Things You Should Know About Temptation, Part 3
Temptation appeals to man’s flesh.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
In the case of Jesus, Satan tried to tempt Jesus with food. Why? Satan knew that Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. We know that Satan is not Omniscient (All-Knowing). If he had been, he would have known that fasting is God way of purging the soul (mind, will, and emotions) of man so that all distractions are removed far from him. Fasting purges the body of impurities. More importantly, fasting strengthens the soft areas in our lives, which are led by the flesh. It redirects the mind toward the things of God as the priority and takes your attention off of other things. Temptation is internal not external. It begins on the inside long before the outward results appear. Satan plants thoughts in your mind, which are contrary to the word of God. If you are not continually connected to the Father, your flesh will follow through with those thoughts. This is why we are commanded to have the mind of Christ. There is a popular question, which was made into a bracelet: “WWJD” What Would Jesus Do? Jesus would quote the word. “… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every would that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. It is important to note that bread is not the source that sustains you. Jesus’ response to Satan’s food test is to teach us that the source of bread, God our Father, is more important than the bread itself.
Scripture References: Matthew 4:3-4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Romans 12:2; I Corinthians 2:16b
Prayer for Today: Father, I submit under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Teach me to resist temptation of all kinds. In JESUS name. AMEN.
Whatever you must do today, there is a grace for that. Accept the grace and make it a sweatless day.
Love
Dianne
