Matthew 4

What a curious thing for the Spirit to do? The Spirit led Jesus into the desert. To be tempted by the devil!

Let’s get something straight. God does not tempt us, (James 1:13) but He does test us. This may seem to be splitting hairs but the difference is important. Temptation comes to try and steer us to do wrong. Testing comes to confirm and further our advancement.

Unless we see clearly we may tend to get temptation and testing confused. It is very helpful to keep in mind what the outcome of our actions will be and usually that clarifies the distinction for us; however, there is another way to identify temptation.

1 John 2:16 says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (NASB) And there it is. The devil can tempt but he can’t create. (Sin is actually quite boring.) He only has three basic weapons and that is all that is in the world.

When he came to Eve in the Garden she found that the fruit was good for food (lust of the flesh) and pleasing to the eye (lust of the eyes), and also desirable for gaining wisdom (boastful pride of life). When he tempted Jesus it was the same three just in a different order. “Since you’re hungry…” (flesh). “Prove yourself before people at the temple.” (Boastful pride - at the house of worship no less!) “See all these kingdoms…” (eyes).

When the devil comes at you with temptation remember that Jesus is our example. Eve is the anti-example. The Word is our protection. Eve had God’s Word. “Do not eat from that tree.” She didn’t hold to God’s Word and disaster ensued. Jesus had God’s Word. He held to the Word and prevailed. So can we.