Why was Jesus tempted?

[Ormly]

Why did the devil try to get Jesus to do what he was successful in getting Eve to do? What would have been the outcome of such a success?

These are solid questions if it can be understood that the devil is after us, who are children of God learning the ways of our Father, and for the same reason he was after Jesus.

 

[Ormly]

Perhaps a better way of asking the same question would be: "Why didn't Jesus sin" or perhaps "why couldn't He sin"?

 

[wayseer]

Once God decided to become part of humanity the Devil saw it as an opportunity to depose God having made the assumption, given the victory of Adam and Eve, that humanity is easy pickings.

The Devil never did 'get it' and subsequently lost the card game after playing what he thought was his trump card - death.

Because the Devil lost - humanity wins.

 

[Fireinfolding]

Why didnt he sin, I suppose because God cannot be tempted of sin. There seems a twofold way to see this, yes, he was tempted of the devil (Of the Spirit of God) James doesnt want anyone to misinterpet that, so he says...

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Likewise the same thing is shown

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

So there is the trial of temptations, but being tempted (speaks of being drawn away of ones lust


James 1:14 But every man is tempted,when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.(and the "bite")

Quite the contrary in Jesus

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Likewise it says...

1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Again something James said,

James 1:14 But every man is tempted,when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.


So as Adam was disobedient unto death contrarywise Christ was obedient unto death, that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is "the devil" (who tempts) by appealing to the lusts of the flesh (which ruled us) and sin having its dominion over us. Whereas the grace of God (which is with us by Christ) as He led Jesus into the wilderness (not to tempt) but "to be tempted" (of the devil), that same Spirit of grace teaches us "to deny" (as did Christ) "worldly and ungodly lusts". Its only when "lust hath conceived" it bringeth forth sin (and sin when finished) bringeth forth death. The same patern (likewise) is followed in Christ (upon the cross)...saying, at His death (for our sins) 'it is finished". Even our old man is finished, He who knew no sin became sin "for us" that we might be the righteouesness of God in Him. Likewise giving us the power to become the sons of God. Even as He come back (from the wilderness) in "the power of the Spirit".

He differs in that his obedience was unto death contrary to obeying sin (which he knew not) in the lusts (thereof) which brings forth death likewsie. Its pretty kool how that patern can be seen in their opposites too.

If He didnt succeed we'd all pretty much be stuck huh?

Good thing He didnt then

 

[Ormly]

Why didnt he sin, I suppose because God cannot be tempted of sin. There seems a twofold way to see this, yes, he was tempted of the devil (Of the Spirit of God) James doesnt want anyone to misinterpet that, so he says...

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Likewise the same thing is shown

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

So there is the trial of temptations, but being tempted (speaks of being drawn away of ones lust


James 1:14 But every man is tempted,when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.(and the "bite")

Quite the contrary in Jesus

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Likewise it says...

1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Again something James said,

James 1:14 But every man is tempted,when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.


So as Adam was disobedient unto death contrarywise Christ was obedient unto death, that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is "the devil" (who tempts) by appealing to the lusts of the flesh (which ruled us) and sin having its dominion over us. Whereas the grace of God (which is with us by Christ) as He led Jesus into the wilderness (not to tempt) but "to be tempted" (of the devil), that same Spirit of grace teaches us "to deny" (as did Christ) "worldly and ungodly lusts". Its only when "lust hath conceived" it bringeth forth sin (and sin when finished) bringeth forth death. The same patern (likewise) is followed in Christ (upon the cross)...saying, at His death (for our sins) 'it is finished". Even our old man is finished, He who knew no sin became sin "for us" that we might be the righteouesness of God in Him. Likewise giving us the power to become the sons of God. Even as He come back (from the wilderness) in "the power of the Spirit".

He differs in that his obedience was unto death contrary to obeying sin (which he knew not) in the lusts (thereof) which brings forth death likewsie. Its pretty kool how that patern can be seen in their opposites too.

If He didnt succeed we'd all pretty much be stuck huh?

Good thing He didnt then

Point is, Fire, Jesus was tempted. If we then say God cannot be tempted, what do we do that fact? There must be other understanding that will open that up to us.

 

[Fireinfolding]

Point is, Fire, Jesus was tempted. If we then say God cannot be tempted, what do we do that fact? There must be other understanding that will open that up to us.

I wrote that Ormly,

See?

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

 

[Walter Kovacs]

Once God decided to become part of humanity the Devil saw it as an opportunity to depose God having made the assumption, given the victory of Adam and Eve, that humanity is easy pickings.

The Devil never did 'get it' and subsequently lost the card game after playing what he thought was his trump card - death.

Because the Devil lost - humanity wins.

Bingo.

 

[Ormly]

Once God decided to become part of humanity the Devil saw it as an opportunity to depose God having made the assumption, given the victory of Adam and Eve, that humanity is easy pickings.

The Devil never did 'get it' and subsequently lost the card game after playing what he thought was his trump card - death.

Because the Devil lost - humanity wins.

Indeed, history tells us how humanity is easy pickings. We know from scripture that Jesus used no Godlike powers to resist the devil, so the question becomes one of asking why He didn't succumb? What kept Him obedient unto death?

 

[Walter Kovacs]

Because He didn't try to resist temptation. He simply resisted it.

 

[Fireinfolding]

Sorta like Moses, where Moses was provoked. It says eventually Moses spake unadvisedly with his lips, whereas our Lord endured such condradiction of sinners against himself (tempting him) likewise in that enviroment, its that we are called to consider (concerning enduring).

Heres tempting Jesus (theres a familair field here lol)


Luke 20:23 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Mark 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.

Mat 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

Mat 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.

Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.


James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

 

[Fireinfolding]

I do believe he was tempted of men (big time) as it shows (the examples in the above post)

Look how this is worded concerning "not fainting"

Rev 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Likewise, its bearing with others (here)

Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Both speak of enduring (both show temptation) and both speak of not fainting in relation to the same.

Its the same thing we endure on this forum (as with all religious enviroments, because thats where Christ walked) and a good example everyone can relate to is this one...

Luke 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Mat 22:15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

Prov 12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

Its "the words of" the wicked which lay in wait for others (as they laid in wait for Christ) to catch something out of his mouth, its what that leaven does.

Nothing new under the sun

Jerm 5:26 For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

 

[wayseer]

What kept Him obedient unto death?

He knew the final card the devil held - and he knew how to beat it.

 

[Ormly]

He knew the final card the devil held - and he knew how to beat it.

What was the 'final card' that beat the devil and by what means was it such a final card? Was it from Himself, who, as a human, overcame or do you believe it was it by something of the Father running interference for Him in that He was the Son of God or as many believe He was God Himself and, on that basis, could not be taken down by the devil?

How can all of that He went through be applicable to the born again of Him___and it must be if He is our example for living out our Christian walk.

 

[Ormly]

I wrote that Ormly,

See?

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

I guess my point is in asking: What kept Him that Adam needed to keep him?

How come Adam didn't have it?

 

[Fireinfolding]

I guess my point is in asking: What kept Him that Adam needed to keep him?

How come Adam didn't have it?

Whether he did or didnt wouldnt matter much anyway (overall) in that we are called unto the obedience of the faith and likewise is said to us...

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

One shows disobedience (in one man) and the other obedience (in one man) both (however) were unto death.

Whereas Jesus said, "I know His commandment is life" (and "kept it") the former did not keep it "and died" (as all in Adam do). Adam was a figure of him who was to come (and by whom) likewise "we have forgiveness of sins". Its a picture of our redemption.

The Spirit of grace which followed after, where sin abounded "Grace all the more". Adam hid his trangression, whereas if we confess out sins he is faithful and just to forgive them.

It seems more spliced between the old man/ first (of the earth) and the new man (Lord from heaven). The earthly (living soul) following its own spirit and "life giving spirit" (spiritual man) being led of the Spirit of God.

Two spirits can be shown too, just as HIS Spirit beareth witness to "our spirit" that we are the children of God, our being joined to the Lord we are one Spirit.

Theres not one of us who hasnt sinned, so the question could be (in Adam, our old man) what wasnt "keeping us" (in the same respect).

So we have Jesus

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Likewise that same ol serpent was in the garden (doing the tempting there too)

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

However likewise it says here

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

"Get thee hence Satan" was certainly not said in the garden though, what wasnt kept was the commandment (The Lord, thou shalt not... "thou will die") verses, Satan..."thou shalt not die"

Gen 3:16 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof

Ephes 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind

"What FRUIT had ye in those things, which end of those things are death"? Likewise...

2Cr 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (whose words are LIFE)

Which pertains to "another doctrine"

1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Though, as Father so likewise his ministers, speaks of heaping up teachers after ones lusts likewise, and turning ones ears from the truth (just the same as before) like a mirrored picture dont you think?

What I thought was kool, was it speaks of her desire to be WISE, and in the gospels to "the lust of the MIND" and Paul adresses the same (in repect to ones MIND being corrupted using the same similitude of the serpent and Eve.

 

[Ormly]

Whether he did or didnt wouldnt matter much anyway (overall) in that we are called unto the obedience of the faith and likewise is said to us...

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

One shows disobedience (in one man) and the other obedience (in one man) both (however) were unto death.

Whereas Jesus said, "I know His commandment is life" (and "kept it") the former did not keep it "and died" (as all in Adam do). Adam was a figure of him who was to come (and by whom) likewise "we have forgiveness of sins". Its a picture of our redemption.

