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Self-control vs Temptations

Bible story: Jesus is tempted, Matthew 4:1-11

Theme Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13

The real fight in the spiritual world is for our hearts. God is after our hearts, and the devil knows it. He was given permission to roam the earth, along with his demons, and he is trying to steal our hearts away from God. One of the ways the enemy attacks us is with temptations to sin. We fight temptation with self-control.

Today’s Bible story is about Jesus Christ as He faced temptations from the devil before He started His ministry. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert where He was tempted by the devil. He fasted 40 days and was very hungry. The devil first tempted Him with suggesting that He should just make bread out of the stones! But Jesus withstood the temptation, and quoted scripture at the devil, saying that we do not live by only bread.

The devil then took Jesus to the highest point of the temple, and suggested that He throw himself down because the angels would save him! Jesus rebuked the devil with scripture again, saying that we shouldn’t test God.

The devil tested Jesus a third time from a high mountain. Basically the devil said, worship me, and I will give you all these kingdoms and their splendor. Again, Jesus withstood the temptation by quoting scripture and saying that we should only worship the one true God. After the third temptation, the devil left Jesus, and angels came and attended to Him.

Resisting temptations can be very difficult, and requires self-control. We are all born with selfishness in our hearts. It is normal for us to defend ourselves, take more food for ourselves, or strive for personal fame. However, with self-control, and a knowledge of the scriptures, we can fight these temptations and win, just as Jesus did. He did not allow His personal desires to enter His mind. Instead, Jesus maintained complete self-control as He fought the devil with scriptures.

Unfortunately, the enemy can figure out exactly what we want, and tempt us with that. Jesus understands because He was fully human, and resisted strong temptations! He succeeded and did not sin!

Are you willing to maintain control of your own desires and fight the temptations that come your way?

Questions:

1. What is so bad about giving in to temptations?

2. What if someone hates me?

3. What takes God so long?

Life Application:

Resist a temptation, and if you can, use scripture like Jesus did. Maintain control of your desires, and do not allow yourself to give into that temptation.