THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 4:1-13
“The devil… left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)
Like Adam and Eve, Jesus was sinless, but able to be tempted to sin.
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.
Will I choose to listen God, to rely on his help, and refuse Satan’s tricks?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see that I am like Adam and Jesus, facing temptation every day. Remind me of Your will, and help me to cling to it when tempted to sin.
Being lead by the Spirit.
Right after being baptized and Spirit filled Jesus went into the desert for 40 days. Moses and Elijah also were on a 40 day journey of prayer and fasting to be prepared for service being fed by God’s Word. I’m told that man is able to live 40 days without food but only 4 minutes without air. God prepares His people for service. And Jesus was also being prepared for His mission with this solitude and prayer time with His Father.
God equips His people. He gives His people strength.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.