5. Temptation

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[haar]

1.    Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples? It is necessary for disciple's growth

2.    What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread? It attempts to exploits the vulnerability and desires of the flesh such to satisfy hunger in the case of Jesus Which temptations we face are similar? Temptation to break our fast, or yield to a temptation to commit sin-sexual or any that our fleshy nature desires.

3.    What is the essence of the second temptation, to attain power and splendor? The urge to attain power and splendor can easily make people to go to any length so as to get them hence, satan offered Jesus power over kingdoms of the world to tempt Him to obey him. What similar temptations do we face today? In my country Nigeria, politicians go any length to bribe, or even kill to win elections in order to be in power etc  

4.    What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? Fame: the desire to achieve it leads to sin   How do we face this temptation today? Everyone tend to desire fame and this cause us want to do things that are opposed to the will of GOD 

5.    Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have? Jesus although was man with flesh like ours, depended in the power of the Holy Spirit, His knowledge of the Word and His determination to obey only His Father enabled Him to overcome every temptation. We too have all these resources, the Holy Sppirit, the Word of God and mind of Christ to think and decide to obey only god and not satan. 

6.    What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage? Know and use the Word od to puncture the Devils lies and choose to obey God rather than satan

[Isaac L]

On 8/19/2020 at 9:07 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?

Although God is not the agent of temptation, He does indeed use temptation to spur our growth as disciples. In the absence of temptation, so-called faith is just innocent faith. It does not stand testing. But the testing of our faith produces endurance, and when endurance develops fully, we can be perfect and complete. (James 1:3-4)

1. What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread? Which temptations we face are similar?

It is the temptation to gratify the l-u-s-t of the flesh (1 John 2:16) - or a craving for pleasure. On one hand, Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), not a miserable life, so pleasure is not totally or always wrong. On the other hand, pleasure becomes a snare when we crave pleasure above God, or we crave the wrong/unethical kinds of pleasure, or we want instant gratification when God tells us to wait, or we seek to attain pleasure by the wrong means, or we cause others misery by our pleasurable pursuits, etc. In the Garden of Eden, Eve fell to this when she saw that the forbidden fruit was "good for food" (Gen 3:6). Forbidden, yet tasty - and she took it.

Today, we encounter this temptation in pornographic media, premarital sex, any forms of addiction that controls a person, even computer games if we can't stop playing.

1. What is the essence of the second temptation, to attain power and splendor? What similar temptations do we face today?

It is the temptation to gratify the l-u-s-t of the eyes (1 John 2:16) - or a craving for possessions. That's why the last of the Ten Commandments is not to covet what doesn't belong to you (Exodus 20:17). Jesus warns about this temptation in his parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), and Paul warns about it, saying, "the love of money is the root of all evils" (1 Timothy 6:10). In the Garden of Eden, Eve fell to it when she saw that the fruit was "attractive to the eye" (Gen 3:6).

Today, we encounter this temptation whenever we are envious, and when we become so busy working for money that we neglect God, family and our own souls. That is, we store up riches for ourselves but we are not rich toward God (Luke 16:21).

1. What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? How do we face this temptation today?

It is the temptation to gratify the pride of life (1 John 2:16) - or a craving for prestige (or power, or popularity, as Ralph says). It is a desire to be glorified, instead of glorifying God. Lucifer fell to this and became Satan. He declared, "I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). In the Garden of Eden, Eve fell to it when she hoped that the fruit would make her as wise as God is (Gen 3:6).

Today, we encounter this temptation whenever we become proud or we seek ways to glorify ourselves. The pride of life is often intertwined with the l-u-s-t of the eyes, because in real life possessions bring you prestige, power and popularity. However, pride also rears its ugly head in apparently harmless or noble endeavors - e.g. we can be very proud that we preach / teach / sing / cook very well in church, etc.

1. Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have?

No. Philippians 2:6-7 tells us that though he was God he did not cling on to that but emptied himself. As man, he was liable to temptation like we are. He "has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). He had to resist temptation by the Word and the Spirit of God.

