A man climbing over rocks down a hill

 

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Temptation

20 June 2019
‘When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.’

After Jesus’ baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness (you can read about this in Matthew 4). While He was there, Satan tried to get Jesus to give in to three different kinds of temptation, and he’ll often try the same with us. Firstly, he tried to make Jesus think that He could be satisfied without God. Knowing Jesus was physically hungry out in the desert, Satan told Him to turn stones into bread. But Jesus said no because He knew God’s plan was to feed and strengthen Him supernaturally; He refused to settle for less – and we must do the same. Secondly, he wanted Jesus to believe that He could have success without God. Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and told Him to jump off, saying God would send angels to protect Him. But God’s plan for Jesus was the cross, the resurrection, and the multitudes who would come to believe in Him. Thirdly, he tempted Jesus to think that He could have significance without God. Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of this world if only He’d bow down and worship him. But the kingdoms of this world weren’t Satan’s to offer – they belong to God. So he lied to Jesus, and he will lie to us too. The way to lasting satisfaction is through the cross, which means giving ourselves up to God. Jesus told Satan that God alone is worthy to be glorified. Satan will take every desire we have and try to get us to fulfil it without God. But we can overcome him. We just need to stay close to God and be full of His Word. Jesus used Scripture to overcome the temptations of Satan, and we can do the same. And we can ask God for strength; He can help us endure temptation.

 

What Now?

Think of some of the things that tempt you. Try and find Bible verses that specifically speak into that temptation, and repeat them to yourself when you’re feeling tempted.

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