“The Dynamics of Temptation”
Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” [Matthew 4:1]
The temptation that Christ endured came immediately after His baptism. “Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.” [Mk 1:12] This is the dynamic that we see in our day. It doesn’t take long after a baptism service for Satan to tempt, entice, and lead astray.
Notice, though, that it was the Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness. It was not, however, the Spirit who tempted. The Devil did the tempting. But ultimately God allowed it.
There are some important principles to glean from this passage. Firstly, it is the Spirit who oftentimes leads us to a place of testing. This is because spiritual maturity comes with real physical, spiritual, and emotional trials. God’s desire is that we grow up so that we can be used by Him in this fallen world. He receives us just as we are; marred vessels, bruised and broken; and then saves us, mends us, and begins to mold and shape us into His image. His image, however, is holy, and so there needs to be a work done in us by the Holy Spirit through testing.
Secondly, notice that it is Satan that tempts, not God. God never tempts with evil [ref. Jms 1:13]. Satan’s temptations are rooted in physical and emotional appetite, the “flesh,” a lust to satisfy self. “Obey your thirst,” is the contemporary slogan that sums it up. But notice Jesus’ response, “For man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Thirdly, notice that God allows temptation. This can be a bit perplexing when under severe temptation. A good word to remember is 1 Cor 10:13, “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.” This is insight into the question “why temptation?” It is for maturity’s sake.
“That you may be able to bear it” equates to becoming a mature adult, and it is the mature Christian who will be used, over time, to usher many into the Kingdom.
