Tempted As We Are
Henry Omotayo
Tempted As We Are (Matthew 4:1-11)
Message No. 0502 | Twitter @GodandUs |
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A period of weakness is a dangerous period for anyone, especially for God’s children. The reason is obvious: it’s during periods like this that the enemy of our souls like to strike, by making us do things that we ordinarily would not do. A period of weakness is not a period when you have worked so hard and you are tired and needing to rest. Rather, it is a period when you desperately need something that is vital to your survival or wellbeing.
The Bible contains examples of people who were tempted at their points of weakness. One clear example is what transpired between Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 25:29-34, the Bible says:
Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright
The reckless act in this passage cost Esau his inheritance. When it was time to bless his firstborn, Jacob, aided by his mother, completed his plan to obtain the blessings of the first born from Isaac, their father, in place of Esau. By the time he realized what he had done to himself, Esau wept bitterly, but it was too late; Jacob had legally and spiritually become the first born of Isaac.
As God’s children, we must be constantly watchful of the trick the devil tries to pull on us, so we do not fall into his traps. Jesus Christ understood this trip very well, when, after fasting for forty days and forty nights and had become very hungry, the devil approached Him and told Him to turn some stones to bread so He could eat and quench His hunger. Now, it wouldn’t have been the act of turning stones to bread that would have been so wrong, after all, Jesus could do anything, He turned water to wine and people drank it. What would have been extremely wrong was for Jesus to take instructions from the devil. This would have ended His ministry even before starting! It was this same error, committed by Adam and Eve, that Jesus came to correct.
Thank God that Jesus understood the devil’s agenda and avoided it by quoting God’s Words. Having experienced the devil’s ‘assaults’ placed Jesus in the very position of serving as a perfect example for us. In Hebrews 4:15-16, the Bible says:
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We are in a difficult period now, a period when many lives are being impacted in ways that were not planned for. Because of the lockdown situation in many countries, many, especially people whose income come from daily work, suddenly find it extremely difficult to cope. As a result of this, some have taken to armed robbery and others are seen visibly stealing the possessions of their neighbors and countrymen, in a quest for survival. It is at periods like this that the devil tempts some to sell their bodies and enter into contracts that they later regret at some point in life, just as Esau did.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Bible states:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
I make no claim to know how difficult or how challenging your situation is and I empathize with and pray with everyone that is struggling in whichever way, to make ends meet. Let us remember that the devil’s plan is to destroy our ministries, just as he attempted to do Jesus.’ Since we have an Overcomer as our Forerunner, let us all look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Having overcome in all ways He was tempted, He is ever ready to help us to overcome our own situations. May He go before us, show us the way and teach us what to do in all situations, in Jesus name. Amen. Have a glorious week, stay safe and be blessed.
PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
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