Lessons from the Battlefield

We all deal with temptation in our lives. Most times, these temptations promise what seem like “good things”.

Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13 & Luke 4:1-13

We do harm to ourselves, our relationship to God, and others when we allow temptation to lead us away from God.

One afternoon while walking home from primary school, my brother and I found a half smoked cigarette on the footpath. I wondered what it would be like to smoke it so I took it home knowing mum would be home a little late. At home, I found some matches, and my brother and I lit up the cigarette and took a quick puff. However, no sooner had we started when mum arrived home unexpectedly. Quickly we put the cigarette out in the pot plant in the lounge and then looked up to see mum sniffing the air and commenting, “Has Mr Couples, (our neighbour), been here to use the phone? I can smell cigarette smoke.” Not thinking very quicky, and I am sure looking very guilty, I said, “No.” She then looked us in the eye and said, “Have you been smoking?” We confessed and were sent to bed without dinner. We had succumbed to the temptation and were found out.

We all deal with temptation in our lives. Most times, these temptations promise what seem like “good things”. Temptation has the ability to twist truth but they are lies. We do harm to ourselves, our relationship to God, and others when we allow temptation to lead us away from God.

Jesus dealt with temptation by exposing the lie and declaring the truth of God and his promises. In Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus is tempted by Satan three times. Each time, absolute trust in the person God is and his truth is how Jesus counters Satan’s lies. This is not clever argument on Jesus’ behalf, but rather declarations of Jesus’ heart and core beliefs. He knew God, His will, and therefore, it exposed the lies.

When tempted, believe this promise from God in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Identify the temptation and the tempter, and turn your eyes and heart to the one who provides a way. Hold to this promise from God. And when you fail, confess, repent and find mercy, forgiveness and know you are still his child.

God bless.

Pastor Stephen