1. What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage?

Jesus was full of the Spirit when he went to the wilderness. We have to keep on being filled by the Spirit.

Jesus resisted Satan's suggestions by quoting scripture. We have to saturate ourselves with the Word of God.

Perhaps I can add to it the words of James: "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:7-8) We have no strength in ourselves to resist Satan, fight as we might. The key is to intentionally draw near to God.

 

[AdventIlliniRx]

thanks for the study on the temptation of Jesus.  i found the theology that "temptation is not sin" worth consideration and meditation. We are tempted continuously by satan as he tries to tempt me to sin.  yet the power of the Holy Spirit provides me the Power to overcome temptation and deliver me from committing evil. 

[hanks]

1.   Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?

We all will face temptation of one kind or other. There are those that are sent from God to test the reality of our faith and to produce likeness to Jesus Christ. These could be called holy trials, and they are necessary to our growth as believers. They are designed to bring the best out of us, and a lot can be learnt from our reactions to these holy trials. We should try to see the hand of God in all that comes to us and learn from them. Be grateful to the Lord, knowing that they are making us more obedient and better able to serve our heavenly Father – to bring glory to Him. We can indulge in self-pity and seek sympathy, and/or complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, or we can rejoice and thank the Lord for them, and/or forget about self and concentrate on being of service to others. These trials are there to remind us of our own weakness and our dependence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. On the other hand, there are unholy temptations that are designed to bring out the worst in us. They come from within us and lead to sin. They come uninvited and unexpected, and may come singly and sometimes in droves. They are inevitable. But of one thing we can be sure of, is that no temptation to sin ever comes from God. God may test or try us, as far as our faith is concerned, but He never tempts a us to commit any form of evil. The best way to handle unholy temptations is to learn from our Lord Jesus who used the Word of God as a weapon against all temptations. Also, we can remember: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). To be tempted is not a sin. Tempting others or giving in to temptation is sin.

[hanks]

1.   What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread? Which temptations we face are similar?

Jesus was tempted when He was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. At the end of 40 days in which Jesus ate nothing Satan tempted Him. He wanted our Lord to use His divine power to satisfy bodily hunger. Of course, being God, He could turn the stones into bread, but this would be in obedience to Satan. The subtlety of the temptation was that the act in itself was perfectly legitimate. But it would have been wrong for Jesus to do it in obedience to Satan, He must act only in accordance with the will of His Father. The purpose of the temptation was not to see if He would sin, but to prove that even under tremendous pressure He could do nothing but obey the Word of God. Satan uses the same tactics that he tried on Jesus to tempt us when we are at our most vulnerable. This can occur when we are lonely, tired, under emotional/physical stress, or faced with uncertainty or even a big decision. He will try and tempt us not only when we are weak, but will also through our strengths, especially when we are most susceptible to pride. The similar temptations we face are the ones that gratify our natural desires, the one John calls “the **** of the flesh” (1 John 2:16). Instead of craving for physical pleasure we should be seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). That is to put God first in our life, to fill our thoughts with His desires, to serve and obey Him in everything. Jesus answered the temptation by quoting the Word of God. In the same way to resist temptation we must be armed with the power of the Word of God.

[hanks]

1.   What is the essence of the second temptation, to attain power and splendour? What similar temptations do we face today?

Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world, which one day will become His, as we read in Rev 11:15: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever." So, Satan was offering Christ what would eventually be His anyway. The only real thing Satan rules over and can offer is evil. But there could be no short cut to the throne. God the Father had planned that Jesus had to first suffer on the cross before He could enter into His glory. There is no quick fix, no other way, only God’s way. Jesus would not worship the devil, no matter what the prize might be. Jesus' response was immediate, and said to him, "It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only,’" and He quotes Deuteronomy 6:13. We face similar temptations. Instead of trusting God’s plan we begin to have doubts when things aren’t moving quick enough to our liking. We want it all, now – wealth and power. Our life isn’t working out as we have planned it, and we start wondering if God really cares for us or even really loves us. And so, we begin to murmur and gripe and complain just like the children of Israel did. All the trouble, pain, anxiety, and deprivation doesn’t seem to be the plan we had hoped for. On top of this, we find that we are constantly bombarded by temptations and promises from Satan to distrust God's love, and to give it all to us if we worship him. We cannot serve two masters (Matt 6:24). Remember that we live because we obey God, and that there's only one plan and that's God's plan. We should not be doubting God's plan and there are no shortcuts to the fulfillment of His plan. I will worship God and God alone - I will trust My God's love and care - I will worship My God unwaveringly. 

