The Siniazō Series (Part VII): The Sifting of Christ: Overcoming the Tempter - II
Part VI: The Siniazō Series: The Sifting of Christ: Overcoming the Tempter - II
Last week, we explored the first and second temptations of Jesus Christ and saw how Satan attempted to Siniazō, to tempt and test the only begotten of the Father at His moment of physical weakness, following a 40-day fast in the wilderness. We also saw how Satan tried to manipulate Scripture itself, quoting Psalm 91:11–12, twisting its meaning to tempt Jesus to test God’s faithfulness by throwing Himself down from the temple. In both instances, Jesus responded with unwavering clarity and emerged victorious.
Today, we’ll focus on the third temptation of Jesus Christ and draw lessons on how we, too, can wield the power of “It is written” during our own moments of sifting.
Third Temptation: The Shortcut to Glory – The Trap of Compromise
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9, KJV). This was a direct assault on Christ’s mission. Satan offered Jesus a shortcut to rulership the glory of kingship without the suffering of the cross. This temptation mirrored the deception in Eden, where Satan promised Eve that eating the fruit would make her like God. But Jesus, knowing the only true path to kingship was through obedience to the Father, rebuked the devil: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10, KJV).
We see clearly that Satan always offers false shortcuts, promising power, success, immigration settlement, or pleasure without the price of obedience. But Jesus shows that any gain achieved through disobedience is ultimately a loss. His refusal to bow to Satan ensured His ultimate victory over sin and death. Likewise, believers must reject any shortcuts that the enemy offers, no matter how appealing they seem. In times of waiting and delay, Satan often whispers, “Why wait on God when you can take matters into your own hands?” He tempts people to compromise their faith for quick solutions in areas like:
- Marriage – Pushing believers to settle for relationships outside God’s will just to escape loneliness or societal pressure.
- Wealth – Encouraging dishonest business practices, fraud, or unethical dealings to gain financial success faster.
- Immigration and Career Advancement – Suggesting deceitful means to secure visas, jobs, or promotions instead of trusting God’s timing and provision.
The Power of “It Is Written”
In every temptation, Jesus’ response was the same: “It is written.” Jesus’ response to Satan must be ours as well: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10, KJV). This is the model for every believer facing spiritual attacks. Victory is found in God’s Word. Jesus did not engage in debate or reasoning with Satan; He simply declared the truth. This is a powerful lesson:
- Know the Word – Study the Scriptures to recognize deception.
- Declare the Word – Speak God’s truth when confronted by lies.
- Obey the Word – Live in alignment with God’s commands, refusing shortcuts.
There is no lasting success outside of God’s will. The devil’s “shortcuts” always come with hidden costs, loss of integrity, loss of peace, and ultimately, loss of God’s best. Scripture reminds us: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV). When faced with delays and disappointments, we must remember that waiting on God is never in vain. As Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV) assures us: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Every promise from God comes to pass in its due season. Those who refuse Satan’s shortcuts and remain faithful in obedience will reap a greater reward in God’s perfect timing.
Effect of Christ’s Perseverance: A Name Above Every Name
Because Christ endured and overcame the enemy’s sifting, He emerged from the wilderness empowered for His ministry. His victory in the wilderness was a foreshadowing of His ultimate victory on the cross, where He crushed the power of sin and death. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” (Philippians 2:9-10, KJV). Through obedience and perseverance, Jesus received the highest honor. There is no crown without the cross, the path to glory is always through suffering and endurance. Jesus understood this, and He embraced the suffering of Gethsemane and the agony of Calvary, knowing it was the necessary process for His exaltation.
Similarly, we believers today must also recognize that sifting moments are not punishments but divine preparation for greater assignments. If Satan can convince a believer that their personal "Gethsemane", their season of pressing, trials, and refinement is unnecessary, then they will ultimately lose out on God’s ordained rulership for their lives. Just as Esau sold his birthright for a temporary relief (Hebrews 12:16-17), those who choose the easy way out will compromise their destiny. "For if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us." (2 Timothy 2:12, KJV).
But for those who endure, the promise is sure: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10, KJV). Satan’s goal in sifting is to weaken and disqualify us, but God’s purpose is to refine and promote us. When we stand firm on God’s Word and endure our seasons of testing, we will emerge victorious, strengthened, and established, just as Christ was.
Final Charge: Endure the Sifting, Walk in Victory
No matter the sifting, the struggles, or the schemes of the enemy, we can stand firm in the assurance that Jesus has overcome, and through Him, we also overcome! In conclusion:
- When Satan questions God’s Word, respond with “It is written.”
- When Satan offers shortcuts, reject them for the path of obedience.
- When trials come, remember that perseverance leads to divine exaltation.
Hold fast to God’s truth. The enemy may sift, but the victory belongs to those who endure.
Yours shall overcome in Jesus’ name!
