α. We presumptuously neglect the natural means of support with which God has supplied us.
β. We deliberately fall into sin, with the purpose of expiating it afterwards by confession.
γ. We undertake any unprofitable task. For a Christian should set before him nothing upon which to expend his time and energies but what is of utility.
δ. We do evil that good may come.
For it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.
I. Satan placed two dangers before our Lord: that of being dashed to pieces, and that of committing a sin.
To remove the fear of either committing the sin, or of exposing Himself to danger, Satan quotes Scripture. He does this on two grounds—
1. To exhibit himself in a favourable light, as though he were the angel of God sent to bear Christ up.
2. To remove the fear of injury, on the authority of Scripture promises.
II. Satan endeavours to remove the prospect of danger, so as to make the thought of committing the sin less alarming. For many are deterred from crime by fear of its consequences; and if the fear be removed, then they are ready to commit the sin.