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Luke 22:31-34
In Luke 22:31 Jesus informs Simon (Peter) that Satan is seeking to test him and that He (Jesus) has been praying for him that he will have the strength in faith to overcome this testing and that when it has passed, that he would use that experience and what he learns through it to strengthen the other disciples (Luke 22:32).
The reply that Peter gave is of his confidence in his faith in Jesus, and that he is ready to stand by Jesus’ side even to prison or death (Luke 22:33). However, being overconfident borders on the line of arrogance (even though Peter intended it for good), and arrogance is of Satan and he used it to trick Peter into sin. Jesus has given Simon-Peter advance warning of the trial that is coming, but instead of falling to his knees in prayer and seeking the Lord’s help in overcoming Satan (who is stronger than he), he relies on his own overconfidence to see him through.
Jesus ends this passage in Luke 22:34 by telling Simon-Peter that before the rooster crows, he will deny Him three times.
This is a warning to not be overconfident in our faith; for our faith should not be in ourselves, but in our Savior Jesus.
The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 that we should be careful to stand on our own lest we fall. But that no temptation will be allowed except that which is common to man, and that God is faithful and will provide a way of escape from the temptation that befalls us, that we may be able to withstand it. Jesus is our salvation; Jesus defeated Satan; Jesus is our way to overcome temptation and trial. We must put our faith in Jesus to help us through whatever Satan throws at us, and we will be successful in Christ. Ephesians 6:10-20 tells us of the power of putting on and using the whole armor of God to stand against the spiritual battle of Satan, and as Jesus prays for Simon-Peter that his faith should not fail, the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:16 that above all to use the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of Satan.
Dear Lord,
Please help us to see that in overcoming trials and temptation, it is not faith in ourselves that can overcome Satan, but our faith in Jesus to see us through these trying times. Please help us to not be overconfident in our faith, which can lead to arrogance, but to humble ourselves to You and seek Your will for our lives each day through prayer, study of Your Word, and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.