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Siniazō Series (Part VI): The Sifting of Christ: Overcoming the Tempter - I
Last week, we exposed one of Satan's classic Siniazō strategy which has been, to twist God’s Word and how the fall of Adam and Eve demonstrated humanity’s vulnerability to Satan’s deception. However, in Christ, we see the perfect example of how to stand firm when faced with the enemy’s sifting. The first Adam succumbed to temptation, but the second Adam, Jesus Christ, emerged victorious. His Sniazō moment, though maliciously intended by Satan to sift Him to the point of overthrow, was divinely positioned by God as preparation for the next phase of His ministry. Today, we will examine the first and the second temptations of Christ whilst the third temptation will follow next week.
But first, we must bear in mind that Jesus fully embraced the human experience (to wit; He did not come to this world in His capacity as a God), including temptation, yet He remained sinless. He did not evade suffering or bypass trials but endured them completely, standing in our place as the perfect High Priest. As Hebrews 4:15 (KJV) declares: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” This verse reminds us that Christ understands our struggles firsthand. He was tempted in every way, experiencing hunger, weakness, and the enticements of the enemy, yet He never wavered, never yielded, and never sinned. His victory was not just for Himself but for all who would follow Him, proving that through Him, we too can withstand the enemy’s sifting.
The Wilderness Temptation: The Siniazō of the Second Adam
Just as Satan approached Adam and Eve in the Garden at their moment of testing, he also approached Christ at His moment of physical weakness, after a 40-day fast in the wilderness. This account is recorded in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13, where Jesus faced three strategic temptations that parallel the deception in Eden. However, unlike Adam and Eve, Christ did not fall. As opposed to Adam, who failed in a garden of abundance, Christ triumphed in a wilderness of lack, demonstrating that true victory is found in unwavering obedience to God.
First Temptation: Hunger – Sifting Through Physical Need
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” (Matthew 4:2-3, KJV). Satan sought to exploit Christ’s hunger, the most pressing need of His human body at that moment. This mirrors the way he enticed Eve through her physical desires, as she saw that the forbidden fruit was “good for food” (Genesis 3:6). The tempter hoped that Jesus would prioritize His immediate need over His spiritual calling. However, Jesus responded with the Word of God, setting a model for all believers: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV).
While food is necessary for physical life, Christ demonstrated that spiritual sustenance is even more vital. Unlike Eve, who entertained the serpent’s words, Jesus immediately countered Satan’s suggestion with Scripture, showing that the Word of God is the believer’s greatest defense. Likewise, believers today often face temptations at the point of their greatest needs. When we are financially strained, relationally wounded, or physically weary, in need of immigration settlement or even the fruit of the womb, the enemy whispers alternatives that seem to provide quick relief but ultimately lead us away from God's will. Many fall into sin because they seek to satisfy their legitimate desires in illegitimate ways. Instead of waiting on God's provision, they compromise, just as Esau did when he sold his birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:29-34). This is why James warns: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3, KJV).
Often, we pray for things that seem essential, financial breakthroughs, success, relationships, immigration settlement, fruitfulness, but if our motives are driven by selfish desires rather than submission to God’s will, our prayers go unanswered. The enemy knows this and tempts us to seek fulfillment outside of God's timing and provision. But Jesus demonstrated the right response: He refused to let physical needs dictate His actions. Instead, He answered with Scripture, saying: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV). His response teaches us that our ultimate sustenance comes not from material provisions but from the Word of God. True satisfaction is found in obedience, not in the immediate gratification of fleshly desires. When faced with satanic sifting, we too must stand firm, trusting that God will meet our needs in His perfect way and time.
Second Temptation: Testing God – The Trap of Presumption
“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee.” (Matthew 4:5-6, KJV). Satan, seeing that Jesus had responded with Scripture, tried to use Scripture himself, a deceptive tactic he has always employed. He quoted Psalm 91:11-12, twisting its meaning to encourage Jesus to test God’s faithfulness by throwing Himself down from the temple. This reflects Satan’s tactic in the Garden, where he twisted God’s command to confuse Eve. However, Jesus again responded with the authority of God’s Word: “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4:7, KJV).
Jesus refused to put God to the test knowing fully well that true faith trusts God without needing unnecessary proof. Many of us fall into the enemy’s trap by demanding signs or manipulating circumstances to force God’s hand, but Jesus showed that faith rests on obedience, not spectacle. Similarly, we must reach a level of spiritual maturity where our faith is not dependent on external signs or immediate answers to prayer. Too often, people serve God only when their prayers are answered in the way they expect. However, true faith says, “Even if my circumstances don’t change, I will still trust Him.” This was the attitude of Job, who, in the midst of unimaginable suffering, declared: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” (Job 13:15, KJV).
