Matthew 4 -- The Roots Of The Temptations

My commentary had a lot to say about Jesus’ temptations:

 

The first temptation involved the love of God and the will of God … It is a subtle suggestion that our Father does not love us, and also, suggests that we meet our own needs.  “When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin.  When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin.”

 

With the second temptation, the devil was implying, “Let me quote You a verse of Scripture and see if You will obey it.”  But when Satan quoted Psalm 91:11-12, he left out “in all thy ways”.  God watches over those who are in His ways.”  Isolating texts will take us out of His ways.  In Jesus’ reply, He showed us that “we tempt God when we put ourselves into circumstances that force him to work miracles on our behalf … We tempt God when we try to force Him to contradict His own Word.”

 

In the third temptation, the devil offered Jesus a shortcut.  My commentary said, “There are no shortcuts to the will of God.  If we want to share in the glory, we must also share in the suffering … Satan had said nothing about service, but Jesus knew that whatever we worship, we will serve.  Worship and service must go together.”

 

Stan wasn’t done tempting Jesus.  “One victory never guarantees freedom from further temptation.  If anything, each victory we experience only makes Satan try harder.”

 

Father, please let me never doubt that You love me.  Remind me never to force You to work miracles on my behalf, and don’t let me forget that there are no shortcuts to Your will.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford