Temptation (1)

'Jesus was...tempted...' Matthew 4:1 NKJV

I was asked what I thought temptation looked by a man I was witnessing to a few years ago. I told him it comes in different forms and I think temptation is different to each individual. In the gospels we get a snaphot of Jesus being tempted by Satan. In Matthew 4 Christ's temptation in the wilderness answers two important questions: (1) Who is tempted? Everyone! If Jesus was tempted, you'll be tempted too. Now, you can be victorious over temptation, but you can't pray temptation away. Satan tried different approaches with Jesus and he will do the same with you. Being tempted doesn't mean you're not in the will of God, it just means that Satan doesn't give up his rule in your life without a fight. The battle begins the moment you decide to serve God, and the attacks come at you every day. So, 'Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.' (Ephesians 6:11 NIV) (2) When are you tempted? When you have an important role to play in God's plan you're a high-value target to the devil. Matthew records, 'Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.' (Matthew 4:1 NKJV) But notice what had just taken place before this: 'When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the Heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."' (Matthew 3:16-17 NKVJ) So temptation is a compliment; it proves you are called by God. And it's also a confirmation; it's evidence that you are walking in His will. Following His temptation, we read, 'Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee...' (Luke 4:14 NKJV) The power of God's Spirit is with you too! So don't give up...Christ is with you always. You are loved...