[Matthew 4, Proverbs 28]

H – Matthew 4:10, “Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

E – Temptation!

Merriam-Webster defines temptation as a thing or course of action that attracts or tempts someone; or the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise; or enticement or alluring.

The reality is we’ve all faced temptations. We have faced enticements, lures, pulls of attractions, or desires that were not normally what we would think about. These temptations are universal and involve so many different things and people. These temptations can be so subtle that we don’t even realize it or so elaborate that we know the devastation that it could possible bring. 

What we do know about temptation is that it is of the enemy, the tempter (v.3), Satan himself. And, he usually tempts and attacks our weakest areas to get a foothold. For Jesus, the devil began to tempt using food. Jesus, after fasting for 40 days in the wilderness was hungry. Subtle enough! No big deal, He’s just hungry, let’s eat. Until the temptation was an attempt for  Jesus to pridefully display who He was or worship himself. Notice the words “If” (v.3, 6, 9). It’s those “if” moments that cause us to loose ourselves and pridefully do or prove something to puff ourselves up. Notice the enticement of “if,” the pull of “if”. Think about it, how many people have you seen do something really dumb because someone else began an enticement or challenge with “if”?

However, Jesus was different, fully God and fully man. He gave us the greatest example to combat the tempter, and it’s a quit simple strategy, “it is written” (v.4, 7, 10). For every “if” implied to tempt, Jesus proclaimed, “it is written”. The enemy had misused God’s Word to confuse, but Jesus knew the intent of God’s Word because He was the Word. Jesus cared not about the worship of himself. He cared only about worshipping and serving the Lord God (v.10). Anything else was a distraction and it needed to “be gone”.

A – I’m reminded of Psalm 119:9–12, “[9] How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. [10] With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! [11] I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. [12] Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!”

I overcome temptations through the Word of God. Hide it on my heart. 

R – Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Lord, thank you for the ability to overcome Satan himself. Lord, teach me your Word that I may be prepared against the enemy and temptation. Lord, convict me of any pride or anything I think I need to prove. Hep me to trust you and to know that you are enough. Lord, I worship you. Use me today for your glory. 

In Jesus Name!