Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 57, Matthew 4

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit
into the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4:1

It struck me that it was the Spirit that led Jesus to go into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Why? Why would God want Jesus to be tempted? I found the answer in the Word, in Hebrews.

“Therefore [Jesus] had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been 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 4:15-16 ESV

Jesus experienced temptation, yet He resisted the devil by wielding the sword of the Word, and so can we. Like 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

So … What should we do when we face temptation?

• Take your thoughts captive to obey Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 10:5) The battle against temptation is won and lost in your thoughts. If you want to resist temptation, you need to “think about what you’re thinking about!” As soon as you’re tempted, capture that thought, get rid of it, and replace it with the truth of God’s Word. I know how I feel after fasting for 12 hours, so I can only imagine how hungry Jesus was after fasting for 40 days of fasting! Jesus overcame temptation with God’s Word, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes in the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 – Look at Deuteronomy 8:3 for it’s original use) The more of God’s Word you have stored in your heart, the better equipped you’ll be to replace those wrong thoughts with the right ones! (See Psalm 119:11)

• Resist the devil. Ask yourself this question, “Who am I resisting, God or the devil?” All too often we are resisting God and submitting to the devil. 😩 If we want to resist the devil, we have to recognize his temptations and schemes. If you knew you were in a lion’s den, you’d keep alert for a lion, wouldn’t you? Listen carefully to the words of 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

• Submit to God. In those tough moments, remember that God is your commanding officer. He has every right to give you your matching orders, and He expects you to obey them. As James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8a ESV) When you’re struggling with temptation, no matter what it is, turn to God and obey Him in faith. Trust that He is good and that His plans are for your good.

Heavenly Father,

Each and every day, I meet temptations of various kinds. Some temptations are stronger than others, but all of them can be overcome by Your Spirit and Your Word. I believe that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. I trust that Your Word is my sword by which I can fight the devil’s schemes.

Please help me to resist the devil and submit to You as my commanding officer.

I am no longer a slave to sin. I am no longer a slave to my flesh. I am no longer a child of  wrath. I am a child of God by the blood of Jesus that flows through my veins. I am a soldier in the army of the Lord. I have been bought with a price, and now I have been called to serve You with my body. Make me a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You, my Lord and Captain and King.

In the holy and almighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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