Satan's Target: The Fortress of Faith in God

When the devil tempts Christ in the wilderness, his object is to shake the Saviour's confidence in the Fatherly character of God. He labours most against our faith, and therefore we should labour most in fortifying it.

Policy teaches men to plant their greatest strength at that fort or part of the wall where the enemy plants his ordnance and makes his strongest assault. Similarly, nature teaches us to defend all our parts, but especially our head and heart—those vital centres.

Faith determines victory in spiritual warfare. If Satan takes away our root, how can our branch flourish? If he breaks our band, all that is bound up will shatter in pieces. If he cuts off our anchor, our vessel will be driven upon the rocks. If he overcomes our trust in God, he will subdue all unto himself.

Yet there is assurance: "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4). When Christ refuses the kingdoms of the world offered by Satan, He demonstrates that trust in Yahweh's providentia surpasses all earthly dominion. The devil's assault upon faith is his mightiest weapon, but faith in the Divine character and provision proves invincible against every temptation.