Into The Breach – Being A Christian ManSample

  

Day 4 — Resisting temptation

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus shows us the way in our spiritual battles through the example of his own temptation by the devil in the wilderness. Immediately after his baptism in the Jordan River, he was led by God’s Spirit into a period of fasting and prayer as spiritual training for his public ministry. During this period of preparation, he was tempted by the devil over a period of forty days and nights. With each temptation, Jesus was urged to forsake the mission given to him by the Father. 

With each demonic invitation, Jesus is counseled to abandon the way of the suffering Messiah, to take the easier way, to give in to a distorted use of pleasure, power, and possessions. But Jesus has fortified himself with the word of God, and for each of the three temptations, he responds with a verse from Deuteronomy. He resists with heroic courage, strength, and boldness, and so is able to carry out the saving mission given to him by the Father. 

The temptations of Jesus provide a guide and motivation for us in life’s struggle. We too are tempted to use our pleasures, power, and possessions in selfish and distorted ways, in ways that benefit only ourselves. The essential question of every man’s life is this: Whom shall I serve? Jesus responded to the devil’s last temptation by quoting Scripture: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” When we follow the example of Jesus, we know worshiping God and serving him alone is the only way to live a noble life. When we imitate Jesus, we too are able to be led by the Holy Spirit to victory in battle against the forces of the world’s darkness and evil. 

REFLECT: What are the temptations that most test my identity as a son of God? 

PRAY: Lord God, prepare me through the study of Scripture to witness to your kingdom with the sword of your word. Prevent me from using my freedom to become self-serving, but to serve you and my companions in Christ.