to bring those promises to their mind, which are fortifying.
Israel in the wilderness, when they were among fiery serpents. The rock sending forth water, the manna, the pillar of cloud, the brazen serpent—what were these but types of God's supporting poor souls in the wilderness of temptation, stung by the devil, that fiery serpent? Alexander being asked how he could sleep so securely, when his enemies were about him, said, "Antipater is awake, who is always vigilant." So when our tempting enemy is near us—Jesus Christ is awake, who is a wall of fire around us.
There is a great deal of support to the tempted in the names given to Christ. As Satan's names may terrify—so Christ's names may support. The devil is called Apollyon, the devourer. Rev 9:11. Christ is called a Savior. The devil is called the "strong man." Matthew 12:29. Christ is called El Gibbor—the mighty God. Isaiah 9:6. The devil is called the accuser. Rev 12:10. Christ is called the Advocate. 1 John 2:1. The devil is called the tempter. Matthew 4:3. Christ is called the Comforter. Luke 2:25. The devil is called the prince of darkness. Christ is called the Sun of Righteousness. The devil is called the old serpent. Christ is called the Brazen Serpent who heals. John 3:14. Thus the very names of Christ have some support in them for tempted souls.
How and in what manner does Christ support those who are tempted?
1. He supports them by sending his Spirit—whose work it is to bring those promises to their mind, which are fortifying. "He shall bring all things to your remembrance." John 14:26. The Spirit furnishes us with promises—as so many weapons to fight against the old serpent. "The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." Romans 16:20. "God will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able." 1 Cor 10:13. "The seed of the