Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
— Matthew 4:1
THE BIBLE TEACHES us that temptation usually falls in one of three realms: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life. Jesus was tempted in all of these areas. After forty days of fasting, He was hungry. Hunger itself is not a sin, but Satan turned it into a temptation. “Since You are the Son of God, why don’t You turn these stones into bread?” In other words, Satan was suggesting that Jesus let His bodily appetites rule over His spirit.
THIS IS ALWAYS THE HEART OF TEMPTATION: TO LET THE FLESH RULE OVER THE SPIRIT.
And thus, in every situation I must determine whether I will yield to the desires of my flesh or to the desires of the spirit.
Jesus used the Word of God to answer every temptation Satan brought. That is why it is so important for us to have the Word of God stored away in our hearts. The abiding Word of God in you will be the secret of your strength in overcoming whatever temptation Satan brings your way.
Prepare yourself now, for temptation will surely come. Plan your steps before you face the choice. When God’s Word says one thing and Satan says another, what will you do? Will you yield yourself to God and follow after His Word, or will you let your flesh rule over your spirit?
Father, we confess that so often we have failed the test; that we’ve allowed the flesh to rule over the spirit. Forgive us, Lord, and cleanse us. Let us be governed by Your Holy Spirit and by Your eternal Word of truth.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.