The temptations of Christ!

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1

The temptations of Christ are a microcosm of the conflict today between mankind and Satan. You and I have to face this dilemma every day of our lives.

This is a fascinating story that begins with the Spirit of God leading Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by Satan. To prepare for this encounter, Jesus fasted forty days to consecrate Himself before God.

The first temptation came at the point of need of Jesus. He was hungry and was tempted to turn stones into bread. This is where you can expect to find Satan at work in your life. He knows your needs and will entice you to do something evil, unethical or immoral to fulfill them.

Remember, Satan is very deceptive and wants to give you the impression his plans for you are okay with God and that most people bend the rules to meet their needs.

Jesus was very firm in dealing with Satan and told him man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. You have to build your life on the Word of God and live in communion with Him through the Holy Spirit. Resist all temptations from Satan and come to God by faith for your every need.

The second temptation was an attempt to get Jesus to test God. Satan told Jesus if He was really the Son of God then jump off the high pinnacle and God would save Him. Jesus responded you shall not tempt the Lord your God.

This is a warning not to take risks thinking God will protect you. God has to go before you in all your plans and actions and you follow in His footsteps. Pray each day the Lord will be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your pathway.

The final temptation was an offer by Satan to give Jesus worldly glory and power if He would bow down and worship Satan.

Jesus responded you are to worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve. You have to live under the authority of God and refuse the ways of the world. You live in the world but you are not of the world. Live for God with a desire for Him to get all the glory.

Prepare yourself for the temptations of Satan through prayer and worship with your Creator. Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you with all wisdom and understanding. Finally, live in oneness with God through the Holy Spirit.

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world!