[hanks]

1.   What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? How do we face this temptation today?

In this third temptation Satan uses a different tactic. If Jesus will not prove He is the Son of God by doing what God has not said, namely use His divine power independently to make bread. If He will not prove He is the Son of God by doing what God has said not to do, worship anyone other than Himself. Maybe He will prove He is the Son of God by doing something to prove the truth of what God has said. Satan tells Jesus: You trust God, You only want to obey His Word, You trust His love, You trust His care and You will only do what His Word says to do. Since You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. He then quotes Psalm 91:11-12, “For He will command His angels concerning You to guard You in all Your ways; they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone”. For the third time, Jesus resisted temptation by quoting from the Bible. “Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah” (Deu 6:16). In our search for material wealth, or a prominent place in the world, or public recognition, or even to gain a high position in the church, we may be tempted to choose a way that is not part of God’s plan for us. This pride in our achievements and possessions our obsession with one's status or importance are some of the temptations we face today. When tempted we need to do what Jesus did, and that is to rely on the Word of God and stand fast in our commitment to worship God alone, no matter the cost or the sacrifice. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Eph 6:17), and as we learn to apply the Word to every circumstance of our lives, we too can emerge victorious from fierce temptations.

[hanks]

1.   Did Jesus have any special powers at His disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have?

No, He did not have any special powers to resist temptation that is not available to us today. Just as He had, we have the Holy Spirit who will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will provide a way out (1 Cor 10:13). Jesus also taught us that we have the Word of God as a response to temptations. Satan will bombard us with temptations that we can list under 3 categories, the **** of the eyes, **** of the flesh, and the pride of life.

And the only way to combat these temptations is to use Scripture as a weapon. The only difference with Jesus was the fact that He could not sin. We might think that the temptations of Jesus wee meaningless because He could not sin. But it is important to realise that His temptations were not to see if He would sin but to prove that He could not sin. Jesus is God, and God cannot sin. Also, only a holy sinless Man could be our Redeemer. He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin. Scriptures tell us that Jesus knew no sin (2 Cor 5:21), He committed no sin (1 Pet 2:22), and there is no sin in Him (1 John 3:5). On top of this, He was absolutely obedient to the Father (John 5:19), and the Father would never lead Him to sin. 

[Joy21]

6. What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach His disciples in this passage?

Resist temptation with God’s Word. Not just His written Word, but His spoken word to us through the Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert and remained with Him during His temptation, so will the Spirit guide, protect, and strengthen us in our wildernesses.  Just knowing the Word - scriptures - is not enough. What about new Christians? Are they doomed to being tossed and deceived by Satan because they don’t know the Bible cover to cover? Of course not! The Holy Spirit in them from their conversion gives them the power to overcome temptation. However, this requires a continual filling and re-filling from our source, God Himself.

[Irmela]

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples? 

To quote Dr Ralph, "Innocent faith needs testing to be strong."  I would say it is vital to our growth as disciples. A weakness in our character, which is confessed and handed over at the cross, is overcome as we deny to give in to that temptation again when the opportunity comes our way (when we are being tested). As we continue to stand and not give in to the temptation we become stronger in our growth as disciples. (The more often we resist the temptation the less likely we will fall to it if we stay in Christ) 

2. What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread?  Which temptations we face are similar? 

The temptation to fulfill our physical needs. Here it was to satisfy hunger. Similar temptations are fornication, stealing, cheating, gaming etc. (L*u*s*t  of the flesh). 