The Spirit of grace which followed after, where sin abounded "Grace all the more". Adam hid his trangression, whereas if we confess out sins he is faithful and just to forgive them.

It seems more spliced between the old man/ first (of the earth) and the new man (Lord from heaven). The earthly (living soul) following its own spirit and "life giving spirit" (spiritual man) being led of the Spirit of God.

Two spirits can be shown too, just as HIS Spirit beareth witness to "our spirit" that we are the children of God, our being joined to the Lord we are one Spirit.

Theres not one of us who hasnt sinned, so the question could be (in Adam, our old man) what wasnt "keeping us" (in the same respect).

So we have Jesus

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Likewise that same ol serpent was in the garden (doing the tempting there too)

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

However likewise it says here

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

"Get thee hence Satan" was certainly not said in the garden though, what wasnt kept was the commandment (The Lord, thou shalt not... "thou will die") verses, Satan..."thou shalt not die"

Gen 3:16 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof

Ephes 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind

"What FRUIT had ye in those things, which end of those things are death"? Likewise...

2Cr 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (whose words are LIFE)

Which pertains to "another doctrine"

1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Though, as Father so likewise his ministers, speaks of heaping up teachers after ones lusts likewise, and turning ones ears from the truth (just the same as before) like a mirrored picture dont you think?

What I thought was kool, was it speaks of her desire to be WISE, and in the gospels to "the lust of the MIND" and Paul adresses the same (in repect to ones MIND being corrupted using the same similitude of the serpent and Eve.

You are missing my point, Fire, for me having posting this thread if you, state "it doesn't matter".

It does matter insofar as we are given to overcome the same way Jesus overcame. So the question must stand that asks: By what means did Jesus resist temptation that we might follow suit?

God said to Cain: If you do well will you not be accepted? We know Cain did not do very well.

However, what did Jesus do well that the Father could say: "This is My beloved Son in Whom I AM well pleased"?

 

[Fireinfolding]

You are missing my point, Fire, for me having posting this thread if you, state "it doesn't matter".

It does matter insofar as we are given to overcome the same way Jesus overcame. So the question must stand that asks: By what means did Jesus resist temptation that we might follow suit?

God said to Cain: If you do well will you not be accepted? We know Cain did not do very well.

However, what did Jesus do well that the Father could say: "This is My beloved Son in Whom I AM well pleased"?

Through faith, even Jesus was tempted till His baptism really, the fruit of the Spirit is faith, whats there really "to test" prior to faith? I regard them ater a similitude of "first man" and "second man". For us its by the grace the comes through Him, and by faith we have access into it, likewise it says, Sin will not have dominion over you for you are not under the law (which is not of faith) but under grace. This is the same grace that "teaches us" to deny worldly and ungodly lusts. Jesus was full of grace and truth.

Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which **he obtained** witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

1John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that **doeth** righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.


1John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.


In the context of both loving one another and working righteousness (as shown elsewhere as well) even God says to Cain,

if thou DOEST WELL will you not BE ACCEPTED?

Worded much the same way in James...

James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye DO WELL


2Cr 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may BE ACCEPTED of him.

Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Wherefore we labour,

Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.


Being rooted and grounded in love

Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Phil 1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;


1Thes 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

1Titus 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.


So even as the love of God is manifested toward us in Christ so likewise are we made manifest



1John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

1John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.


Same words to Cain, Sin is at the door and HIS desire is for you... even to Peter, Satan hath desired to HAVE you. We have the prayer of Christ, I have prayed your faith fail you not... for Sin will not have dominion over you under grace, the effectual working of His power

Without faith its impossible to please Him, at least one that doesnt work by love, which certainly wasnt working in Cain as it was in Abel, these are examples for us.

 

[Ormly]

We will have to leave it at that.

I trust there are others who might have a comment.

 

[wayseer]

What was the 'final card' that beat the devil and by what means was it such a final card? Was it from Himself, who, as a human, overcame or do you believe it was it by something of the Father running interference for Him in that He was the Son of God or as many believe He was God Himself and, on that basis, could not be taken down by the devil?

I already been though this. What don't you understand?

Jesus, as a human, kept his eye on God - not the seductions offered by the world.

Have you read Athanasius?

 

[Ormly]

I already been though this. What don't you understand?

Jesus, as a human, kept his eye on God - not the seductions offered by the world.

If you had I wouldn't keep asking.

You say: He kept His eye of God? How did He do that?

How about a little more than short one liners that might contribute to someones understanding about the fact that Jesus, being human, was vulnerable but there was something of Him that kept Him faithful?

Have you read Athanasius?

No. Have you read Oswald Chambers?