This level of unwavering faith frustrates the enemy’s tactics. Satan’s goal in sifting believers is to wear us down through delay, disappointment, and discouragement. He wants us to give up when prayers seem unanswered or when challenges persist. But when a believer stands firm and says, “Even if I do not receive what I ask for, I will still worship, still serve, and still believe,” the devil’s strategy fails. Consider the three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who faced the fiery furnace in (Daniel 3:17-18, KJV). Their faith was not conditioned on whether God saved them or not. They had already decided that their worship belonged to God alone, regardless of the outcome. This is the kind of faith that withstands sifting, the kind that does not bow to pressure or manipulation.
Final Charge: Endure the Sifting, Walk in Victory
Temptation and spiritual battles are inevitable, but remember, we do not fight alone. Christ has already shown us the way to victory, and through Him, we have the strength to stand firm. As a matter of fact, Christ assures us that He has already won the victory for us in (John 16:33, KJV): "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." This verse is a powerful reminder that although believers will face trials, Christ has already secured the victory. Receive strength in your inner man to withstand any attack of the enemy in Jesus name.
Remain ever blessed.
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Siniazō Series (Part V): The Sifting of Adam and Eve – Satan Twists God’s Word
From the very beginning, Satan’s strategy has been to twist God’s Word, causing doubt and deception. The first recorded instance of this is in the Garden of Eden, where he sifted Adam and Eve by subtly distorting what God had commanded, leading them into disobedience and spiritual downfall. Their failure to hold fast to God’s Word resulted in consequences that have affected all of humanity.
The Enemy’s Deceptive Questioning
Satan did not openly deny God’s Word, his approach in the Garden of Eden was not a direct attack but instead, he posed a misleading question to Eve: “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1, KJV). His goal was to plant doubt in Eve’s mind about what God had truly spoken. He manipulated her perception, making God’s command seem unreasonable and restrictive. His goal was to create doubt, making God’s command appear unreasonable. This is a classic Siniazō strategy, Satan rarely begins with full denial; rather, he casts suspicion, leading believers to question what they know to be true.
The Strategy of Doubt
Even today, Satan employs this same tactic in the lives of believers. He whispers:
- “Does God really care about you?”
- “Is this command really necessary?”
- “Maybe this rule is outdated and applies only to the Old Testament, surely God wouldn’t want to restrict you like this.”
By stirring uncertainty, he attempts to weaken our confidence in God’s instructions, making us more susceptible to his lies.
Eve’s Altered Response
Eve’s response already showed signs of misunderstanding and that she had already begun to subtly misunderstand God’s Word: “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” (Genesis 3:3, KJV). However, God never said anything about touching the tree, only that they should not eat from it (Genesis 2:17). By adding to God’s command, Eve made it easier for Satan to refute and distort the truth. We see here that any form of misrepresentation of God’s truth, whether through ignorance, assumption, or deception can lead to disobedience. This is why Scripture warns against both adding to and taking away from God’s commands (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19).
Satan Boldly Contradicts God’s Word
As soon as Eve engaged in dialogue with the serpent, Satan moved from subtle deception to outright contradiction: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4, KJV). This was a direct attack on God’s authority. Satan misrepresented the consequences of disobedience, promising false enlightenment: “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5, KJV). Satan’s promise was false empowerment, he made disobedience seem like a path to wisdom and divinity. His tactics have not changed; he still tempts believers with the illusion that sin will bring freedom and knowledge. As believers, we should never engage in any form of dialogue with the devil.
The Devastating Consequence of Believing Satan’s Lies
Once deception took root, sin followed, this is the order in Satan’s sifting strategy. When Eve trusted the serpent’s words over God’s command, it led to sin and separation: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6, KJV). The process of sin followed this pattern:
- Doubt – Satan planted uncertainty about God’s truth.
- Distortion – God’s command was altered or misunderstood.
- Denial – Satan flatly contradicted God’s Word.
- Desire – Eve “saw” that the tree was desirable.
- Disobedience – They ate the fruit as proof that they believed the lie, leading to rebellion against God and ultimately, their separation from God.
As soon as they sinned, Adam and Eve experienced shame, fear, and broken fellowship with God (Genesis 3:7-8). The once-perfect relationship between humanity and God was fractured, and death, both spiritual and physical entered the world.
The Ongoing Siniazō (Sifting) in Our Lives
The enemy’s tactics have not changed. Satan still uses this same tactic today: He still seeks to sift believers by distorting Scripture, undermining faith, and leading people into deception. He plants doubts, whispering, “Did God really say that?” He promises false fulfillment apart from God. Jesus warned that Satan is always seeking to sift believers as wheat, just as he did with Peter: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31, KJV). But Christ prays for His people, just as He interceded for Peter: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:32, KJV). Believers today must recognize that we, too, are being sifted. But just as Christ interceded for Peter, He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).
