We all deal with temptation on a daily basis. One of the first lessons we learn from Jesus, is how to deal with temptation. Temptation comes from the world, not from God.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:16 (NASB)
These three controlling factors – “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life,” are the tools the devil uses to manipulate us all. These are the three avenues of pursuit the devil used against Jesus during his temptation in the desert.
Satan’s “lust of the flesh” attack took advantage of the fact that Jesus had been fasting and challenged him with the temptation to satisfy his hunger. Jesus responded with a quote from the Word of God.
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (NASB)
In this response Jesus is teaching us how to control the cravings of our bodies. Jesus is reminding us that we are sustained by God and not our cravings. Jesus is teaching us to put God first.
Satan then attacked Jesus with a “lust of the eyes” assault. Satan challenged Jesus to demonstrate the power of God. Again Jesus responded with a quote from the Word of God
Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matthew 4:7 (NASB)
We all have certain talents and abilities that we sometimes exploit to stimulate our pride. The devil knows we like the feeling of being good at something and he will use that to pull us away from God. Jesus had no reason to prove the power of God – that power is absolute. Likewise, we have no reason to demonstrate our abilities simply to gain recognition. Jesus is teaching us not to rely on our power, but to instead completely trust in God.
Satan’s last assault on Jesus was on his “boastful pride of life.” Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and offered it all to him in exchange for his worship. Naturally, Jesus responded by quoting the Word of God.
Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Matthew 4:10 (NASB)
This is the attack that really hits home. We all have worldly desires for bigger and better things in life – a new car, a bigger house, world travel, or a larger bank account. These things are not in any way evil unless you have decided to worship them instead of God. The devil wants you to believe these things are more valuable than your relationship with God, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Clearly, Jesus teaches us to depend on the Word of God in responding to the devil’s temptation. Once Satan saw he had no avenue of attack against Jesus – he walked away.
Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Matthew 4:11 (NASB)
The overall lesson is that we are to consider God first in all that we do, thereby squeezing the devil out of the equation. When we stay in the Word of God as Jesus did, we are totally protected from the schemes of the devil.
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