SCRIPTURE BY Deborah Hillman
Scripture Lesson Text: Matthew 4: 1-14a
Related Scriptures: Luke 4; 1-13; 1 Corinthians 10: 9-13; 1 John 2: 12-14
Our lesson this week reminds us that overcoming Satan’s temptations can be done through studying and obedience to God’s word. The first came after being without food for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, and was told to turn stones into bread. The second, Jesus was brought to a roof top 450 feet above ground and told to jump. Finally Jesus was offered all the earth to be His, if He bowed down and worshipped Satan. Jesus chose to obey God’s word and not worship nor bow down to any other authority.
Luke 4: 1-13 reinforces our lesson text that we are not to worship nor bow down to any other god. Jesus Christ is the one and only true God. 1 Corinthian 10: 9-13, tells us that even though we may be tempted, we must hold fast to God’s word, worship Him only, and when temptations do come He will make a way out for us.
1 John 2: 12-14 speaks to the children (new Christians), fathers (older Christians), and young men (those in between). The new are reminded of their forgiveness through Christ, the older are reminded of their faith in God, and the other are reminded of their spiritual strength to overcome the adversary.
SYNOPSIS BY Charlene Brown
In last week’s lesson we experienced such a historical moment in Christianity, that divinely appointed moment in history, the baptism of Jesus Christ by His cousin John the Baptist. John’s ministry was focused on preparing the way for the awaited Messiah and that day had come when Jesus arrived to be baptized. In this week’s lesson we are taking a close look at the events that took place immediately following such a pivotal moment. We see God’s redemptive plan to establish His kingdom here on earth, through the sacrificial obedience of His only begotten Son, of whom He is well pleased.
The events of today’s lesson take place immediately following Jesus’ baptism, saying in Mark 1:12 “Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. Here we see that the same Spirit that descended upon Him like a dove in Mark 1:10, was now leading Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Jesus was indeed tempted, but by no means was he overcome by it, for He declared the word of God which is sharper than any two edged sword and resisted Satan. Temptation is always lurking in our lives and when it does we must model Jesus and use the word to thwart its desire to cause us to sin against God.
While in the wilderness fasting for forty days, Jesus was preparing for what was to come. Satan thought he could tempt Jesus because of His hunger, so he attempted to get Jesus to do what he knew Jesus had the power and authority to do. He suggested that He prove His deity and turn stones to bread and Jesus’ response was “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” ( Matthew 4:4).Jesus made it very clear that being led into the wilderness was ordained by God, yet He chose to obey the will of The Father. Jesus proved that His total obedience and confidence was in God.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY Janice Hall
Jesus used the Holy Scriptures to resist all such temptation. Temptation is not the sin, but giving into temptation is sin. A brief definition of temptation can be stated as anything that influences one to disobey God. Today, we can search the scriptures in part, to give biblical strategies to overcome temptation to sin through the Word of God.
In overcoming temptations, we acknowledge Jesus Christ, we can make it right before God and turn to Jesus in repentance and faith.( 2 Peter2:9 ;Hebrews 4: 15-16). We are to daily read and meditate on the Word of God.( Romans 12:2; Psalms 119:11 ). We are to take control of lusts and desires, as to not let circumstances take over. “ No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG).
We are to avoid those who are evil influencers and not yield to ungodly desires and tempting situations. (Proverbs 4:14-15). David lamented before God after multiple sins, just as we are able to tell God about the temptations we face, and confess to those offended. (1 John 1:9). It is wise to seek accountability with mature Christians. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14). “If we are ignorant of God’s truth, we are poorly armed in the fight against temptation.”
