SCRIPTURE: Matthew (NIV) 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. [read through verse 11]
OBSERVATION: The devil tempted Jesus in each of the three ways mentioned in 1 John 2:15-16, the lust of the flesh (turning stone into bread to satisfy hunger), the lust of the eyes (look at all the kingdoms I will give you if you worship me), and the pride of life (prove you are God, the Son.)
Jesus proved victorious in each! And He used only what was available to us—-The written Word! Jesus was being properly prepared to be the perfect sacrifice. Jesus was being tempted in the exact same points as Eve in the garden. The devil’s tactics had not changed. (Gen 3: 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom…)
As Jesus overcame Satan in these same temptations, He proved Himself to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. Paul wrote, “He Who knew no sin … ” It was not because He had not been tempted or tested.
APPLICATION: Jesus is not only the perfect sacrifice for sin, He is also the perfect One to live in our lives and heart. HE HAS ALREADY OVERCOME EVERY TEMPTATION WE WILL BE FACING!!! He knows what it is like. He knows what it takes to overcome temptation!
God is not leaving us like Adam and Eve in the garden, No! 1, He has given us the same Word/scriptures that Jesus used, 2, Jesus, the Great Victor over temptation lives within us, and 3, God has given us the same Holy Spirit that was with Jesus when He was tempted!!! God has programmed believers for victory over temptation.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You have not left me, like Adam and Eve in the garden, to deal with temptation on my own. You knew I would only fail. So, you have given me 1 Your Word, 2 The presence of Your Son, Jesus, and 3 The Holy Spirit to accompany me through each day. You have programmed me for VICTORY! May my daily life bring you glory! Amen
Pastor Leon
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