Overcoming personal Temptation

 Read Matthew 4.

In preparation for the launch of His earthly ministry and the selection of the twelve apostles, Jesus invested time in solitude, with prayer and fasting.  It was in this time of human weakness, having gone over a month without food, that Satan made a series of personal attacks.

Three of those temptations are listed here.  Each illustrates the mind and character of Christ.  Each of them encourages us in our times of similar temptation.  Naturally, we are selfish, self-protecting, and self-serving. 

1. Overcoming Selfishness. (vv.1-4)

It surely was not selfish on Jesus' part to be hungry.  And, yes, He could have provided food for Himself at any time.  It was an intentional choice to deny His body this basic need for an extended time of spiritual concentration.  The response of Jesus was that feeding the soul with God's word was more important than feeding one's stomach.  It is easier for us to starve our soul than our stomach.  For a daily habit and health, we need to feed both body and soul.

2. Overcoming Self-protection. (vv.5-7)
The cross proved that the human body of Jesus could be harmed, bleed, and die.  So, the threat was potentially a real one.  And, like at the crucifixion, Jesus could have summoned myriads of angels to deliver Him.  But, on that occasion He did not.  It was a time for self-sacrifice for the sin of the world.  Here, when Satan tempted Jesus to display His power it was for the purpose of self-protection.  It was a dare.  This was not the time, not the method, and certainly not the reason for Jesus to die.  Nor would Jesus allow Satan to manipulate Him for entertainment purposes. 

Believers who live within the will and plan of God may be assured that they are protected until that exact moment the LORD has completed their purpose for being here on earth.  Concerning the ministry of angels, the writer of Hebrews put it this way, "Are they not ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14).  Guardian angels, we call them.  But, woe to those who choose to live in disobedience.  Their protection may be removed and life cut short.  1 Corinthians 11:29-30 provides just one New Testament example. 

3. Overcoming Self-service. (vv.8-11)
There are multiple incongruities in this one.  First and foremost, Jesus created all things and is already the Owner.  Satan has been given temporary ability to be the "ruler of this world" (John 12:31).  There is coming a day when he will be cast out and King Jesus will rule and reign on earth.  Second, for Jesus to assume control of "all the kingdoms of the world" before the appointed time would have thwarted the eternal plan of God, the Father.  Our human flesh wants immediate gratification rather than waiting for the fulfillment of God's will for our lives in His time.

The consistent weapon Jesus used to diffuse the temptations was quoting the appropriate Scripture.  In spiritual warfare, the word of God is our only offensive weapon (Ephesians 6:10-18).  This passage lets us know that enemy can quote the Bible also. But he dismisses the parts he does not like and only uses pieces of the Scriptures in an attempt to proof-text his own agenda, not God's.  It also underscores the need not only to know the Bible verses but to obey them.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect was tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15)