Temptation, 12of13

~ Christ Is Our Example for Dealing With Temptation ~

Introduction ~  “Then [note Key Learning #1 below] Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). …

The First Temptation (lust of the flesh / self-centered) ~  … “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.  Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’  But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” [Deuteronomy 8:3]’” (Matthew 4:2-4). …

The Second Temptation (lust of the eyes / covetousness) ~  … “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.  For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” [Psalm 91:11-12 misapplied]’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” [Deuteronomy 6:16]’” (Matthew 4:5-7). …

The Third Temptation (lust for power / pride of life) ~  … “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’  Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan!  For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve”’ [see Deuteronomy 6:13, 15]” (Matthew 4:8-10). …

Result  ~  … “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11).

Key Learnings  ~  (1) The temptation came after a spiritual high!  It was just following Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17).  We should be on guard for temptation immediately following spiritual highs.  (2) Satan knows Scripture as evidenced how he tried to use Psalm 91 in the second temptation.  (3) Following the temptation Jesus’ ministry flourished as he ministered to those in Galilee! (Matthew 4:12 onward).  God typically tests and purifies His servants in order to use them to greater extent. 

Application  ~  In each of the three temptations which Jesus faced in the wilderness He answered by quoting the Word of God.  That is also our way of victory.  When Satan whispers in your ear that you are worthless quote the Word such as: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  When the evil one tells you how good you are quote the Word such as: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).  “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23).  When Satan causes you to focus on external and/or artificial beauty quote the Word such as: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well (Psalm 139:14).  

Closing Verse  ~  “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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