When we compare Matthew 4 with John 4, we understand that the struggle is about worship. God—because He is the true God—deserves and rightfully seeks true worshipers “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” (John 4:23-24). The enemy, Satan, seeks to take that worship away from God. Satan wants such worship for himself (Matthew 4:8-10).
The Old Testament story of Job is about worship. The devil could not accept the fact that Job was a true worshiper of God. The word devil means “accuser.” Satan again earned that name. He accused Job of false, selfish reasons for worshiping God. Satan also accused God of protecting Job from any hard tests. Because the struggle is a serious one, with real choices, God allowed Satan to test Job (Job 1:12; 2:6). However, God stayed in control, always limiting Satan’s power to do harm. Satan took away Job’s wealth and family. Yet still Job “fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, … ‘blessed be the name of the Lord'” (Job 1:20-21). Even painful illness could not change Job’s mind. Nothing could force him away from the choice to do right. Nothing could stop him from worshiping the true God.