The Temptation Of Jesus Christ-3

This concludes The Temptation of Jesus Christ Biblical teaching. We learn in this lesson, to resist temptation, God gives us everything Jesus had...everything we need.

The Temptation Of Jesus Christ-3

Continued from The Temptation Of Jesus Christ

It's important to know your Scripture! Jesus did! Of course, we'll never have that if all we do is listen to what someone else says it says. We can't expect to know the Word of God if all we do is read commentaries, devotionals and, yes, fiction that's "based" on the Word. In our Christian Discipleship School we teach that there are six "components" to "process" God's Word: 1. Hear the word. 2. Read the Word. 3. Study the Word. 4. Meditate on the Word (mentally apply it to life situations). 5. Memorize the Word. I believe the first five of these are very important, but if we aren't willing to do the sixth, "do the Word" the rest is useless knowledge.

b. Do The Word: Ja 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Jesus, by His very answers to the devil, showed He was devoted to doing the Word. I'm ashamed of all the times I decided not to do something because I might get caught. How about because it's wrong? How about because the God who loves me says it is bad for me? That's the motivation we need to have. We hear people quote the Bible and say "the truth will set you free." It's an accurate quote, but that's not what Jesus said. The correct quote must include more context, "If you continue in my teaching, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." God's Word is something that must be done to be known, then it can set us free.

Jesus was freed from temptation because he was Attentive to God's word, Attuned to God's Spirit and…

3. Attended by Angels: Mk 1:13 "He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him." Some who have taught about the temptation of Jesus have suggested that He was somehow prevented from sinning or given a "special dispensation" from God because if he had sinned, the whole plan would have failed. What do you think? Were the angels just for Him, to protect Him from the devil? He 4:15 says no. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way, just as we are." The Jesus Who is in us, shares our weaknesses and temptations…and helps us slam them. If He was given a special deal, the Bible couldn't say He was tempted just as we are. Lk 4:13, in most translations, says the devil left when he had finished these temptations. The original language is better reflected by the NASB which says every temptation. I don't know why these three are the ones listed…and…by the way, what's tempting about throwing yourself off a tall building without a parachute? No! Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness getting every temptation we get.

Desires for adultery, murder, theft, deceit, cheating, dishonor, pride…you name it, He was tempted. He was just the only one ever to not sin. He had nothing more than the Lord Gives us. I Co 10:13 says temptation is normal but our faithful God gives us a way out. He 1:14 tells us all angels are sent to serve us.

Next time we're slammed by temptation we can know that we can slam it back. Because Jesus fills us and leads us by His Spirit. He teaches us to know His Word and enables us to do it. He sends His angels to serve and minister to us.

To overcome temptation, all Jesus had, is ours.

If you're reading this and find yourself slammed by temptation, just rest in His strength…He's bigger than temptation.

If you began to realize you didn't have a relationship with the living God, Just ask Jesus into your life. He'll give you what you need to get a handle on it.

God bless and keep you all.

The Temptation Of Jesus Christ-3

I'm honored that you've allowed me to be a part of your Christian life. Please return often for fellowship, study and prayer. Thank you very much for visiting.

Love & Hugs,
Glen

This concludes The Temptation of Jesus Christ Biblical teaching. We learn in this lesson, to resist temptation, God gives us everything Jesus had...everything we need.