3. What is the essence of the 2nd temptation, to attain power and splendour?  What similar temptation do we face today? 

To obtain wordly glory. We face greedy ambition for power and wealth. The more we have the more we want. (L*u*s*t of the eye). 

4. What is the essence of the 3rd temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple?  How do we face this temptation today? 

A temptation of instant acclaim. A desire to be glorified instead of to glorify. Boasting of one's achievements. (pride of life) 

5. Did Jesus have any special powers at His disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have? 

Jesus had stripped /emptied Himself of all those 'special powers', according to Philippians 2:7. At His baptism He was filled with the Holy Spirit, which is also available to us. Jesus was in constant communion with God, as we can be also. Jesus knew the Scripture, (it too is available to us), as we hear from His response "It is written..." . 

6. What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage? 

Jesus remained in touch with God through prayer. We need to do the same. 

Jesus answered with the Word (Scripture). He teaches us to do the same. It is part of our Armour, the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. 

We need to surrender our lives to the Father's will. 

[Lisa Daley]

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary?

God uses pain to teach us: Heb 12:11

"For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

God realizes that pain can be a good thing. He taught Jesus obedience through what he suffered (Heb 5:8). The pain Jesus went through was for the greater good, and such it is with us. God doesn't want us to wallow in self-pity while in a trial, but instead keep our eyes on him by confessing the Word and praying. As we do this, we rise above the temptation (up, up, up) where we actually experience God's glory. It is not easy. Was Jesus' road to the cross easy? No! But Jesus looked instead at the joy set before him (Heb 12:2). And that is what God wants for us. We all know we are being conformed into the image of Christ, right? Well the suffering brought about by willingly submitting to the crucified life, bearing your cross daily, is the most worthy kind of submission there is. That is what Jesus did. God wants us to know "He is good" all the time, good times and bad, even in trial and temptation. As we begin to get a grasp on this and obey him in it, we become mature Christians, we become the Bride of Christ. And Jesus is coming back for a mature bride:

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready." (Rev 19:7).

Jesus loves us folks; it is either His way or the highway! But, oh the rewards to those who choose Him!!!

[StSw]

1. Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes?                                                                                                                                                            John calls people a brood of vipers and a den of snakes because some went to him to be baptised so they could escape eternal punishment, but they were not really repentant from their sin nor were they willing to change their way of lives. Others were also there as onlookers because they thought they didn't need it due to the fact that they were Jews.
2. How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously? How could religious pride have that same effect on us?                The  Jews considered themselves pure and clean because of their relation with Abraham .Abraham was the ancestor of the Jews and so they thought God's promise to Abraham automatically covered them and therefore faith and tradition elevated them above everyone else. 
3.     How could religious pride have that same effect on us?  We become Christians through God's unmerited favour, as a result of any effort, ability intelligent choice or act of service on our part. This can make us become boastful and make us think we are better than those who are not yet there. We must be careful not to become proud of our Salvation, instead humbly thank God for what he has done and encourage others who are struggling in their faith

[t-c]

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?

Both, because we can be tempted by what the world, the flesh and the devil offers and how we handle these temptations can grow us and mature us in our walk with Jesus.

We can not avoid temptation, nor it's fruition, sin. So both can strengthen us a we live out our lives as Christ followers. Of course temptation can take us in the opposite direction also, if we succumb to temptations and fall into a pattern of sin. Hopefully we would hope in, rely upon and cling to Christ and the truths of the Bible. As we are tempted, we would lean into God and His word to see us through these temptations we all face. As well as learning from our past sins.  

[mary58]

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary for our growth as disciples?

