Overcoming Temptation – Jesus' Victory and Our Power in HimSample

Full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1)

"Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness."
— Luke 4:1 (NKJV)

"Filled with the Holy Spirit" – (plērōtheis hagiou pneumatos)
Greek Word Breakdown: (plērōtheis) is the aorist passive participle of the verb (plēroō), which means "to fill," "to complete," or "to make full." It suggests a continuous, all-encompassing filling. This isn't a one-time event but a state of being filled, implying an ongoing action.

This fullness is not just a temporary experience but something that continually characterizes Jesus' relationship with the Holy Spirit.
(hagiou pneumatos) means "of the Holy Spirit." The term (hagios) refers to "holy" or "set apart," and (pneuma) means "spirit" or "breath." Combined, they refer to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and equips Jesus for His mission.

Theological Insight: Jesus, though divine, chose to be fully dependent on the Holy Spirit. This passage highlights Jesus’ complete reliance on the Holy Spirit to fulfill His earthly mission. The Holy Spirit is not only a source of empowerment but also the means by which Jesus operates in His ministry, showing believers the importance of being continually filled with the Spirit for their own calling.

Application: Just as Jesus was filled with the Spirit to accomplish His mission, believers today must continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s will and overcome challenges. Without the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we are insufficient for the tasks set before us.

"Returned from the Jordan" – (anastas apo tou Iordanou)
Greek Word Breakdown: (anastas) is the aorist active participle of (anistēmi), meaning "to rise" or "to stand up." It indicates an act of moving from one place to another. This suggests Jesus was not passive but actively returning from His baptism, indicating a transition into the next phase of His ministry.
(apo) is a preposition meaning "from" or "away from," showing the directional movement of Jesus away from the Jordan River after His baptism.
(Iordanou) is the Greek form of the Hebrew יַרְדֵּן (Yarden), referring to the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized (Luke 3:22).

Biblical Understanding: The Jordan River represents a place of transition in biblical history, marking the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4). Jesus’ return from the Jordan signifies His official commencement of His public ministry, now fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to face the challenges ahead.

Application: Just as the Jordan was a place of transition for Jesus, it may be a symbolic moment in our lives when God calls us into a new phase of purpose. After receiving the Holy Spirit, we are called to move forward in faith into the areas where God will lead us, including wildernesses or trials.

"Led by the Spirit" – (ēphereto en tō pneumati)
Greek Word Breakdown: (ēphereto) is the imperfect middle/passive form of (agō), meaning "to lead" or "to bring." In the middle voice, it indicates self-directed action, meaning that Jesus was personally led by the Spirit, implying His complete submission to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
(en tō pneumati) translates as "in the Spirit," meaning Jesus was not only led by the Spirit but actively walking in the presence and power of the Spirit.

Biblical Understanding: The idea of being "led by the Spirit" reveals divine direction and control over Jesus' actions. The Holy Spirit is not just an external force but a guiding presence in Jesus' life. This signifies that the Holy Spirit leads believers not just in moments of ministry but through every aspect of life, including testing and trials.

Application: As believers, we are called to be led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. We must be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, allowing Him to guide us, even into places of testing, just as Jesus was led into the wilderness.

"Into the wilderness" – (eis tēn erēmon)
Greek Word Breakdown: (eis) is a preposition meaning "into," indicating movement toward a place.
(erēmon) refers to "wilderness" or "desert." It conveys a place of desolation, isolation, and challenge. The wilderness in biblical terms is often seen as a place where God prepares His people, tests them, and shapes them (e.g., Exodus 16, Deuteronomy 8:2-3).

Biblical Understanding: The wilderness is not just a geographical location but a spiritual and testing place where believers are prepared and refined. Jesus' time in the wilderness shows that the Spirit sometimes leads us into difficult seasons to strengthen us and prepare us for future ministry.

Application: We may face wilderness experiences in our own lives; places of challenge, isolation, or difficulty. However, like Jesus, we are not abandoned in the wilderness. The Spirit will guide us, empower us, and use these times for spiritual refinement and preparation.

Related Scriptures:

Matthew 3:16-17 "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.

This passage parallels Luke's account and provides foundational insight into the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus, which was crucial for His earthly ministry.

Acts 10:38 – Jesus Was Anointed by the Holy Spirit for His Ministry: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Acts 10:38 links the empowerment by the Holy Spirit directly to Jesus' ministry of healing and deliverance. It’s the Holy Spirit who enables Jesus (and us) to do the works of God on earth.

Revelation Insight:

To face temptation, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit.

Jesus’ empowerment and guidance by the Holy Spirit show us that to confront life's trials and temptations, we must be continually filled with the Spirit and led by Him.

The wilderness isn't just a test of endurance but also a place where the Spirit strengthens and refines us. Temptation and trials are inevitable, but the Spirit's presence is the key to overcoming them.

Application Points:

Seek the Continuous Filling of the Spirit: As Jesus was filled with the Spirit, we too should seek daily empowerment from the Holy Spirit, not just for ministry but for daily living and spiritual battles.

Allow the Spirit to Lead: Be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in all aspects of life, including when He leads you into challenging situations. Trust His leading, even when it seems uncomfortable.

Embrace the Wilderness: When you face difficulties, remember that the wilderness can be a place of divine preparation. The Holy Spirit will guide you through, refining your faith and character.

Prayer for Day 1:

Father God, I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides me. Just as Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him, I ask You to fill me today. Lead me through the trials I may face and help me walk in the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. May I never rely on my own strength, but trust in Your guidance and empowerment. In Jesus' name, Amen.