Luke 4:9-12 The Third Temptation of Christ: Creating False Expectations by Misusing Scripture

Twisted Scripture, Twisted Theology by Brannon Howse | Goodreads

Satan is attempting to hit Jesus with his best shots. The first was living by bread alone rather than by the Word of God. The second was the false glory and authority of this world, accessible by worshipping Satan. Each time, Jesus met him head-on with a Scriptural command.

The third temptation will be no different. Satan has personalized his attacks more deeply. He knows Jesus relies on Scripture, so Satan will try to misuse Scripture to trip Him up.  

In fact, he will attempt to take a single scripture and misuse it, implementing a tactic in the above-pictured book called “Twisted Scripture Bad Theology” (I haven’t read it, but the title fits this study.)

But Jesus knew not to take a single Scripture and misuse it. He knew to examine the whole word of God, and properly contextualize any single Scripture. So should we. Let’s see how Satan ended tempting Jesus with his third “best shot”---shallow Scriptural interpretation, entitlement, and religious presumption.