It is necessary -- well: it is beneficial and "better" disciples are thus grown.  For in temptation you must rely on God in abject humility; and in temptation-resisted you can be more confident of your own heart for the Lord.  You are strengthened.  What, then, of those who aren't tempted in any serious way?  A temptor is an other person/voice which presents appealing, but forbidden, alternatives.  I don't feel that thre is any "other" I can blame; it's just me!  In a joyous resistance to temptation one has made the right choice, and is made stronger in this exercise and draws closer to God, for having again chosen him, turned to him. I never have this moment of choosing, this moment of drama.  My choice is between me and him in myriad petty ways all day.  It is a sad life, but what I am dealt.  How much more lovely it'd be to overcome Satan as serpent or devil. Once again (and again and again) overcoming me so lacks story value !

 

2. What is the essence of the temptation to turn stone into bread? Which temptations we face are similar?

Per Wilson "meeting legitimate physical needs by illegitimate means" and also of pride in wanting to prove yourself.  Both are a lack of trust -- the temptation to take matters into our own hands when God isn't meeting them quickly enough, or in the way we like.  But doing nothing isn't the answer.  Acting in accordance with God's word and in continual attention to his Spirit is the good thing.  It requires a pause.  If I could turn stones to bread I'd have to pause and check in: "Is this what I should do now?  Is this your will?  What is your will?"

 

3. What is the essence of the 2nd temptation to gain power and splendor? What similar temptations do we face today?

I have never wanted power and splendor -- with this comes responsibility -- too much work; with this comes scrutiny and conflict and disappointment (for you can't make everyone satisfied). It sounds horrible !  So I can only guess at the "essence", the appeal... People do seek this (entertainers, politicians...) and the seeking of it and enjoyment of it aren't, per se, bad.  It is how you fulfill this quest that is likely -- but not necessarily -- sin.  Of course outwardly worshiping Satan is wrong; but the much more common route of hurting people along the way is also wrong.  I guess vanity is the essence and politics and the arts are where this is rife.  Where is it present for  me?

 

4. What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself from the temple ? What is this like today ?

This is an odd one -- whatever is going on here seems like a very rare and fringe temptation.  Yet here it is: one of The Three.  It must mean something!  Wilson says "it is the lure of popularity and public recognition", but I disagree.  If Jesus felt a yearning to do this thing -- and if he did not then it is no temptation -- what was the appeal? what would tug at him?  Either doubt, that is, "finding proof" -- knowing for sure. Or satisfaction in God's response of rescue "he rescued me, he wouldn't let me fall; he is indeed true and big and he knows me, cares about me; I tested him and he came through for me." It would be wonderful to be proved beloved so clearly. 
But doubt seems more likely given Jesus' reference to "testing God" in his response.  "I'm just not sure you're you -- mean the words you say -- so I'll do this experiment". 

Overall I don't think it useful to examine these temptations as examples of what we might face, but to dwell on what they meant to Jesus and what that shows about him. What does the nature of his response show about his character and nature?

 

5. Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have?

I am assuming that Jesus did, indeed, yearn for things Satan offered and was conflicted -- else this isn't "temptation" but only a test.  So: he yearned and wavered and was conflicted and then remembered who he was and recalled words of scripture to meet each situation.  He was armed, but not so much with the specific words of scripture as though he had to sort through to find one (with the possibility that "oh, there's no rule against this") but rather armed with the whole of the Word of God.  We, like him, are armed thus -- we are people of the Word.  We, like him, can remember who we are: children of God.  So, no, he didn't employ powers we lack.

 

6. What lessons about resisting temptation does Jesus teach h ere?

He didn't teach these lessons, but demonstrated. And no one was on hand to see this, nor look within him.  He must have explained this later.  And, in that telling, he may have used it intentionally as a lesson; but here in the action of it we jeer at Satan and cheer for Jesus who bests him. Yet are left at the end with the promise of future Satanic action -- it isn't over yet; it will never be over.  This is one battle in a war that never ends.
The lesson I learn is that I am a child of God. Scripture is a great gift and all of it is my protection.  The Spirit is a great gift and it is my protection.  I am confident in this; confident  in these.  (poorly said, this. sorry)

 

 

 

 

 

[Old Jerry]

Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?