Victory Through God’s Unchanging Word
The key to overcoming deception is knowing and standing on God’s Word. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus responded not with debate but with Scripture: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV). When Satan distorts truth, we must respond with scripture, refusing to engage in his deceptive reasoning. To resist the enemy, we must:
- Know the Word – Study Scripture diligently (2 Timothy 2:15).
- Declare the Word – Use God’s truth to combat deception (Ephesians 6:17).
- Live the Word – Apply biblical principles daily (James 1:22).
Final Charge: Will You Hold Fast?
The siniazō attack on Adam and Eve which led to the fall of mankind serves as a sobering warning: to you and I today, when God’s Word is questioned, distorted, and denied, sin follows. But we are not without hope. Christ has made a way for restoration, and His Word remains our firm foundation. Today, Satan still twists scripture to deceive, but we must remain rooted in truth. By knowing and declaring God’s Word, we can resist deception and walk in victory.
The battle is real, and the enemy continues to sift God’s people. Yet, we have the assurance that if we remain steadfast, we will be victorious. May we hold unwaveringly to the truth and declare, like Job: “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” (Job 19:25, KJV). And may we stand firm, knowing that after we have suffered for a while, the God of all grace will restore, strengthen, and establish us (1 Peter 5:10).
Your faith shall not fail in Jesus’ name!
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Siniazō Series (Part IV): The Testing of Job’s Faith – Enduring the Sifting of the Righteous
In the previous parts of the Siniazō series, we explored how the enemy seeks to sift believers through trials and adversities. From Peter’s denial to Elijah’s despair and John the Baptist’s moment of doubt, we have seen how Satan strategically attacks God’s people to push them to the verge of overthrow. Now, we turn to one of the most profound examples of faith under attack: Job. The book of Job is one of the oldest and most profound biblical narratives that explore the mystery of suffering, divine sovereignty, and unwavering faith. Job’s trials serve as a powerful testament to the reality that Satan often seeks to siniazō believers, not merely to harm them but to incite God against them in hopes of stripping them of divine protection, launching relentless attacks, and ultimately persuading them to renounce their faith.
Purpose of This Series: Encouragement Through the Trials of Faith
Before we proceed with exploring Job’s siniazō moment, it is important to remind ourselves of why we started this series in the first place, which is to encourage you that the trials of faith which you are currently battling are not unique to you alone as there is no temptation which is uncommon to man. Indeed, the great prophets of old faced similar challenges, enduring seasons of suffering and intense spiritual warfare. Yet, through their perseverance, triumph, and the comfort found in Scripture, we too can be strengthened and consoled on our journey to victory. As it is written: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4 (KJV).
The Heavenly Challenge: Satan’s Scheme to Destroy Job’s Faith
Job is introduced as a righteous man, one who “was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1, KJV). His life was marked by prosperity, favor, and divine protection. However, in the heavenly realm, a critical conversation unfolds between God and Satan: “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” (Job 1:9-11, KJV).
Satan’s accusation is clear: Job’s faithfulness is not rooted in genuine love for God but in the blessings and protection he enjoys. If God were to remove His hedge of protection, Job would supposedly turn away in despair. This passage reveals a fundamental tactic of Satan, he aims to provoke God to permit affliction, hoping that suffering will cause believers to turn their backs on Him. The adversary desires to exploit hardship as a tool for shaking faith to the point of renunciation.
Look at it this way: You may have enjoyed a season of abundant blessings in different areas of your life, good health, financial stability, immigration settlement, strong relationships, only to suddenly find yourself in a period of dryness where doors seem shut, and nothing flows as before or even a delay in one specific aspect of your life. In moments like these, it can feel as though Satan has gone before God to challenge the sincerity of your faith, just as he did with Job. The real siniazō then becomes this: Will your love for God remain steadfast when the blessings fade? It is at this point that you’d realize that true faith is not proven in times of abundance but in seasons of lack, where trust in God is refined, not by what He gives, but by who He is.
The First Attack: The Loss of Everything
With God’s permission but clear limitations, Satan unleashes a devastating attack on Job. In a single day, Job loses his wealth, his livestock, his servants, and most tragically his children. Yet, Job’s response remains steadfast: “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:20-21, KJV). Despite immense grief, Job refuses to curse God. This demonstrates an unshakable trust in God’s sovereignty, an attitude that believers must cultivate when faced with trials.
The Second Attack: The Suffering of the Body
Undeterred, Satan seeks to escalate Job’s affliction. He argues to God that if Job’s body is touched, if he suffers physically, then he will surely break. God permits this second test, with the condition that Job’s life must be spared. “So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” (Job 2:7, KJV). Now, Job is afflicted with excruciating pain. His health deteriorates, his wife urges him to curse God and die, and his friends wrongly assume his suffering is due to hidden sin. Yet, in the face of overwhelming affliction, Job clings to his faith: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” (Job 13:15, KJV). This statement is one of the most profound declarations of faith in Scripture. Job’s unwavering trust in God, even when he cannot understand his suffering, exemplifies the depth of true devotion.
