EVEN JESUS WAS TEMPTED:

Newsletter 277 January 8, 2012

Lest we feel that we are especially singled out for Satan’s attention, we need to realize that even though we read that the angels of heaven are rejoicing, Satan has also made note and we can expect a period of temptation that we might return to our old ways with our old friends with whom we did those things. Even our Savior Jesus Christ, immediately after He was baptized to set an example for us, and received the blessings of God, His Father, was led into the wilderness where Satan attempted to destroy his ministry, even before it began. “we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Let us take note of how Jesus responded to temptations, and follow His divine pattern.

(1 Corinthians 10:13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God has promised that there is no temptation that we, personally, are not able to escape. As we read our text, note those. Verse 14 points out that one of them is to flee.

16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 5:16)

Matthew 4:1-11

TO LOSE HIS TRUST IN HIS FATHER’S PROVISION.

The temptations of Jesus, all singled in on the fact that he had taken an earthly form, so that would be his weakest point, and in this the first went for his faith in His Father. His body was crying for food. Try not eating for forty days! You can be certain that none of us would make it. Recently the doctor wanted to have blood tests done, so she made an appointment for us with the qualification that we must fast. She said nothing after midnight until the appointed time the following morning. She was apologetic, and my wife put a granola bar in her purse to eat on the way home. That is not a fast, not really.

You can be certain that Jesus was really hungry.

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
He did not make those stones into loaves of fresh baked bread. What we need for Spiritual strength does not come from loaves of bread, it comes from the Word. God would provide physical food, but not in answer to temptation.

TO USE HIS POWERS FOR SELFISH REASONS.

This seems such a simple way, to put on a “show” for all the doubters, just step off the top of the high temple and float gently to the pavement beneath. How often was the demand “show us a sign!” to be asked of him throughout his ministry? But, He never used miracles for the sake of entertainment and self-glory. They were used for others and to affirm his divinity before the Word was recorded in writing.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: 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.

One of Satan’s strongest powers is “half-truths” and scripture taken out of context. He has used that trick with great success in providing the many religions and cults even today. Scripture is still the best commentary you can consult today. As an example, read all the scriptures on “baptism” in your Bible. When you have finished, you will have consulted everything God has to say about it; when; who; how; why! You can do the same with nearly any major doctrine, faith; prayer; worship. Never make an application with only one scripture. That is called a “proof-text” and is nearly always taken out of it’s context.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

TO SEEK A SHORTCUT WAY.

Jesus had come to die on the cross, be buried and rise again on the third day. There could be no shortcut. What Satan was saying is “Just worship me, and you don’t have to die. The world is mine and I will give it all to you.” It had worked with Eve, then he said, “Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 2:4,5) No command of the Lord is open for making a counter offer. There are no shortcuts. What God has said, will be. God gave His Son knowing that he would have to die. (John 3:16,17)

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
The Christian has made the choice to serve the Lord and to obey His every command directed to him. Like Jesus, confront temptation with Scripture.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

JANUARY

8th. Sunday – Genesis 16, 17, 18, Matthew 7, Proverbs 1:8-19
9th. Monday – Genesis 19, 20, Matthew 8, Psalm 7:1-9
10th. Tuesday – Genesis 21, 22, 23, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 7:10-17
11th. Wednesday - Genesis 24, Matthew 9,18-38, Psalm 8
12th. Thursday - Genesis 25, 26, Matthew 10:1-23, Proverbs 1:20-33
13th. Friday – Genesis 27, 28, Matthew 10:24-42, Psalm 9:1-6
14th. Saturday - Genesis 29, 30, Matthew 11, Psalm 9:7-12
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“And, behold, I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
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Tidbits of Wit

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A balanced diet is having a cookie in each hand.

When you get tired talking to your friend about God--, talk to God about your friend.