Read Matthew 4:1-11

There Will Always Be Temptation

As a five year old child, the desire for a cookie before dinner was overwhelming. Even though it was forbidden. Especially because it was forbidden. More than once, the temptation called out to me and my dinner was ruined by a few snickerdoodles.

As I grew in to my teenage years, the temptations changed. Rather than being tempted by pre-dinner cookies, I was tempted by my parents’ alcohol cabinet. Even though it was forbidden. Especially because it was forbidden. And more than once, the temptation called out to me and my next day was ruined by the after-affects of few too many strong drinks.

Temptation is no stranger to mankind. From our youngest years, we desire things that we should not have or ought not do. Being tempted by sin or by our flesh is something that every person has to deal with. Even Jesus dealt with temptation. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is tempted three times by Satan. But where you and I so often fall in to sin through our temptations, Jesus remained steadfast.

How To Overcome Temptation

So how did Jesus do it? By observing Jesus’ example in Matthew 4, I think we can learn how to overcome temptation.

1. Jesus Knew The Father Intimately
   In the first temptation, Jesus professes His love for the Father by declaring that God’s word is more life-giving and satisfying than the very physical thing that sustains human life – food! This is because Jesus had cultivated an intimacy with the Father through prayer and meditation on God’s Word. Intimacy with God dampens the allure and temptation of sin.
2. Jesus Knew The Scriptures Intimately
   When faced with all three temptations, Jesus immediately fires back at Satan by quoting Scripture. In the second temptation, Satan tried twisting Scripture to reinforce the temptation to reveal His divine nature inappropriately. Yet Jesus rebuked Satan by quoting Scripture in its proper context. Knowing God’s word intimately will be one of our best weapons in overcoming temptation.
3. Jesus Sought The Father’s Will Over His Own
   In His third temptation in the wilderness, Jesus rebukes Satan by reaffirming His commitment to the Fathers’ will – “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” Jesus submitted His desires to the Fathers will and overcame His greatest temptation.

Seek intimacy with the Lord through His Word so that when temptation comes back around, you’ll be able to resist it much more easily. Just as a fencer is familiar with their foil and dangerous when wielding it, so you must be with God’s word as you seek the Father’s will in your life and fight the good fight against sin and overcome temptation.