The Purpose of the Sifting: From Satan's Perspective
Essentially, as part of his siniazō strategy, Satan engages Job in a "battle of attrition", a prolonged conflict in which one party seeks to wear down the other through continuous losses in personnel, resources, or morale. Rather than pursuing a swift or decisive victory, this strategy aims to exhaust the opponent over time until they can no longer sustain the fight. In the context of Job’s trial, Satan’s goal was not to kill Job but to wear him down through relentless affliction. By subjecting him to intense suffering, Satan sought to break Job’s resolve, leading him to renounce his faith, curse God, and ultimately forfeit his right to God’s promises.
The Purpose of the Sifting: The Refinement of Faith
Job’s trials teach us crucial lessons about why God permits Satan to sift believers:
- Faith Must Be Proven Genuine – Just as gold is refined in fire, faith is often tested in adversity to reveal its authenticity (1 Peter 1:7).
- God’s Sovereignty is Absolute – While Satan may seek to incite God against believers, he operates within divine limitations. God remains in control.
- Endurance Leads to Greater Blessing – After Job’s period of testing, God restores him, blessing him with twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10).
Standing Firm in the Face of the Siniazō Attack
Just as Job endured, believers today must be equipped to withstand the enemy’s attacks. Here are key principles to remember:
1. Put on the Full Amour of God:
The enemy’s goal is to weaken faith and sow doubt, but God has given us spiritual armor to stand firm. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, KJV). Equip yourself daily with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God to withstand spiritual attacks. The best defense against Satan’s deception is to fill our minds with Scripture, just as Jesus did when resisting temptation (Matthew 4:4). The enemy constantly fires attacks in the form of lies, doubts, and temptations, but God has given us the shield of faith to extinguish them: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16, KJV). These fiery darts come as thoughts of fear, discouragement, and unbelief, but faith in God’s Word neutralizes them.
2. Resist and Remain Steadfast:
Satan seeks to use affliction to shake our faith, but we are called to resist him and remain steadfast in our trust in God. “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:9, KJV). Endurance in suffering produces spiritual maturity and deepens our dependence on God. Do not allow circumstances to define your faith, true faith remains steadfast whether in abundance or in loss.
3. Reject the Lies of the Enemy:
Satan will use discouragement, suffering, and even well-meaning friends to plant doubt, but we must cling to God’s truth. Satan is the father of lies, “he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44, KJV). Every lie that breeds fear, doubt, and condemnation originates from Satan. His strategy is to distort God’s promises and shake our confidence in Him. Job’s friends wrongly accused him, implying that his suffering was proof of hidden sin. However, God vindicated Job and proved their words false (Job 42:7). Similarly, when we face trials, the enemy whispers lies: “God has abandoned you.” But God says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5, KJV). “You are too weak.” But God says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV).
4. Endure with Hope:
Trials have an expiration date. Just as Job’s suffering came to an end, God will ultimately restore, strengthen, and bless those who remain faithful. Trials refine and strengthen our faith, preparing us for greater glory: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10, KJV). Every challenge we endure draws us closer to God and builds our spiritual endurance.
Final Charge: Will You Hold Fast?
The testing of faith is inevitable. The enemy still seeks to sift believers, hoping to push them into despair and rejection of God. Yet, Job’s story reminds us that faith, when tested, produces endurance (James 1:3). May we, like Job, declare unwaveringly: “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25, KJV). And may we stand firm, knowing that after we have suffered for a while, the God of all grace will restore and establish us (1 Peter 5:10). The battle may be fierce, but the victory is assured for those who hold fast to their faith. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12, KJV).
Your faith shall not fail in Jesus name!
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Siniazō Series (Part III): The Testing of John the Baptist’s Faith - A Lesson in Faith and Trials
In this third part of the Siniazō Series, we examine the life of a remarkable man of God, John the Baptist. A man whose life and ministry were so significant that Jesus Himself testified of him, saying: “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.” (John 5:35, KJV). Jesus further declared that among those born of women, there was none greater than John the Baptist: “Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11, KJV).
John was a man on a mission, sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. Matthew 3:4: "And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey." He came in the spirit and power of Elijah, living a life of radical consecration. Just as Elijah, after his great victory over the prophets of Baal, fled in fear and despondency (1 Kings 19:1-4), John faced discouragement while imprisoned. Both Elijah and John confronted wicked rulers, Ahab and Jezebel in Elijah’s time, and Herod and Herodias in John’s, and both reached points where their faith were tested under pressure.
John’s portfolio shows that he spent his days in the wilderness, eating locusts and honey, symbolizing his separation from worldly distractions and his complete devotion to God. His message was fiery, his presence commanding, and his impact undeniable. Even the Jewish leaders and common people went to the wilderness to be baptized by him, confessing their sins. One of John’s greatest acts was baptizing Jesus Christ. Though John initially hesitated, saying that he himself needed to be baptized by Jesus, but Christ insisted: “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15, KJV). At that moment, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son. John had no doubt about who Jesus was. He publicly declared: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29, KJV).
