Posted on 01/10/2019 7:24:19 AM PST by metmom
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1).
Jesus temptation in the wilderness did not catch His Father by surprise. The Son was specifically led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The word translated tempted is from a morally neutral term that means to test. But sometimes, as here, the context clearly indicates that the testing was aimed at enticing one to do evil. That the devil was going to present certain temptations to Jesus thus justifies rendering the word temptedit gives us the negative connotation of Satans sinister intentions.
God sometimes uses Satans temptations toward evil as part of His larger plan to test believers for good (cf. Job). Whereas the devil wanted to lead Christ into sin and disobedience in the wilderness, God used the circumstances to reconfirm Christs holiness and worthiness. This is Gods plan for all His saints (cf. James 1:24, 1213)that Christs righteousness be revealed in us.
Josephs severe mistreatment at the hands of his brothers in the Old Testament and his subsequent misfortunes in Egypt could have driven him to despair and sinful bitterness, but by faith he recognized Gods sovereign hand in it all (Gen. 50:20). Whether God tests us directly or uses Satan to challenge us, He will always use the situation to eventually produce good fruit in us.
Ask Yourself
What positive benefits does temptation serve in your own life? As unwanted and unwelcome as it is, what does its mere presence keep before you, thereby thwarting the aspirations of the enemy? Pray that God would gain His desired objectives in you, even through times of testing.
Studying God’s Word ping
Bump for rereading
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.