 

A Temptation is inevitable because it helps in our growth as a disciple.

 

What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread? Which temptations we face are similar?

 

A The temptation of turning the stones into bread is similar to our instant gratification.

 

What is the essence of the second temptation, to attain power and splendor? What similar temptations do we face today?

 

A The temptation to attain power and splendor is similar to our temptation of trying to obtain gross amounts of money and to control others.

 

What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? How do we face this temptation today?

 

A The temptation to throw oneself down from the temple is similar to our temptation to try of walk over others when we are trying to impress others with our skills.

 

Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have?

 

A No, Jesus didn’t have special power at his disposal then we Christians have today. He had the Holy Spirit and we also have the Holy Spirit to help us.

 

What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage?

 

A The lessons that Jesus taught about resisting temptation is to learn the scriptures and to obey the commandments. That way we can also quote scripture when temptation comes upon us.

 

[pickledilly]

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?   Temptation is inevitable because of our innate sinful nature that just naturally leads us to follow our own desires (James 1:14). Once we become a child of God, a fierce life-long battle begins between the old nature and the new nature of Christ we have received. Paul vividly described his own war in Romans 7. I think this war is largely based on fighting these temptations. And temptation is a primary tool Satan uses to distract and pull us away from God and His will. This enemy will use any vulnerability we have to do that.

   Temptation is also necessary to our growth as disciples. The LORD never tempts us to commit sin and reject Him (James 1:13), but He will use the war with those inevitable temptations to draw us to Him. He sometimes forces us to face them by intentionally allowing or leading us into our own wilderness experiences – always for greater good. I can clearly recall the first time I realized that was happening to me, and immediately understood that this was going to be a time for testing everything I’d ever said I believe about God and His Word. The temptation to rely on what I thought, felt, or desired would be disastrous. I learned that untested faith is unproven faith. He uses our inner temptations to bring His children face-to-face with our true hearts and minds & to give opportunity to know His faithfulness. He uses this testing to stretch, strengthen, grow, and deepen our faith as we learn to reject self-will and desires in order to trust God’s will and desires.

[Katy]

Q1. Temptation is inevitable because we are in a battle with Satan. He is desperate to get us to sin, so that we will join him in hell. We all have sinful natures, because of the fall of Adam and Eve. Temptation is necessary for us to grow in faith and for our faith to be strengthened. Our faith needs to be strong. Before we were Christians, Satan controlled us, when we give our lives to God a battle begins, the Spirit helps us avoid sin, but Satan continually tries to get us to compromise ourselves. This battle is necessary to help us to experience spiritual freedom.

Q2.Satan is not only trying to get Jesus to eat but he is trying to get Jesus to prove that He is the Son of God. When someone doubts or questions us about our role, our human nature rears it’s head and we want to prove ourselves! This is our pride and insecurity showing itself.Of course Jesus needed to eat, but meeting this need had to be done in a legitimate way, In meeting these basic human needs it must be done obeying God’s laws.God will supply all our needs but we must do things in God’s way and not our own self serving ways.

Q3.Satan true to form starts by lying to Jesus, offering Him all the kingdoms of the world, and saying that Jesus can have them all, If Jesus worshipped Satan. He was offering Jesus power and authority, but not by the right and honest way. We can be tempted in this way especially if we have a love of power and material possessions. We must maintain our integrity at all time , one slip and we are in Satan’s and possibly other people’s clutches!

Q4.Satan tries to tempt Jesus by offering Him a following and fame. But Jesus answers Satan and does not sin or compromise Himself in any way. He uses Deuteronomy 6v16. “Do not put the Lord you God to the test”. He is telling Satan not to try and manipulate God! Most of us have some desire for recognition or fame or popularity. We must ensure that we follow the example of Jesus by not allowing Satan a foothold. We must also beware of using manipulation in our lives. It may be very subtle, in that we may not be aware that we are using it but God can show us if we ask Him.

