Jesus Resists Temptation
Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:1-11 or Deuteronomy 6:13-16; Matthew 4:4-11
International Sunday School Lesson
May 4, 2014
Commentary
By
Jed Greenough
What is it that tempts you? Is it temptations such as excessive unhealthy things like over indulging in food or alcohol? Or is it temptations such as the opposite sex or theft or deceit? Temptation takes many forms and while some are the same for all, satan who was called the tempter by Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:5) can craft them to suit you and his purpose.
Let’s remember that temptation in and of itself is not sin. We read the order of this in James 1:14, “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
We know that it will come, this temptation, but as Christians I believe we sometimes forget some very rudimentary things. This might be out of guilt or familiarity or reasons peculiar to us as individuals.
I should probably explain. I am a creature of habit. That is a characteristic of mine and if it is not my habit to think about going to God for help when I am tempted I will be poorly equipped to fight.
Someone else might feel so much guilt as a Christian for their being in certain situations that they don’t turn to God or His word for assistance.
Others may find the situation so unfamiliar to them because the temptation is not one with which they are experienced they unsurprisingly don’t seek God’s help almost as if in a state of shock.
We are shown a great deal by the scriptures including those for today in how we are to handle or be on guard for these situations. Let’s begin with when we can expect it. The answer might be anytime but I will use the example of Jesus. According to the parallel account in Mark 1 and insinuated by the wording in Matthew 3 and 4 it was immediately after His baptism! Apply that to yourself and think about that for a brand new Christian.
During this time we also know Jesus was fasting for 40 days so you can imagine what you would be like as in vulnerable or weakened. The tempter knows when his success is best. Being aware of this will help us in our defense tactics.
But Jesus shows us the value of turning to the scripture for help and that knowing your Bible is your first protection.
We also see Jesus when He told the devil to get lost, living out the words of James 4:7 as an example to us. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Don’t take the fewness of the words of this commentary as being a suggestion that it is that simple. Well, it is and it isn’t. It won’t be simple at first but with more experience in the word and with more experience in using that word and resisting the devil the more natural it will become for you. But that is also not to suggest that the tempter won’t ramp up the temptation for you as you are now a greater prize. But we must remember the greatest prize of all the “author and perfecter of our faith” who was likewise tempted.
For Discussion:
1. Discuss how Jesus shows the value in remembering not just the New Testament but the Old Testament.
2. Discuss ways you have dealt with temptation.
3. Discuss ways that satan tempts.
4. Read the parallel accounts in Mark and Luke.
5. Discuss verse 11’s that angels came and attended to Jesus.
6. Read what Jesus said with regard to Temptation in Matthew 6:13 and Matthew 26:41.
7. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 6:9, Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 4:15, James 1:13-14 all with regard to temptation.
Upcoming Lessons
5-11-14 Jesus’ Mission on Earth, Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:14-21 or Luke 4:14-21
5-18-14 Jesus’ Teaching on the Law, Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20
5-25-14 The Greatest Commandment, Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-34
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
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