Understanding Temptation: Strength in Jesus' Example

Devotional

Day 1: Temptation as a Test of Response

Temptation itself is not a sin; it is our response to it that determines whether we fall into sin. Jesus, who was tempted in every way as we are, yet did not sin, exemplifies how to face temptation without succumbing to it. This understanding liberates us from the guilt of being tempted and empowers us to seek God's help in overcoming it. Recognizing that temptation is a part of the human experience allows us to approach it with a mindset of growth and reliance on divine strength. [00:47]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: What is one temptation you face regularly, and how can you change your response to it by seeking God's strength today?

Day 2: Jesus' Empathy in Our Struggles

Jesus' experience with temptation allows Him to empathize with our struggles. He understands the challenges we face and offers His support without judgment. This assurance encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing He is compassionate and ready to assist us. By recognizing Jesus' empathy, we can find comfort and strength in His presence, knowing that He walks alongside us in our journey. [01:19]

Isaiah 53:3-4 (ESV): "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to feel Jesus' empathy and support today, and how can you invite Him into that struggle?

Day 3: The Constant Presence of Temptation

Temptation is a lifelong challenge, not a sign of spiritual weakness. Even Jesus, the epitome of spiritual maturity, faced temptation. This teaches us that being tempted is not a reflection of our spiritual inadequacy but rather an indication of our significance in the spiritual realm. By understanding this, we can remain vigilant and reliant on God's strength, knowing that temptation is a part of our spiritual journey. [02:04]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to face temptation today, knowing it is a constant challenge, and what practical steps can you take to rely on God's strength?

Day 4: Spiritual Highs and Subsequent Tests

After spiritual highs, we often encounter spiritual tests. Jesus' temptation following His baptism illustrates this pattern. Recognizing this prepares us to face challenges with faith, understanding that these tests are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. By anticipating these tests, we can approach them with resilience, knowing that they are a natural part of our spiritual journey. [02:35]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent spiritual high you experienced. How can you prepare for any tests that may follow, and what steps can you take to grow through them?

Day 5: God's Unwavering Support in Temptation

God never gives up on us during times of temptation. He does not scold or blame us but offers His unwavering support. This assurance encourages us to lean on Him, trusting in His strength and guidance to overcome our struggles. By embracing God's support, we can face temptation with confidence, knowing that we are not alone in our battles. [01:36]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's unwavering support, and how can you actively seek His guidance and strength today?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into the profound experience of Jesus' temptation and its implications for our own encounters with temptation. We begin by understanding that being tempted is not a sin; rather, it is our response to temptation that can lead to sin. Jesus, who was tempted in every way as we are, yet remained without sin, serves as our ultimate example and source of strength. His experience allows Him to empathize with us, offering help and understanding when we face our own temptations. God does not scold or blame us during these times; instead, He stands ready to support us, never giving up on us.

Another crucial insight is that temptation is a lifelong challenge. It is a myth to believe that spiritual maturity will eliminate temptation. Even Jesus, the epitome of spiritual maturity, faced temptation. This teaches us that temptation is not a sign of weakness but rather an indication that we are a threat to the devil. Recognizing this can empower us to stand firm in our faith.

Furthermore, we learn that spiritual highs are often followed by spiritual tests. After Jesus' baptism, a significant spiritual high, He was led into the desert to be tempted by the devil. This pattern of mountaintop experiences followed by valleys of testing is a common spiritual journey. Understanding this can prepare us to face challenges with resilience and faith, knowing that these tests are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Key Takeaways

1. Temptation is Not Sinful: Being tempted is not a sin; it is our response that matters. Jesus was tempted yet did not sin, showing us that temptation itself is not a moral failing. This understanding frees us from guilt and empowers us to seek God's help in overcoming temptation. [00:47]
2. Empathy of Jesus: Jesus' experience with temptation allows Him to empathize with us. He understands our struggles and offers His support without judgment. This assurance encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing He is compassionate and ready to assist us. [01:19]
3. Lifelong Challenge of Temptation: Temptation is a constant in our lives, regardless of spiritual maturity. Even Jesus faced temptation, teaching us that it is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our spiritual significance. This perspective helps us remain vigilant and reliant on God's strength. [02:04]
4. Spiritual Highs and Tests: After spiritual highs, we often encounter spiritual tests. Jesus' temptation following His baptism illustrates this pattern. Recognizing this prepares us to face challenges with faith, understanding that these tests are opportunities for growth. [02:35]
5. God's Unwavering Support: God never gives up on us during temptation. He does not scold or blame us but offers His unwavering support. This assurance encourages us to lean on Him, trusting in His strength and guidance to overcome our struggles. [01:36]
** [01:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Understanding Temptation
[00:47] - Temptation is Not Sin
[01:01] - Jesus' Empathy
[01:19] - God's Compassionate Support
[01:36] - Lifelong Challenge of Temptation
[01:49] - Myth of Outgrowing Temptation
[02:04] - Temptation as a Sign of Strength
[02:20] - Spiritual Highs and Tests
[02:35] - Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
[02:50] - Embracing Spiritual Growth

Sermon Clips

one of the things we learn is this it's not a sin to be tempted did you know that it's not a sin to be tempted the sin is in how you respond the temptation but it's not a sin to be tempted because Jesus was tempted yet he never sinned in fact the Bible tells us this Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are yet was without sin Hebrews 4:15 [00:49:03]

the Bible also says because he himself suffered when he was tempted he's able to help those who are being tempted Hebrews 21:18 now listen because Jesus was tempted he can truly empathize with us us when we're tempted God will never get angry with you when you're going through Temptation he's not going to scold you he's not going to blame you he wants to help you and he's never going to give up on you because God understands what temptation's like [00:74:08]

another lesson we learned from the temptation of Jesus is that there will never be a time in your life when you outgrow it you'll never outgrow Temptation This is a myth some people think that if I were just more spiritual mature then I wouldn't be tempted anymore but that's just not true Jesus was the most spiritually mature person who ever lived in fact he was perfect but even he was tempted [00:106:79]

temptation is not a sign of weakness get this through your head it's a sign that you're a threat to the devil now there's a third lesson we can learn from Jesus Temptation and it's this after a spiritual High you could always expect a spiritual test after a spiritual high you can always expect a spiritual test [00:131:84]

the Bible tells us in Luke chapter 4 that immediately after his baptism which we looked at in our first session that's a spiritual High it says this Jesus full of the Holy Spirit returned from the Jordan where he'd been baptized by John in the Jordan River and he was led of the spirit into the desert where for 40 days he was tempted by the devil [00:155:87]

after this spiritual high of his baptism ISM came a spiritual test after every Mountaintop there's a valley [00:177:59]

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