Q5. Jesus had the Holy Spirit and Scripture. We were told in v1 that Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit “. Jesus used words of Scripture to answer Satan. We are fortunate to have both the Holy Spirit and Scripture today to help us resist temptation.

Q6.We need to study our Bibles and know it well enough to be able to bring it to mind when we are in trouble and need help. We also need to be in constant contact with our Heavenly Father asking for guidance and protection.

[Bailey]

Bailey 2/10/21  I am typing today on my fathers birthday who has passed, it been some years, but there was a time I couldn't even do this.  On ward. Is temptation only merely inevitable or is necessary to our growth as disciples?  Temptation is a necessary part of our walk in life as disciples.  Abraham Lincoln had a profound respect for the Bible.  He once said: " IN REGARD TO THIS GREAT BOOK (THE BIBLE), I HAVE BUT TO DAY IT IS THE BEST GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN MAN.  A  the good the Savior gave the world was communicated through this Book.  But for it, we could not KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG.   All things most desirable for man's welfare here and hereafter are to be found portrayed in this Book".  He was right, without the Bible, we don't even know the difference between right and wrong.  The Bible itself commands this (e.g. Deut. 4:9;6:6-7;11:18-9; Ephesians6:4),

2.What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread?  Which temptation we face are similar?  Am I strong enough, can I do this thing alone.  Do I have something to prove to anybody without asking for help. Or do call on the Lord who supplies my needs.  We are human, we may want to stick up a bank, lie, cheat and steal for what we want in life for that quick fix to our problems.  God is the supplier of all our needs, but we must wait on him seek to do things the Lords ways.  Seek God's face daily in prayer.

3.  What is the essence of the second temptation to attain power and splendor?  What similar temptation do we face today?  Believe it or not greed and power is what governs the world.  The more power man has the more they want.  The business world and government is lead by  forces who don't believe in God.  That why we should always pray for our leadership.  Satan has his hand in the pot. Every Nation wants control, but they forgot who is still in charge.  America has turned its back on God, its has forgotten the will of God all for power.

4.  What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the Temple?  How do we face this temptation today?  Many of the saints can't face this temptation today, they are lost with no direction, and they are listen to the devil and throwing themselves off the temple.  Many a brother or sister long to hear the voice of someone reaching out to them "hey its going to be alright, my father in heaven got you", and that I think what this journey of discipleship is all about, reaching out to that person falling from the temple.  That they have a Father to call on, but don't play with him or test him, call on him in your time of trouble he will reach down and pull you up.

5.  Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have?  No, He had the same word of God.

6.  What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage?  Jesus teaches his disciples to deal with temptation with the word of God.  We need to know scripture well enough to answer our doubt and fear and fight temptation with it and well as help others with it.

Father continue to fill me with your love and wisdom to do your work as one of your disciples. Amen

[pickledilly]

2. What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread? Which temptations we face are similar?   The essence of the temptation to turn stones into bread was the pride of trusting self-reliance instead of trusting God for provision. It was a subtle temptation to question or mistrust the Father’s care, to seek an answer to a need in an inappropriate way apart from divine direction, to act in a prideful way in meeting needs in life.

We are so very vulnerable to this temptation in our lives because it strikes at our most basic instincts to go after whatever we think or feel that we want or need. I really can’t think of any facet of human life where we don’t have to battle the pride of self-reliance. No area where we don’t just naturally rely on self, look for answers without the Spirit’s direction, and even subtly question God’s goodness and care by ignoring or rationalizing or outright not trusting Him.

3. What is the essence of the second temptation, to attain power and splendor? What similar temptations do we face today? The essence of the temptation to gain worldly authority and glory was the pride of seeking personal honor rather than doing all to glorify the LORD, elevating self instead of submitting to God’s plan, purposes, and timing. That would involve selling out to the Enemy for a shortcut to position and power. If Jesus had agreed to this temptation, the entire plan for salvation would have been thwarted as He sought to begin an earthly reign before the cross.

