R³ Devotional - Day 278

In Mathew chapter 4, we see a lot of important events like the temptation of Jesus, the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the calling of the first disciples and Jesus ministering to crowds around Galilee. We are going to look at and focus on the temptations of Jesus. After Jesus is baptized, He is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to fast for 40 days and is tempted by satan 3 times. The first I’ve satan attacks his hunger and asks Jesus to prove who he is by turning stones into bread. Jesus replies with scripture, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” Deut. 8:3. Satan tempts him again by attacking his deity and telling Jesus to throw himself from the top of the temple and have angels protect him to prove he is the son of God. Again, Jesus replies with scripture, “Do not put the lord your God to the test” Deut. 6:16. The thirst temptation, Satan bribes Jesus to bow down to him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the earth. Jesus again replies with scriptures, “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” Deut. 6:13. Finally, Satan leaves Jesus and the angels come and minister to Jesus.

Real Life Principles 

1. Temptation targets weakness - Our most vulnerable moments are often the devil's opportunity, but they can also become opportunities for God's glory. Jesus was physically weak after fasting for so long, but he overcame the temptation with spiritual strength.

2. God's word is our weapon - Jesus defeated Satan not with fighting or debate but with the word of God. Knowing scripture and applying God's word brings us strength and victory in the face of temptation.

Relavent Life Applications 

1. Use scripture daily to guard your mind and heart - study and memorize scripture for the areas where you struggle, and when temptation comes, remember God’s word and apply it!

2. Expect testing and refining- before Jesus started His ministry, he was tested and tempted in the wilderness. Our faith does not guarantee us an easy life. We will have trials to face, and each one brings us an opportunity to glorify God and strengthen our relationship with God.

Ready Action Steps 

1. Fast and Pray - try a short fast, one day or even one meal, and when you start to feel hunger, use that as a reminder to pray and spend some extra time with God. 2. Memorize and Meditate- Memorize the scriptures from each temptation and study or recite them in your own moments of stress or temptation.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to stand strong in temptation and to live by every word from Your mouth. Help me to obey Your call immediately and wholeheartedly. Strengthen me in my wilderness seasons and use me to bring Your light, healing, and hope to others.
Amen