He Can Help Us Who Are Tempted!

Temptation is a specialized thing. In today’s business world, the result of a Wall Street Journal investigation puts it this way:

“The television is channeling you. Data-gathering firms and technology companies are aggressively matching people's TV-viewing behavior with other personal data—in some cases, prescription-drug records obtained from insurers—and using it to help advertisers buy ads targeted to shows watched by certain kinds of people…One of the most advanced companies, Cablevision Systems Corp., has rolled out a system that can show entirely different commercials, in real time, to different households tuned to the same program.”
-Wall Street Journal, TV's Next Wave: Tuning in To You, March 7, 2011, Jessica E. Vascellaro

That may be a reflection of how Satan is seeking to work in your life: things which are specially geared to tempt YOU. But he will never win. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:3-5, James 1:1-12).

One of the blessings of having Jesus as our Savior is His ability to comfort and aid those who are tempted because He too, was tempted (Hebrews 2:18). As our Savior, Jesus is also sympathetic, and can provide mercy and grace to help in time of need Hebrews 4:14-16).

Jesus endured one of His greatest periods of temptation at the beginning of His public ministry. This occurred immediately following His baptism by John (Matthew 3:13-17), and ust prior to starting His preaching ministry (Matthew 4:12-17). You see, studying "The Temptation Of Jesus" can be fruitful for several reasons. First, it reminds us that Jesus can understand our own temptations, and second, it reveals how we can be more successful in overcoming temptation.

With that in mind and using Matthew 4:1-11 as our basic text, let's begin with a review of Jesus' temptation, starting with the setting of the temptations. After his baptism, Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the desert (Matthew 4:1), which was likely the desert of Judea, a pretty desolate place. This Spirit was the same Spirit which descended upon Him in bodily form as dove (Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:22).

The reason He was led into the desert was to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). It appears that this challenge was initiated by the Spirit for this purpose. It was there that Jesus fasted and was tempted for forty days (Matthew 4:2). His fasting is reminiscent of Moses and Elijah (Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8). Interestingly, Luke reveals that the temptations occurred over the period of forty days (Luke 4:2). Mark even mentions wild beasts in his gospel (Mark 1:13).

Thus it was after forty days of temptation that we find Satan approaching Jesus for a "climax" involving three particular temptations:

1. The first temptation (Matthew 4:3-4) was Satan's appeal to the lust of the flesh. Having fasted for forty days, Jesus was naturally hungry. So, challenging Jesus' identity, Satan appeals to His fleshly hunger: "command that these stones become bread." Jesus responds with Scripture quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man shall not live by bread alone..." What this statement tells us is that there is more to life than just fulfilling physical desires; man is dependent upon the Word of God to truly live!

2. During the second temptation (Matthew 4:5-7), Satan appeals to the pride of life. Once again challenging Jesus' identity, Satan sets Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple, and tells Him to "throw Yourself down." while scriptures himself, using Psalm 91:11,12. Jesus then responds with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, "You shall not tempt the LORD your God." While the passage Satan quoted is true, it would be an abuse of it to purposely test God.

For the third temptation (Matthew 4:8-10) Satan appeals to the lust of the eyes. Taking Jesus to high mountain and showing Him the kingdoms of the world, Satan offers to give Jesus all the kingdoms if He will worship Satan. Jesus again responds with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, "You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve." Though offered a shortcut to receiving power over the nations, Jesus does not take the easy path (cf. Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21).

At the end of the temptations angels came and ministered to Jesus (Matthew 3:11). Although exactly what they did is not mentioned, perhaps they provided bodily nourishment. This, however, would not be the last time Satan would seek to tempt Jesus (cf. Luke 4:13; Matthew 16:21-23).

With forty days of overcoming temptation behind Him, especially the temptation of taking a short cut to His rule as the Messiah, Jesus was now prepared to begin His public ministry.

What observations might one make regarding the temptation of Jesus? I will outline a few for your examination. The temptation of Jesus tells us that...

A. WE HAVE THE SAME ADVERSARY...
1. Jesus was tempted by the devil, and so are we (1 Peter 5:8-9).
2. The devil now directs his attention towards the disciples of Christ (Revelation 12:17)
This tells us that we should not treat him lightly, for the conflict is real! (Ephesians 6:12)

B. WE HAVE SIMILAR TEMPTATIONS...
1. The lust of the flesh - e.g., immorality, especially when young.
2. The lust of the eyes - e.g., materialism, especially when middle-aged.
3. The pride of life - e.g., pride and arrogance, especially when elderly.
We must overcome, if we wish to have the love of the Father (1 John 2:15-16).

C. WE HAVE THE SAME TOOLS TO OVERCOME...
1. Jesus appealed to the Word of God, and so can we (cf. Ephesians 6:17).
2. Jesus had faith in the plan of God (victory through suffering), we need a similar shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16; cf. Hebrews 10:35-39).
3. Jesus undoubtedly prayed, for He taught us to use prayer in overcoming temptation (Matthew 26:41).
Friends, the devil has no chance against the Word of God, faith, and prayer!

D. WE HAVE SIMILAR BLESSINGS WHEN WE OVERCOME...
1. Jesus was administered to by angels, angels will carry us home (cf. Luke 16:22).
2. Jesus received wonderful blessings when He ultimately overcame and ascended to heaven; He has promised similar blessings for us (cf. Revelation 2:10,26-27; 3:21).

E. WE CAN LEARN SOME IMPORTANT LESSONS...
1. Material sustenance alone cannot truly satisfy, we need the spiritual sustenance from God's Word.
2. While we are to trust in the Lord, we should not foolishly tempt Him.
3. Scripture can easily be abused, as well as used (2 Peter 3:16).
4. The way to glory is not quick and easy, but long and hard (Acts 14:22; Romans 2:7).

Yes, these are all important observations/lessons for sure. But perhaps the greatest lesson to take away from today's message is that we have a Savior who in all things was made like us. This was so that He might be our merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17), having suffered, and being tempted, He can help us who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). And, that He might be sympathetic, providing mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

So I ask you dear reader, "Are you burdened with temptations?" If so, look to Jesus as your example in learning how to overcome temptation in your life! And, look to Jesus as your High Priest when you need to approach God in prayer, and receive mercy and grace for those times when you succumbed to temptation!

Prayer:

Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit. Amen

God bless you,

Miranda