At this point, John’s testimony of Jesus was unwavering. He was bold, confident, and resolute. But then, a trial came, a test that would challenge even his firm faith. I’d have thought that the enemy would stare off a man like John the Baptist, with such detailed and precise spiritual background, but no. This goes to show that Satan is unbiased in singling out his prey, his sifting has no respect for one’s background or antecedents. I mean he attempted to sift Christ, the Son of God in Matthew 4:1-11, so don’t expect him to not come for you as a servant cannot be greater than his master.
The Siniazō Moment: John’s Doubt in the Face of Trials
John’s fearless preaching eventually led to his imprisonment. He had confronted Herod Antipas for unlawfully taking his brother’s wife, Herodias. Angered, Herodias schemed against John, leading to his arrest. John, the same man who had fearlessly declared Christ’s identity, found himself alone in a prison cell, awaiting what seemed like an inevitable execution. During this dark moment, John sent his disciples to Jesus with a question that was shocking, considering his prior convictions: “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3, KJV). At this point, John was no longer sure of his initial conviction about the Christ. He had begun to doubt the very same thing he had initially proclaimed publicly, his assignment and faith.
What had happened to the guy? How did the same John, who boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, now question whether Jesus was truly the Messiah? Alas, John the Baptist had stepped into the siniazō phase, a season where the enemy subtly attacks one’s faith to make them doubt the very truths they once held dear. Just as Satan sought to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31-32), John was now experiencing a shaking of faith. This moment of doubt is striking, considering John’s boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). It reveals that even those with strong callings are not immune to seasons of trial and questioning.
Perhaps John expected Jesus to intervene and miraculously set him free. Perhaps he struggled to reconcile his suffering with the reality of Jesus’ power. This is a place many believers find themselves in when prayers seem unanswered, when breakthroughs delay, or when the path of faith leads to unexpected suffering. But here’s what we must understand: the testing of faith is inevitable. Even the strongest can face moments of doubt. John’s story teaches us that no one is completely beyond the reach of the enemy’s attacks when it comes to contending for the faith.
Jesus’ Response to John: A Gentle Reaffirmation
When John’s disciples brought his question, Jesus did not rebuke him harshly. Instead, He pointed them to the evidence of His works: “Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4-5, KJV).
Jesus was essentially saying, “Look at the fulfillment of prophecy. Let the works speak for themselves.” This response was not just for John but for all who would face moments of doubt. It teaches us that when our faith is tested, we must look at God’s track record, His faithfulness, His fulfilled promises, and His undeniable works. Consider how He has delivered you in the past and decide that what you are battling with now is not beyond him.
Lessons from John’s Trial: Overcoming the Siniazō Moment
I’ve always heard people speak about John the Baptist’s experience in this passage and various conclusions from many scholars that John the Baptist was offended in God, hence his execution. However, years ago, while studying this passage, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to see that John’s faith was simply under attack. This too could be the fate of several believers, who suddenly start questioning the reality of what they believed in during times of trials. In such moments, let's consider two critical lessons that is extremely helpful for navigating seasons of doubt and trial from this same story of John the Baptist:
1. Keep Looking into the Perfect Law of Liberty
When trials come, the enemy’s goal is to shift our focus away from God’s promises and onto our circumstances. It could be the case that John, in his moment of despair, looked away even if slightly from the Scriptures and became fixated on his situation. If he had kept his eyes on what the scrolls prophesied about the Messiah, His mission to save rather than to overthrow political powers, he might not have been shaken.
James 1:25 (KJV). tells us: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Even in the darkest times, we must hold fast to God’s Word. It is our anchor. The enemy thrives when we neglect Scripture, but victory is found in continually reminding ourselves of God’s truth.
2. Remember God’s Faithfulness in Trying Times
When trials come, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the present struggle and forget how God has carried us through past challenges. Yet, throughout Scripture, we see reminders to look back and recall His faithfulness. When David faced Goliath, he found courage by remembering how God had delivered him from the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:37).
Psalm 77:11-12 (KJV) declares: “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely, I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work and talk of thy doings.” No matter how difficult the present may seem, let us remind ourselves of the times God provided, healed, and made a way when there seemed to be none. The same God who was faithful then is faithful now. Keep your heart anchored in His past works and let them strengthen your faith for today’s battle.
Final Encouragement: Hold Fast to Your Faith
The story of John the Baptist reminds us that trials and doubts can come even to the strongest believers, however, just as God reassured Elijah, Jesus affirmed John’s mission, declaring him the greatest among those born of women (Matthew 11:11). Their experiences remind us that sifting is not a sign of divine abandonment but of divine refinement, shaping them into vessels of unwavering faith and spiritual authority. Similarly, Paul exhorts us in Hebrews 10:23 (KJV): “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Beloved, whatever siniazō moment you are facing, remember this: your faith will not fail if you stay rooted in Christ. Hold fast, for He who called you is faithful. Amen!
