Temptation is an inevitable consequence of living in a fallen world. What is your strategy for overcoming temptation? Oscar Wilde quipped, “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” If that is our strategy, then we will need to deal with the unfortunate consequences of yielding to the temptation. Jesus has provided a strategy for us to overcome temptation without suffering the adverse consequences.

We must remember that God is for us (Romans 8:31). Jesus taught us to pray that we might be delivered from temptation (Matthew 6:13). We must also realize that when we face temptation, it can be an opportunity for spiritual growth. Jesus provided an example for us as He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil:

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness (Luke 4:1)

The temptations that Jesus faced serve as a paradigm for many of the temptations that we face. The devil knows when we are at our weakest. After Jesus had fasted for forty days, he became hungry. Satan tempted Jesus to fulfill His desire for comfort by turning the stones into bread. Have your fleshly desires superseded your desire to follow God? Jesus responded with the word of God:

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (Luke 4:4)

We also face allurements from the worldly pleasures around us. The devil then showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and promised Him domain over them if He would worship the devil. Jesus again responded with Scripture:

Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” (Luke 4:8)

The devil then tempted Jesus with the opportunity to demonstrate supernatural powers. The devil knows the Scriptures and will use them to further his purposes:

And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Luke 4:12)

Jesus faced each temptation with reliance upon God’s word. His response, it is written, is in the perfect tense, indicating that it not only has been written, but it also stands written. God’s word is our safeguard when facing temptation:

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

The Apostle John summarized Jesus’ responses to the devil for our instruction:

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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