer, he knows what grain is best for the soil. Satan will not tempt contrary to the natural disposition and temperament. This is his policy, he makes the wind and tide go together, that way the natural tide of the heart runs the way the wind of temptation blows. The devil cannot know men's thoughts, yet he knows their temperament, and accordingly lays his bait.
Satan observes the fittest time to tempt in as a cunning angler casts in his angle when the fish will bite best. Satan's time of testing is usually after an ordinance: and the reason is, he thinks he shall find us most secure. Just as a soldier, who after a battle leaves off his armor, not once dreaming of an enemy, Satan watches his time, and when we least expect, then he throws in a temptation.
Satan can tempt by proxy. Thus he handed over a temptation to Job by his wife (Job 2:19).
Satan tempts to evil by them that are good, thus he gives poison in a golden cup. He tempted Christ by Peter--- Peter dissuaded Christ from suffering.
Satan tempts to sin under pretense of religion. He is most to be feared when he transforms himself into an angel of light. He came to Christ with Scripture in his mouth. "It is written." If you compare Matthew 6:6 and Psalm 91:11, you will notice Satan omitted part of the Scripture. When in Matthew he quoted, "For he will command his angels concerning you" but omitted ... to guard you in all your ways. (Satan adds to, takes away, and twists Scripture).
Satan can instill blasphemous and evil thoughts into one's mind, as well as use subtle arguments to dispute us into sin. He will also use a weakness to incline us toward temptation.
Temptations can be overruled for good by the children of God. A tree that is shaken by the wind is more settled and rooted; so the blowing of a temptation does but settle a Christian more in grace.
Temptations are overruled for good in the following ways.
Temptation sends the soul to prayer. When Satan shoots his fiery darts at the soul, it then runs faster to the throne of grace.
The more a child of God is tempted, the more he fights against that temptation. The more Satan tempts to blasphemy, the more a saint trembles at such thoughts and says, "Get thee hence, Satan!" That temptation that the devil uses as a spur to sin, God makes a bridle to keep back Christians from it.
Temptation works for good as it abates the swelling of pride. Paul said "Lest I should be exalted above measure, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to buffet me (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Temptation works for good, as it is a touchstone to try what is in the heart. The devil tempts that he may deceive; but God suffers us to be tempted, to try us. Temptation is a trial of our sincerity, it argues that our heart is chaste and loyal to Christ when we can look at a temptation in the face and turn away from it. Also it is a trial of our courage when rather than yielding to the temptation, the Christian brandishes the Sword of the Spirit against Satan.
Temptations work for good when God makes those who are tempted fit to comfort others in the same distress. A Christian must himself be under the buffetings of Satan, before he can speak a word in good season to him that is weary.
Temptations work for good as they engage the strength of Christ. Christ is our Friend, and when we are tempted, He sets all His power working for us. In that He himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). "And through Him we are more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).
Question: But sometimes Satan foils a child of God. How does this work for good?
Answer: Through the suspension of divine grace, and the fury of the temptation, a saint may be overcome; yet this foiling by a temptation shall be overruled for good. By this foil God makes way for augmentation of grace. Peter was tempted to self-confidence. He presumed upon his own strength; and when he would needs to stand alone, Christ let him fall. But this wrought for his good. It cost him many a tear."He went out and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:75). And now he grows more modest. He durst not say he loved Christ more than the other apostles. "Do you love Me more than these"? (John 21:15). He durst not say so. His fall broke the neck of his pride. The foiling by a temptation causes more circumspection and watchfulness in a child of God. Though Satan did before decoy him into sin, yet for the future he will be more cautious. He is more shy and fearful of occasions of sin. He never goes out without his spiritual armor, and he girds on his armor by prayer. He knows he walks on slippery ground, therefore he looks wisely to his steps.
This is all the harm a devil ever does when he foils a saint by temptation. He cures him of his careless neglect; he makes him watch and pray more.
From All Things For Good by Thomas Watson
~Annie~
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