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Siniazō Series (Part II): The Testing of Elijah’s Faith - Overcoming Despair in Times of Trial
In the first part of this Siniazō Series, we explored how the enemy seeks to siniazō (sift, shake, and pressure) believers in an attempt to overthrow their faith. We saw this in Peter’s story, where Jesus’ intercession ensured that Peter’s faith would not ultimately fail, despite his momentary weakness. Now, we turn to another biblical figure who faced a similar but even deeper crisis, Elijah, the great prophet of fire, who found himself overwhelmed with despair to the point of suicidal thoughts.
This part of the series addresses the battle for faith in the face of overwhelming despair, depression, and thoughts of premature death, particularly among believers undergoing extreme trials and difficulties, financial, barrenness, health challenges, marital crisis and many other issues. Many struggling Christians today, whether in persecuted countries or in personal battles, can relate to Elijah’s deep moment of discouragement. Elijah: a mighty prophet yet overwhelmed by despair. It may surprise many that Elijah, the same prophet who called down fire from heaven, who single-handedly challenged the prophets of Baal, who stood boldly before King Ahab, found himself so crushed by pressure that he prayed for his own death.
Let’s look at what happened: “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, so let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:1-4 (KJV).
Lessons from Elijah’s Crisis of Faith
Elijah’s story reveals several key truths about how the enemy applies pressure on believers, sometimes leading them to deep despair:
1. The enemy uses fear and intimidation to shake faith:
Jezebel didn’t attack Elijah with an army, she simply sent a threat. Yet, that was enough to cause this mighty prophet to flee in terror. Until the revelation of siniazō was made know to me by the Holy Spirit, I always wondered what had gotten into this guy, when he was fleeing. I mean, why did he chicken out like that, when he could have called down fire to rain on Jezebel like he had done previously. Similarly, many believers today are not physically harmed, but constant opposition, fear of the unknown, or discouraging circumstances can make them want to give up.
2. Isolation increases vulnerability:
Elijah left his servant behind and wandered alone in the wilderness. Many struggling believers today isolate themselves in their pain, making them more susceptible to spiritual attacks. According to Proverbs 27:17-19, “iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Who knows, if he were in the company of believers of like mind or even his servant, they may have reminded him of the several battles God had wrought through him in the past and how this incident was no different from those. As beautifully captured in Ecclesiastes 4:8-13, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
3. Extreme exhaustion leads to spiritual discouragement:
Elijah had fought a long battle and was physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Many believers battling persecution, trials, financial struggles, sickness, or emotional pain become too exhausted to continue, leading to deep discouragement. Once you get to this point of physical exhaustion, rather than to keep on fighting to the point of running flat, it is important to instead step into God’s rest as promised to those who believe in Hebrews 4: 1-8 and to cease from your works.
4. The enemy aims to make believers feel like failures:
Elijah said, “I am not better than my fathers.” He felt like all his sacrifices had been in vain. Many believers under intense pressure begin to doubt whether their faith, ministry, or personal struggles have any meaning, and I can assure you that it does. God is concerned with every intricate part of your life that even “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Luke 12:7. In Luke 21:18-19, he assures you that “not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”
God’s Response: Angelic Empowerment and Supernatural Strength
Although Elijah was at his lowest point, God did not rebuke him for feeling weak because He's not one to break an already bruised reed. Instead, He provided supernatural intervention. “And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:5-8.
What Can We Learn from God’s Intervention?
Although our faith will always be challenged, even more reassuring is that God’s provision of strength to Elijah through angelic intervention is a powerful reminder that He sustains His people supernaturally in times of great need. Just as He strengthened Elijah, He also strengthened Jesus in His moments of weakness. In Luke 22:43, an angel appeared to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to strengthen Him before His crucifixion. This divine empowerment is not limited to biblical times; God continues to strengthen believers today in the following ways:
1. Angelic Assistance - Hebrews 1:14: reminds us that angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Believers today can experience angelic intervention, whether through protection, guidance, or divine encouragement during difficult times.
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit - Acts 1:8 declares, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." The Holy Spirit empowers believers with supernatural strength to endure trials, resist temptation, and carry out God’s will with boldness and authority.
3. God’s Word as Spiritual Nourishment - Just as Elijah received physical sustenance from the angel, believers receive spiritual nourishment through God’s Word. Matthew 4:4 states, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." The scriptures provide encouragement, wisdom, and renewal in times of weakness.
