7 Jan 13: The Temptation of Jesus and/ God's Faithfulness to the Jews

**Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Romans 3:1-8

Prayer: Father God, we dedicate this study to you Lord.  Show us the true meaning of your message.  Help us understand your promises.  In Jesus Name Amen!

I. The Temptation of Jesus

- Matthew 4:1-11 tells the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This happened after His baptism. Sometimes, hardships and struggles come to Christians when you are in your highest point of your spirituality. This is only a test by God and for your faith in Him.

The first temptation was for lust and hunger. Jesus have been fasting for forty days and forty nights and was hungry when the devil came and started tempting him. Sometimes, the devil uses our daily needs (hunger, thirst, fatigue security) at the time when we are weak to make us make foolish decisions that we will regret in the future. This also happened to Esau in Genesis 25: 19 – 34.  Esau was so hungry after a whole day of hunting and wanted some of Jacob's cooking that he was tricked to trade his birthright for a bowl of red lentil stew soup. The devil wanted Jesus to turn the stones to bread but Jesus answered “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”.

The second temptation was for pride. The devil asked Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. This was done so that Jesus can prove his worth that he is God and to "show-off" that he has the strength and the protection of God. At the same time, if Jesus did jump, he was testing God to send his angels, which meant that he was doubting God, and then not trusting God.  This will then be a sin and this is what the devil wanted, for Jesus to commit sin. But as the scripture said, Jesus just answered “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.

The third temptation is about greed. The devil took Jesus in the high mountains and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil then offered to give everything to Jesus if He worships him but Jesus resisted temptation and told the devil "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve."

The good news is that God gives us free will to follow Him and to do whatever we want.  The bad news is that we make bad decisions which opens us up to temptations and then sin.  1 Peter 5:8 reminds us "to be sober, be vigilant; because the enemy walks like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."  The enemy is out there, constantly tempting us and trying to get us to commit sin. It is natural for us, especially the believers, to struggle with temptation.  Because we are for God and we help spread His word and promises of salvation, the enemy constantly targets us and persuade us to join him instead.  And this happens when we give in to his tricks and commit sin.  But after committing sin, does that satisfy your "thirst"?   Only the living water provided by our savior, Jesus Christ, will satisfy our thirst and give us eternal life.  Remember, when we face any temptation, God is faithful and trust in Him for:

"13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" - (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Be patient and trust in the Lord for God is always in control.

II. God's Faithfulness to the Jews

- Romans 3:1-8 once again talks about repentance. Paul said that we are condemned by our actions. He stated how Jews had an advantage for obtaining salvation because they already know God and possesses His laws. But nowadays, everyone has access to the laws and the gospel so we would not have an excuse.  The laws were made not as a way for salvation, but to show the public what we are doing wrong.  You could have followed all the laws of the Holy Bible but if you don't accept Jesus as your savior, repent your sins, and follow His way, then all your "good works" are just that.  Not all "nice, holy, or religious" people go to heaven.  It is all by God's grace.  Remember if someone goes to heaven, he has God to thank for. If someone goes to hell, he has himself to blame for. You have the choice if you would live by faith in God or live by what the world wants you to live. All the things here in the world are temporary but what we have in his kingdom is eternal and everlasting.

III. Proverbs for Today/2:1-5

1 My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.


Prayer: Father God, we thank you again for the holy spirit who guides us during this devotional. We thank you for giving us free will to make our own decisions.  Father, we ask for your guidance and wisdom that we don't succumb to our enemy's temptations . God, we know that sometimes we go hungry, thirsty, and tired but we know that if we trust in you that you will lead us to a way of escape. Lord, we also pray for ourselves and our hearts that you prevent us from saying, doing, and even thinking foolish things when we are in the time of distress. Let us be the light of the world, so others will see your love for us.  We pray that you continue to bless us, prosper us, and shower us with your grace. We ask for forgiveness not just of our sins but our families', friends', and those who had sinned against us.  We thank you and we love you.  In Jesus' name. Amen.

**Bible verses for faith in terms of stress:

1. My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
2. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
3. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
4. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)
5. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
6. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
7. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)
8. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
9. Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10b)
10. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
11. Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)