Jesus' Temptations and Ours, Part 5

      We have examined the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11 noting how they are similar to our own. Further, we have discussed some general lessons about temptation. Now we need to learn how to overcome temptation from Jesus’ example.

      First, we need to trust God. That may seem obvious since each of the temptations attacked Jesus’ trust in one way or another. However, we need to make sure we recognize this point.

      All temptation is an attack on our faith. Satan wants to find a crack in our faith and exploit it to his own ends. If, however, we increase our trust, knowing that God wants what is best for us, then Satan has no foothold with which to make us stumble.

      Second, we need to shut temptations down immediately. I am impressed with how quickly the record of these temptations took place. Satan made an offer and immediately Jesus shut the offer down.

      Too often we are greatly tempted because we allow the offer to linger in our minds. We think about it. We weigh the pros and cons trying to decide what we will do. Jesus, however, had obviously already made the determination to do what was right. He did not give any of the temptations any consideration time. He simply said, “No.”

      Third, we need to know the Bible. Each time Jesus was tempted, He was able to draw on the scripture to provide the reason to overcome.

      The Psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). How can we overcome sin if we do not know what God has called sin? Further, how can we know how to live, if we do not know God’s will?

      Additionally, since Satan clearly knows the scripture and will twist them to defeat us, how much more do we need to know the scriptures so we will not be destroyed?

      Fourth, we must always remember that the ends do not justify the means. How easily Jesus could have said, “If I do not eat, I will die. Then I cannot accomplish God’s plan.” How easily He could have said, “If Satan gives me the kingdoms, I can still rule them as God wants.” But He did not.

      He was not willing to sin even if it promised a seemingly good outcome. How many times do we know what the word of God says, but we think our particular situation is an exception. In our situation we think we have to do something other than what God has said to get the same outcome He wants. The possible ends do not justify the means. We must avoid sin, no matter how beneficial the outcome may appear.

      We must follow Jesus’ example and overcome the tempter, quenching his fiery darts with our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).

Edwin L. Crozier