When Temptations Come My Way
LENT 2022 | DAY 4
Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
(Alvin Tay, Associate Lay Leader)
READ:
Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Shortly after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted or tested by the devil. There he fasted 40 days and nights. The devil tempted him three times, and three times Jesus countered with Scripture. And he obeyed what the Scriptures say.
Satan: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (v3)
Jesus’ response: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (v4)
Scripture cited: Deuteronomy 8:3 – He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Temptation 2:
Satan: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (v6)
Jesus’ response: “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (v7)
Scripture cited: Deuteronomy 6:16 – Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.
Temptation 3:
Satan: Took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (vv8-9)
Jesus’ response: “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (v10)
Scripture cited: Deuteronomy 6:13 – Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.
APPLY:
In life, we face all kinds of temptations every day. These usually target our vulnerabilities — our physical needs and wants, as well as our craze for prestige, power and possessions. For me, all this boils down to pride – that fleshly desire to be praised and approved by men; to be admired and looked upon by men. I need to be humble and to seek approval from God alone.
Like Jesus, when I am tempted, I must put on the armour of God and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesian 6:13-17). More importantly, I must obey and live out God’s Word. Yes, Scriptural Obedience!
DO:
- Wesley Methodist Church’s Bible Reading Drive (BRD) focuses on the Gospel of Matthew during this Season of Lent. When I first tried to read this Gospel shortly after my baptism in 1988, I found the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount so very hard to follow. It’s so out of this world. I couldn’t go beyond the first few chapters. This Lent, I will be joining a band of brothers in Christ in weekly devotions on the Book of Matthew. It will be a good opportunity for me to find out how far I have come as a disciple of Christ, and particularly the areas I will still need to work on.
- I will continue to arm myself with the Word of God through BRD, so that when temptations come my way, I will be able to stand firm by leaning on and obeying God’s Word.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, in this Season of Lent, we come before you in humility and with contrite hearts as we seek your forgiveness for our sins. Thank you, Jesus, for walking to the Cross in obedience to the Father, so that our sins can be forgiven. Lord, we have fallen short of your teachings. Mould us to be your good disciples, so that others may see you in us — through our words and actions — and also accept you as Lord and Saviour. Amen!
