Revelation of the Word:

THEME: TEMPTATIONS

Matthew 4:1 NKJV

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

INSIGHT

–After Jesus has fasted for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was temped by the devil. Most often the wilderness represents a place of preparation, waiting for God’s next move, learning to trust in God’s mercy. For forty days and nights Jesus remains in the wilderness, without food, getting ready for what comes next. Jesus was temped with physical food, having come from a place of fasting (Matthew 4:3). He was then taken to a pinnacle of the temple and told to jump and the Lord will order the angels over him (Matthew 4:6). Lastly, he was taken to an exceedingly high mountain and shown all the kingdoms of the world with the promise that they would be given to Him if He accepts to worship the devil (Matthew 4:8-9). All these temptations Jesus overcame by His everlasting word and sovereign power. If Jesus was tempted by the devil we are also prone to be tested as believers, which is a test of faith that produces perseverance (James 1:3).

SUMMARY

Tempt in Greek is written as Peirazo and Nasa in Hebrew which means to try, prove or test. Temptation involves both external and internal challenges to one’s faith, obedience and moral integrity. The concept of temptation is significant in understanding human nature, sin, and the need for divine assistance. It is crucial to understand that while temptation is not sin itself, it’s a path that can lead to sin if not resisted. The Bible provides guidance on how to resist temptation through prayer, Scripture, and seeking God’s divine help. Abraham was tested by God to sacrifice his son Isaac in Genesis 22:1. The purpose was not to lead Abraham into sin but to test his faith and obedience. Temptation is a universal human experience, reflecting the fallen nature of humanity. It serves as a battleground for spiritual warfare, where believers are called to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith according to Ephesians 6:11-13. The Lord’s Prayer includes a petition for deliverance from temptation: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). God provides the strength to overcome temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” Jesus calls us to watch and pray as He advised His disciples saying, “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus we lift Your name high for You deserve it. You are our God and none can compare to You. You are Yahweh our Provider and Protector. Thank You for this far that You have brought us, and all that You have done unto us, we are in awe of us. May You deliver us from every evil and do not lead us into temptation, we humbly ask You dear Jesus. May You grant us the wisdom and grace to always say no to sin and increase our faith in You. May Your promises come to life in our lives, families and nation dear Jesus. May You grant Your true salvation to us and all people dear merciful Savior. Lord may You do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask of or think of according to the power that is at work in us. Lord we trust in You and exalt You. We believe that You are able to do more than we can think of or imagine. We believe that we shall be extremely fruitful since we abide in You and You in us. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives and we shall dwell in Your house forever. May You bless us and keep us loving Father, may You shine Your face upon us and be gracious to us. May You lift up Your countenance towards us and give us peace. Amen

Blessed Weekend

Further reading: James 1:13-14

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