What does the bad guy want?
Is there any evidence of this?
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”’ – Matthew 4:1-11
How did the devil tempt Christ here?
Temptation #1 asked Jesus to meet His OWN physical needs at that moment didn’t it?
Isn’t this exactly what instant gratification is all about?
This is security in personal pleasure or comfort!
One thing that Paul understood so very well is that whatever state he was in God put him there and so he could be content. Why? Because where ever we are God has us for a reason and once we see that reason and understand why then the next class in the university of life can occur. This understanding allows us to relax in this moment and learn from the pain because if anything is sure in life there will be pain but once we realize that it’s far less painful.
Vs. 5 “Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down.”
Temptation #2 asked Jesus to prove Himself and show everyone how powerful He was didn’t it?
Isn’t this exactly what legalism and a law based relationship is all about?
This is security in human knowledge or reasoning!
Jesus spoke about it and created it in His sacrifice, Paul wrote about it and lived it as did every other contributor to the New Testament and it was prophesied in the Old Testament. Fact is most people will never be holy as He is holy because they are too busy making the devil happy by trying to be holy on their own. Legalism puts your eyes on yourself NOT on Him and NOT on loving others which is where Grace puts them. It also forces you to be a judge. Will homosexuals be in heaven- I don’t know but I don’t give two turds in a bucket either because my mission is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Here is a little secret whatever these religious leaders hold up as the ultimate sin and the ultimate wrong will be the stumbling block that brings them down. Why? So God can say, “HELLO I am the judge knock it off and LOVE ONE ANOTHER!”
Temptation #3 asked Jesus to become prosperous and have wealth did it not?
Vs. 8 “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”’
This is security in power!
Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t this the focus of people who are preaching that God wants to bless me and that God wants me to prosper and be rich here. If God loved Jesus and Jesus was perfect and Jesus wasn’t rich and didn’t care to be why on earth would anyone think that God’s blessings would include money and power?
God’s blessings to you and to me are simple like His yoke- Peace that passes understanding, Love flowing through us that even loves enemies because God has them here and now to help us grow.
If your security is in anything other than what He did for you – you are making the devil happy!
“Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” NOT legalism, instant gratification or God wants me rich foolishness. How do we worship God and love God? LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!
Don’t worry Be Grace-Full