Therefore,
since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the
Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest
who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all
things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence
to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in
time of need. Hebrews
4:14-16
Jesus was
tempted by the devil in the desert. See Matthew 4:1-11. There are three basic
areas of sin: lust of the flesh, pride of life and lust of the eyes. The devil
tempted Jesus when He was hungry and far from any sources of food by suggesting
that Jesus command that stones be turned to bread, not that He pray to the
Father for the stones be changed into bread, but that Jesus use His own power to relieve His fleshly desire for food. Jesus
didn’t give in to that temptation. Nor did He succumb to the devil’s suggestion
that Jesus throw Himself off the highest point of the temple and have angels
save Him, a temptation of pride. The last temptation proposed by the devil was to
give Jesus all the kingdoms and power of the world if He would worship him (the
devil). Jesus didn’t fall for that temptation of the lust of the eyes either. All
temptations can be categorized by these same three temptations. No temptation has overtaken you but such as
is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of
escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. God
prepares us for temptations that we face. In addition, not only will He not
allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle, but He provides a way of
escape. Next time you are tempted to do something that isn’t what God wants you
to do, look for that “way of escape” and follow the path that Jesus is
providing.
RSVP: Jesus is
offering you an invitation to follow Him. As He prayed with His disciples, “lead us not into temptation…” (Matthew
6:13), He intercedes for us offering us a “way out” of a challenging
circumstance and a new path, with grace and mercy, down a better road. How will
you respond to Jesus offer today?
Prayer~ Thank
You, Jesus…Since You Yourself went through suffering and testing, You are able
to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:18 NLT. For that we praise You.
© 2014 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
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