2 Kings 2-3; Psalm 48; Matthew 4

by Becky Hill Martin

LINK TO AUDIO: https://on.soundcloud.com/JY5jU

MATT 4:4

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.

GET THEE BEHIND ME…

In books, plays and movies, the pivotal point usually comes when the good guy is tempted to go to the “dark side” – you know, because they have cookies. We expect the hero to overcome temptation and live happily ever after while the bad guy gets what’s coming to him.

The temptation of Jesus is the original and ultimate good guy vs. bad guy story. We all can relate to His struggle against the devil’s bribes. Why did God permit his Son to be tempted? I mean – shouldn’t Jesus get a free pass? Nope. God allows all His children to face adversity to teach us a lesson, discipline us, and shape us into the people He wants us to be.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t go one minute without some type of temptation popping up. We are constantly bombarded with chances to spill the tea, eat too much, watch something inappropriate or buy too much. Here are 3 tips to overcoming temptation:

1. PRAY the LORD’s PRAYER: “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13).
2. QUOTE SCRIPTURE TO YOURSELF. Jesus quoted scripture right back at the devil, showing the devil’s twisted and wrongful use of God’s own words (Matt. 4:5-7).
3. EXPECT AND BE READY FOR TEMPTATION. “Put on the full amour of God.” (Eph. 6:13)

In the “Comments” section, please help our readers out by sharing how God helps you resist temptation.