Matthew 4: 1 - Overcoming Temptation

Exposition

Matthew 4:1-11 states the account of the temptation of Jesus by the devil. Hebrews 4:15  says for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. This tells us that one of the reasons why Jesus was tempted was to enable Him to sympathize with us, His children whenever we go through the experience.

Many profess shock and surprise when they go through temptation. I ask if Jesus was tempted, what makes you think you are exempted from being tempted? God allows you to be tempted so that your faith in Him can be strengthened. Temptation also brings out the good qualities in you when you resist. Jesus Christ overcame every single temptation and as you are made in His image, your reaction to temptation says a lot about who you really are and your relationship with God. God also allows you to go through temptation so that He can reward you. James 1:12 says blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 

The temptation of Jesus Christ tested three areas, lust of the flesh, pride and lust of the eyes. On the three occasions, Jesus responded with scripture. When the thoughts come or when the situations arise, the armour to use is the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. Know the word.

Be prepared because the devil will continue to try you. You should always know that God wants you to win that battle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

God is on your side. You can live a victorious life.   

Prayer

I know temptation is always lurking around me. Help me, Father, to overcome every time the devil appears. Help me so I do not give in to my flesh. Help me to be prepared with the word at all times. If I have to memorize scripture, help me to do so in Jesus name. Help me to handle temptation in a way that will honour at all times in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 8

Pentateuch - Genesis 8

History – Joshua 8

Poetry – Job 8

Wisdom – Proverbs 8

Prophets – Jeremiah 8

Gospels – Matthew 8

Epistles – Romans 8

End Times – Daniel 8

Mark 14:38 - Watch and Pray

Photo credit: www.slideshare.net

Exposition

These were the words of Christ spoken while in the garden of Gethsemane. A reading of the earlier verses will put the verse into proper perspective for you.

Keep watching and praying – This is Jesus encouraging you to keep watching and praying. The encouragement is borne out of His love for you. Remember He has seen the end from the beginning. Jesus is our example, who when faced with the reality of His impending death, prayed. It is beneficial to you to be watchful so you’ll learn how the enemy works. Temptation does not come carrying a giant placard saying – saying I am temptation. It mostly creeps in appealing to your base instincts and before you know it, you are overcome. The enemy comes in the big things and the little things too. That is why you must be watchful.

The devil wants to bring you down. John says he goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour. Your determination today, is you or your children will not be mincemeat for the devil. It is your responsibility for have a discerning spirit and to use it. Spending time in prayer brings one closer to the Maker and it sharpens you, ready for battle.

Importantly you must learn about yourself. Which areas am I weak? What do I seem to be struggling with? This is so that you can see the enemy coming a mile away and you run. After all the bible enjoins that you should abstain from every form of evil.

that you may not come into temptation – Prayer will help you in times of temptation or sin. The bible says it is only the arrogant who will think he can’t fall into temptation.

There is danger in you missing out on the opportunities that Jesus is bringing your way.

There is danger in you going back to your old ways before who accepted Christ as your saviour from the life of sin and death.

There is danger in falling to false pastors who are agents of the devil.

There is danger of being sucked into the cares that are worldy and of no benefit to your eternity.

the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak – The weak flesh is programmed to succumb to temptation. Continue to feed your spirit and deny the flesh. Fasting helps to subdue the flesh.

There is victory for you.

Prayer

I ask for help in resisting temptation. I do not have any power of my own, help me father.

When I am in your presence, the enemy can’t get to me. Help me father to dwell perpetually in your presence.

Help me father to be watchful at all times.

There is a saying that the devil finds work for idle hands. Help me to be focused on the work you have placed in my hands.

Teach me how to pray. Help me father to be able to tarry in the place of prayer. Thank you father for loving and caring for me.

www.olatubi.com

Matthew 4:4 - Overcoming Temptation

Photo credit: www.dailylifeverse.com

Prayer

Help me to live a life of obedience to your word.

Help me to live a life of dependence on you and to no one or nothing else.

Help me father to overcome every temptation from satan and his agents in Jesus name.

Thank you father for you will use every means to provide for me and every means to protect me in Jesus mighty name. Amen

www.olatubi.com