Temptation Is Only A Question - Our Response
Is The Answer
Part 2
Temptation is not meant to weaken us but
to make us emerge stronger from the ordeal. Earlier in the lesson read the
verse where we find that Jesus was "led by the Spirit into the desert to
be tempted by the devil." We may wonder why would the Spirit lead
Jesus into a situation to be may be, "Hey, this is not a good thing!
Excuse me!"Wait a minute!
The Greek word used here for tempted is peirazo (Pear rod zo) which means to try, to prove. Temptation helps us to see how we will respond when the pressure is on how we will answer the question. How we will respond to the event.
Remember, temptation is only a question--not an answer. Our Response is the answer.
The Holy Spirit is as likely to lead us into the wilderness as into green pastures. Remember the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness.
Peter again reminds us 1 Peter 1:7 "7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. ……… So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
The Greek word used here for tempted is peirazo (Pear rod zo) which means to try, to prove. Temptation helps us to see how we will respond when the pressure is on how we will answer the question. How we will respond to the event.
Remember, temptation is only a question--not an answer. Our Response is the answer.
The Holy Spirit is as likely to lead us into the wilderness as into green pastures. Remember the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness.
Peter again reminds us 1 Peter 1:7 "7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. ……… So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
The Greek word
here translated "trials" means a type of proving. This trial under
fire is God's faith in us. A faith that
will be able to stand up under the temptation.
We might think that "of course, Jesus could overcome temptation, He is God." Yes He is fully God, but Jesus was also fully human. While he was on earth Jesus felt hunger, he felt fatigue, he felt sorrow, and he was fully man. Jesus was tempted just as we are.
The Apostle John 1 John 2:16 summarizes how we are tempted, “16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”
But He was full of the Holy Spirit.
Are we walking close enough to the Lord that when temptations come; you can recognize them through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Do you know them for what they are even if they are subtle, half truths and look pleasing in and within themselves? When we give in to temptation it leads to trouble.
The trouble with temptation is that comes through ordinary things and ordinary desires. When it comes we are often caught off guard. Folks, temptation may even "seem to be" an answer to prayer.
The Devil is no fool when it comes to temptation. Jesus knew the Scriptures and how to use them skillfully in answering Satan. We need to know the scripture. The writer of Psalms rites: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11).
Are we prepared for the temptations that will be set before us.
Do we know enough of scriptures to fend of the Devils’ temptations? “7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Our response is non-negotiable. We didn't discuss temptation with Satan or his “staff”. We don't stick around to debate the issue. A fish will not be caught if it doesn't open its mouth.
Do not prolong the temptation. Let our Yes be Yes and Your No be No. Walk from temptation. If we do not know what to say then repeat the name of Jesus over and over. For at the name of Jesus Satan will surely flee.
For Christians, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
When the devil comes knocking at the door of our heart, and asks: 'Who lives here?' the Jesus goes to the door and says, " ___________ used to live here, but he/she has moved out. Now I live here."
Quit answering the door of temptation. Be mature men and women of Faith. Make mature decisions. When we meet the allure of sin do not test God. Trust God. Trust God and His word! Let God rather than our feelings lead us. Trust God not our Feelings
AND when we flee temptation, leave no forwarding address.
We might think that "of course, Jesus could overcome temptation, He is God." Yes He is fully God, but Jesus was also fully human. While he was on earth Jesus felt hunger, he felt fatigue, he felt sorrow, and he was fully man. Jesus was tempted just as we are.
The Apostle John 1 John 2:16 summarizes how we are tempted, “16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”
But He was full of the Holy Spirit.
Are we walking close enough to the Lord that when temptations come; you can recognize them through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Do you know them for what they are even if they are subtle, half truths and look pleasing in and within themselves? When we give in to temptation it leads to trouble.
The trouble with temptation is that comes through ordinary things and ordinary desires. When it comes we are often caught off guard. Folks, temptation may even "seem to be" an answer to prayer.
The Devil is no fool when it comes to temptation. Jesus knew the Scriptures and how to use them skillfully in answering Satan. We need to know the scripture. The writer of Psalms rites: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11).
Are we prepared for the temptations that will be set before us.
Do we know enough of scriptures to fend of the Devils’ temptations? “7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Our response is non-negotiable. We didn't discuss temptation with Satan or his “staff”. We don't stick around to debate the issue. A fish will not be caught if it doesn't open its mouth.
Do not prolong the temptation. Let our Yes be Yes and Your No be No. Walk from temptation. If we do not know what to say then repeat the name of Jesus over and over. For at the name of Jesus Satan will surely flee.
For Christians, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
When the devil comes knocking at the door of our heart, and asks: 'Who lives here?' the Jesus goes to the door and says, " ___________ used to live here, but he/she has moved out. Now I live here."
Quit answering the door of temptation. Be mature men and women of Faith. Make mature decisions. When we meet the allure of sin do not test God. Trust God. Trust God and His word! Let God rather than our feelings lead us. Trust God not our Feelings
AND when we flee temptation, leave no forwarding address.
