Hi friends!
Today we are talking about not falling for the Enemy’s tricks! We know we have a very smart and wiley enemy that we are up against. He will employ all sorts of tricks and schemes to get us to fall into temptation. We know temptation itself is not a sin so if you are being tempted don’t feel like you are doing anything wrong! It’s falling for it-giving in to it-that is sin. I just want to clarify because so often it seems like we’re very afraid to even admit that we have temptation in our lives. But we all do. So this week I wanted to talk about it- some ways that temptation may come into our lives and the methods that we can use to stand against it.
Today’s reading is in Matthew 4:1-11.
As we can see, temptation will come. I mean, even Jesus was tempted! Hebrews 4:15 tells us that “He was tempted in every way-just as we are- yet was without sin.” So I know I’m definitely not immune to it and need to learn how to overcome it, instead of just hoping and praying God will let me somehow get around it!
Temptation comes in three ways:
1. It comes when we are in a vulnerable position (tired/stressed/doubting, etc.): In verse 2, we see that Jesus was hungry and had been fasting for 40 days and nights. Satan comes at times like these because he wants to take advantage of us. He can take our very real needs (hunger, safety, identity) and exploit them.
2. It comes as what might seem like the most obvious solution to our situation: In verse 3, he tells Jesus to change the stones into bread so he can eat. At first glance, it might be seem like that could be a good idea. I’m hungry, so why not? So many times he will use a desire that in itself is not wrong but it is the timing or context that is wrong. Hunger itself is not wrong but gluttony is. Sex in itself is not wrong but outside of the context of marriage it is. In this situation, Jesus was not to succumb to anything the enemy threw at him.
3. It comes wrapped up like the promise of truth but full of lies about the consequences: Again, he exploits natural desires and our vulnerability to create a situation that we need a solution to and expertly wraps it up in a package that seems like it would be right. But it’s not. He doesn’t tell all the consequences that we will have to pay. He is like the credit card that promises 0% interest and so we rack up the charges and then are stuck with the mountain of debt and despair.
So, how do we respond when we’re faced with temptation? Here is a cute video that illustrates the idea of being in that state of temptation. I came across this video in studying and researching for this week’s lessons and it’s a great example of what temptation is like!
Aren’t those kiddos adorable?! I admit, sometimes I am like the little red headed girl! I just pop that marshmallow right into my mouth like it ain’t no thang even though I know I am promised something more instead of what is right in front of me.
They all responded in different ways to that marshmallow. Some couldn’t help but play with it and nibble at it. Some just showed amazing willpower and sat there without eating it. Some couldn’t think about anything else but that little marshmallow but for those that stood strong they were rewarded with even more.
I think that is so like God. He doesn’t tempt us but He doesn’t allow tests in our lives (James 1:12-15) and He promises so much more than this world if we do not fall and give in completely.
In reading Matthew 4:1-11, we can see that there are three methods Jesus used to stand against the enemy’s temptation.
1. Jesus used Scripture: He responded to each of the temptations with Scripture (verses 4, 7, and 11). What we can take from this is that we need to be in the Word. We need to know it so well that we can quote it and have it come to mind quickly. Do you have a plan for memorizing Scripture? Do you understand it so that you know when it is being taken out of context? Do you know what Scripture says so that you know what to do to be obedient to it? And are you obeying the Word?
2. Jesus didn’t take any short cuts: Sure, He could have turned anything he wanted into food to alleviate his hunger. He could have saved himself and had angels come to him at any time. He knew though, that he needed to follow through completely on what God had for him. Our salvation was on the line. God’s plan had to be completed. Whether we believe it or not, God has a plan for our lives and it is important. We need to believe that following what God has for us, even if it is difficult, is worth more than alleviating any discomfort we are experiencing now or any momentary pleasure that we might experience.
3. Jesus didn’t entertain the temptation: He was quick about squashing the temptation as soon as it was presented to him. Jesus didn’t nibble at the idea. He didn’t take a bite or two or flirt with the idea (“Well, should I or shouldn’t I?”) We, too, need to be willing to stop it quickly. Don’t entertain the thought. If treacherous thoughts come into our minds, we need to stop them immediately. Don’t sit around and think on them.
Friends, we know that temptation will come into our lives and come often. It’s not a one time deal (unfortunately!). But if we are on guard and prepared and employ these same strategies as Jesus, we can come out victorious.
So, are you going to eat the marshmallow? Or are you going to stand strong and wait for the more?