4. Strength Through Prayer - Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer when seeking strength. In Philippians 4:6-7, believers are encouraged to present their requests to God in prayer, receiving His peace and renewed strength. James 5:16 also affirms that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
5. Supernatural Peace and Endurance - Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." God supernaturally strengthens believers with endurance and peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
6. The Body of Christ: Encouragement from Fellow Believers - God often uses fellow believers to strengthen and encourage one another. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Through fellowship, prayer, and support, Christians experience God’s sustaining power.
Final Charge: The Place of Supernatural Empowerment
Just as God provided supernatural strength to Elijah and Jesus, He continues to empower His people today through angelic intervention, the Holy Spirit, His Word, prayer, divine peace, and the fellowship of believers. No matter the challenges faced, God’s strength remains available to those who trust in Him. Your faith shall not fail in Jesus name, amen!
Author: Loveth Okocha
The Siniazō Series (Part 1): The Testing of Peter's Faith
This is the first part of the "Siniazō series". Wondering what this is about? Well, siniazō is a Greek word which means to sift, to shake in a sieve; by inward agitation to try one’s faith to the verge of overthrow. This word first appears in the New Testament in Luke 22:31-32, where Jesus speaks to Simon Peter: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Peter’s experience shows us a crucial truth: Satan desires to shake the faith of believers, to cause them to stumble, and to ultimately separate them from God, but through unwavering fights of faith and the intercession of other believers you can withstand the fiery darts of Satan.
Understanding Siniazō —The Enemy’s Strategy
As noted above, siniazō is to sift, shake in a sieve; by inward agitation to try one’s faith to the verge of overthrow. This is exactly what Satan seeks to do—apply intense pressure on believers so that they become discouraged, compromise, or even abandon their faith altogether.
Peter, full of confidence, had declared his willingness to follow Jesus unto death: “And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” —Luke 22:33 (KJV). Yet, under pressure, Peter denied Christ thrice (Luke 22:54-61). This shows how powerful siniazō can be—it can shake even the strongest of faith when the enemy applies strategic, calculated attacks.
The Invisible Pressure
One thing stands out from Peter's experience, Satanic pressure doesn’t always come in dramatic forms. Peter wasn’t faced with an army threatening his life—he was simply confronted by three people, which included a young maid with no arms, who merely questioned his association with Jesus. Yet, that was enough to shake him.
The Sifting Continues Today
The enemy’s tactics have not changed. Believers today face different forms of “sifting” in their faith. Many believers today are not just facing physical persecution but also spiritual, emotional, and mental battles. Some are battling intense doubts and fears, others feel overwhelmed by sin, guilt, or shame, some are struggling with discouragement, depression, or loneliness and many feel far from God and are on the verge of walking away from their faith.
Ultimately, Satan’s goal remains the same—to make believers question their faith, doubt God’s promises, and feel abandoned.
Why Our Intercessions and Supplications Matter
Had Jesus not prayed for Peter, what would have happened? Peter could have fallen into deep despair like Judas and been lost forever. But because Jesus had already interceded for him, Peter’s faith was restored, and he became a mighty pillar in the early Church.
This shows that our intercessory prayers and even supplicating for your own faith not to fail can make a life-or-death difference for struggling believers and yourself. When we intercede:
- Their faith is strengthened – Just as Peter’s faith did not ultimately fail, our prayers can uphold those going through trials (Luke 22:32).
- They can rise again after failure – Some believers may stumble, but prayer empowers them to get back up and fulfill their calling.
- They can strengthen others – Jesus told Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” When struggling believers receive strength, they, in turn, can encourage and uplift others.
That is why we must intercede. We may not know all the believers in our local church or communities personally, but our prayers will send divine strength, courage, and endurance.
Practical Ways to Intercede for Struggling Believers
- Pray for Their Faith Not to Fail - “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32).
- Pray for God to shield them from physical, spiritual, and emotional attacks - “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17).
- Pray that believers will not be afraid to stand for Christ - “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” (Acts 4:29).
- Pray for Divine Comfort and Encouragement - “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- Pray for financial, emotional, and spiritual provision for those in need - “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).
Final Charge: Will You Stand in the Gap?
Never underestimate the power of your intercession. When we pray, we build a spiritual firewall around struggling believers, ensuring that their faith remains strong and that they continue to shine as lights in the darkness. Just as Jesus’ prayer kept Peter from complete destruction, our prayers can uphold those facing trials today.
Even more powerful are the undeniable benefits you receive when you intercede for other believers. As you pray for their faith not to fail, you can be assured that you are also securing the same kind of unwavering faith for yourself. The Bible says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." (Luke 6:38).
Giving in the above context is not limited to material things—it applies to anything you release, whether good or bad. Here, the prayer you give for the strength of others is a seed that guarantees a return—a harvest of steadfast faith for yourself when the enemy comes to sift your own faith, as we are well aware, Satan's job description is to go about seeking who to devour.
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Let us rise and intercede!
Author: Loveth Okocha
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