I think most people enjoy personal honor and attention. We want to feel accepted or validated, or perhaps more powerful.  One thing that first comes to mind are the big-time ministries of TV “pastors” and teachers. Teaching the Word and receiving public adoration and acclaim – and wealth – become a focus that seems to completely ignore the glory of God. At some level, we all can relate to that in some way when we do things in the name of God that make us look good but aren’t in His plan and timing or for His glory.

4. What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? How do we face this temptation today? The essence of this temptation was the spiritual pride of presuming on God to prove Himself by rescuing us from disastrous consequences of our reckless unwise choices. It seems to be another subtle level of the 1^st temptation, where Jesus was tempted to question the Father’s care for His physical needs.

I believe we’d all have to say we have ignored the wisdom and leading of the Spirit in making decisions or taking actions that resulted in messes we didn’t know how to clean up. And then we’ve expected the LORD to prove His love and power by getting us out of trouble. We are not to test or provoke God with our lack of faith and disobedient behavior.

[pickledilly]

5. Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have? Jesus relied on the power of the Word of God and the power of the indwelling Spirit to enable Him to resist temptations. Christians today, as the Body of Christ, have the very same “special powers” available to withstand temptations!

6. What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage? Jesus showed us that the Word of God is a powerful weapon that cannot be overstated in importance because it is THE truth. Believers have to start by recognizing the reality of the battle with temptation. And then we must follow the example Jesus set for us and get serious about the critical need for knowing the Word. Having Scripture planted in our hearts and minds equips us with an arsenal for the Spirit to draw from to enable us with the right truth for the specific lie of every temptation we face.

[Queen Mc Daniel]

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?

We believe and as already been stated that temptation is unavoidable because of our sin nature but our faith needs to be tested to develop strength and it’s necessary for our growth as disciples.

2. What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread?  The essence of   the fist temptations points to that our physical needs must come from and by God’s way. Jesus said “man shall not live by bread alone,”

b. What temptations we face are similar? We face every temptation to gratify our selfish needs and wants ,such as, fornicate, adultery, stealing and cheating.

3. What is the essence of the second temptation, to attain power and splendor? b. What similar temptations do we face today?

It’s important to know that Satan is not the only way to gain power. The Garden of Eden is an illustration how Satan received his authority but we must remember that we don’t have to achieve wealth Satan’s way, we simply need to trust God, be obedient and serve Him. Similar temptations today are self-gratification now and worry about the consequences later. We saw this in our last presidential election. Jesus said, it is written “worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”

4. What is the essence of the third temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? How do we face this temptation today?

The essence of the third temptation was that Jesus did not temple and manipulate His Father God and at no time did Jesus bow to Satan’s demands. Jesus said “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” We face this type of temptation when we look for instance fame with strings attached to it.

5.Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don’t have?

Yes, Jesus had the power of God’s word as we do today. Therefore, it’s vital to know God’s word.

 

 

[StSw]

Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?  Temptation is necessary to our growth as disciples because innocent faith is not strong faith.   Innocent faith may be pure, but it needs testing to be strong.  As stated in James 1:2-4, when trouble of any kind came your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  Sot let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.  Because of what trials can produce in our life.  James tells us to turn trials into times of learning.  Tough times can teach us perseverance.  Successfully overcoming these adversities produces maturity and strong character; we should see them as opportunities for growth. 

Did Jesus have any special powers at his disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have?  In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by the devil, who is a vicious fighter).  To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of his armour.  Ephesians 6:17 states:  "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God".  As a son of God, Jesus did have special powers, but the word of God is so sharp and powerful, he didn't need any special powers to face the devil.

[Nana Karlsson]

Temptation is not only inevitible, it is necessary for our growth as disciples. In the absence of temptation, faith is just innocent faith that cannot stand testing. When we are faced with temptation our faith increases by endurance and this helps our spiritual growth. 

[Andre Lap]

1.    Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples?
Temptation will be ever present since sin has been condemned in our fleshly bodies.  Our growth comes through having or putting on “the mind of Christ” and allowing the Holy Spirit to give us power when the flesh is weak.