Last week = Baptism - Mark 1:9-11 - declaration of Sonship
This week = Temptation - Mark 1:12-13
Mark = brief account. So, add Matt. 4:1-11 - Vs. 6 from Psm. 91:11-12
Also Luke 4:1-2 (tempted the full 40 days)
Luke 4:13 ("until .... opportune time")
First: a word study/ Bible Study
The word used here in the Greek is (peer-od-zo) means TEMPT or TEST When translated, was based on the context as to which word was used.
(noun) #1. A Temptation -- to do evil, a solicitation, enticement to ACT contrary to God's will (as here)
(noun) #2. A test, a testing - Gen. 22:1-2, Heb. 11:17
God's purpose = (A) to reveal your heart (to you and to others)
(B) to develop your character
distinction between temptation and test? = James 1:13
ie: (A) God can't be tempted WITH Evil
(B) God doesn't tempt (us) WITH Evil
BUT (C) God does allow us to BE TEMPTED!! He did not offer the evil, but allowed it!
And then (D) God uses that temptation for our Good!!
ie: to (A) reveal our heart. (to 'self and others)
(B) Develop our character
Example: Peter - Luke 22:31-32 - Satan's intent is to show that Peter is nothing but chaff, worthless. God allowed this so Peter will see what's inside him.
#3. When we test God - Matt. 4:7
This = challenge God! Call Him out! try to provoke Him to action!! Ex. 17:1-2, 17
Essence = "are you God? Sovereign? Present? Caring? Faithful?
This doesn't mean should never question God, but means should trust Him ... when don't get answer, or don't understand answer. Example: Job - "though He slay me.... yet will I trust Him"
Exception: when invited to test!!! - Mal. 3:10
Back to the story: NOTES ON TEMPTATION
#1. Satan is Real - if he wasn't, Jesus wouldn't be talking to, fighting with him.
But ... (a) he is not omnipresent (therefore has minions, demons)
and (b) he is not behind ALL temptations! James 1:14-15 - evil in 'self tempts
#2. Satan will attempt to draw you away from God.
summary verse: 1 Pet. 5:8-9 "Resist ... By standing"
ie: he can attempt to draw you out of God's will. However, he cannot push you out! You step out!
#3. God may allow that (ie: Both temptation and failure!!)
Good news = Satan cannot touch you without permission
Bad news = he often gets permission!
Examples: Job, Peter, Christ!!
Note: Rev. 13:5-10
#4. IF God allows it... He will USE it! Rom. 8:28
all temptation has potential for good!!
(again) to Reveal character (to 'self/ to others)
to Develop character
example: Peter - better man because he failed - Deut. 8:2-5
Failure needn't be fatal!! Contrast Peter and Judas Iscariot
Failure CAN BE (and should be) motivation for improvement (Peter)
What we do with the failure is the big issue.
#5. Temptations will continue throughout life - John 16:33
#6. Jesus' response to temptation (Satan) was the PROPER use of God's Word - Satan used God's Word, too, but improperly.
On one hand, the Word = sword of the Spirit! - Eph. 6:17
However, must be properly handled!! - 2 Tim. 2:15
Contrast a sword in the hands of a swordsman vs a novice)
Additional note: All Jesus' responses were from Deuteronomy. A book we tend to overlook! Might be a lesson here!!
Testing will happen to show you what's inside!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment