PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 4:1-13
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The devil… left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)
Like Adam and Eve, Jesus was sinless yet able to be tempted.
Jesus is tempted like they were, only now in a wilderness, not a garden.
Adam and Eve should have responded as Jesus did, by quoting what God said.
With each temptation, Jesus chooses to listen to God’s words, not Satan’s.
Notice also, this is not the only time Jesus is tempted.
Satan finished now, but waits for a better time to try again.
Every day the Enemy looks for opportunities to distract, deceive and defeat us.
But with God’s help, we can resist Satan like Jesus did.
“God will not let you be tempted any more than you can take. But when you are tempted, God will give you a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
We are not sinless, but neither are we helpless… there is a way out.
Satan is always looking for the right time and way to mess us up.
Am I aware of the opportune times for weakness and temptation?
Am I choosing to listen God, to rely on his help, and refuse Satan’s tricks?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see that I am facing temptation every day. Remind me of your will, and help me to cling to it when tempted.
“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” When is the opportune time – when am I particularly vulnerable – what are the situations. Temptations exists and Satan knows how to exploit these. I have to be on my guard! I need the prodding of the HS and I need to listen to those prods! Satan does look for those opportune times!! YES. I got to recognize my vulnerable moments and be ready – on guard!
The Devil tempted Jesus but failed. He left Him until an opportune time. And so it is with you and me. We too are tempted at opportune times but we too can overcome with His power and His Word. He has promised to be or Helper and Aid at all times if we/I put Jesus first. He is my Strength and Song. With Christ on my side I am able to be more than a conqueror to overcome the temptations. Lead me and guide me Lord.
1 In doubt and temptation I rest, Lord, in thee;
my hand is in thy hand, thou carest for me;
my soul with thy counsel through life thou wilt guide,
and afterward make me in glory abide.
Refrain:
My God, I will extol thee
and ever bless thy name;
each day will I give thanks to thee
and all thy praise proclaim.
2 In glory thou only my portion shalt be,
on earth for none other I long but for thee;
my flesh and heart falter, but God is my stay,
the strength of my spirit, my portion for aye. [Refrain]
3 All they that forsake thee must perish and die,
but near to my Savior most blessed am I;
I make thee my refuge, my Lord and my God;
thy grace and thy glory I publish abroad. [Refrain]