Overcoming Temptation With Jesus's Example

Temptation is a persuasion to do something wrong or foolish; it's an enticement to do something sinful or wrong. To be tempted is not a sin but yielding to Temptation is a sin. Jesus our perfect example was tempted in all ways and yet without sin (Heb.4:15).

Who is the tempter?
Mathew 4:3, 5 & 8

These passages help us identify the devil as the tempter. You will notice the Bible in each stage of Jesus temptation say "Then the devil either took or came to Him . So men around us aren't the actual tempter, the devil could only influence men into tempting a man. For our battle is not against flesh and blood but of principalities and power and rulers in high places and God never tempts , "for do not say , we are tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil and himself tempts no one" (James 1:13).

Though the spirit led Jesus to be tempted by the devil , God did not allow Him to be tempted until He was prepared. Also , God will not allow us to be tempted until we are prepared for it (1cor. 10:13).

1. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, this suggests that most temptations comes when we are alone.
2. Though Jesus was full of the spirit and fasted forty days and nights. Anointing or even baptism of the Holy spirit will not prevent us from being tempted . They only prepare us for it.

The first temptation
Matt. 4:3-4
The devil capitalizes on Jesus hunger and asked Him to turn Stone to bread. If thou be the son of God meaning how the son of God can be reduced to hunger . It is either God is not your father or He is unkind . All these are intended that Jesus will despair His father goodness and distrust, His father's care for Him. Jesus response was that "Man shall not live by bread alone meaning "Provision of bread is not the measure of the father's love and it is not our main means of support but the word of God." (Matt. 4:4 & ps. 119:72).

Source

The second temptation
Matt.4:6-7
Satan took Him to the Pinnacle of the temple (a public place) and asked Him to cast Himself down . Note: - the Satan could not cast Him down; He has a limit and cannot force us into temptation but only persuades us.

Satan asked Jesus to cast Himself down so that:
1.He may be admired as having special protection from heaven

1. He may be received as one coming with special message from heaven.

Jesus Christ came on a divine mission and because He knew His calling He was able to discern and make His calling and election sure. Therefore , we need to know what we are called for and pursue it diligently. Note that because God has promised to supply all our needs, He will not supply our lust. He has promised to protect us but not when we go out of His way and stray into the devil's camp.

The third temptation
Matt. 4:9-10
Satan took Jesus to a mountain and showed Him the glory of the world. The devil deceived by showing shadows and raising colours. He shows the world glory but blinds the eyes of men to sin, sorrow and death. The devil is a cheat and a grabber. Jesus knew well that he is a liar (jn. 8:44). Jesus refuse to worship him, rather He rebuked the devil. Remember that temptation is not sin but yielding to Temptation is a worship of the devil and a sin against God. You will honour God by refusing to because God only deserves to be worshipped. (Deut. 6;13;10:20).

When Jesus was through, angels came and strengthened Him. For every temptation we overcome, we receive more grace and power to carry on.

Why Does God Allows Temptation
1.To develop Christian character and learn to be patient-Rom.5:3-5

1. To prove your faith and bring honour to Christ-James 1:2 & 3

2. To reveal the Lust in us so that we can ask God to deal with it- James 1:14-15

4.That we may bear fruit-Jn. 15:2

5.To reward us- James 1:12; Rev. 2:7

Jesus weapon for overcoming Temptation

1. The word of God- Ps.119:11, 105; Cool. 3:16

2. Prayer and fasting- Matt. 6:13a; 26:14

Other weapons

1. Obedience to the Holy spirit-Jn.14:26

2. The blood of Jesus Christ- Rev. 12:11

5.Faith in God- 1Jn. 5:4

Jesus wasn't tempted because He had evil desires; He was tempted to help us face temptation, so serve as an example to us and that the devil wanted to abort His mission prematurely.

Note: The devil may not come physically to tempt us; he works through different means to tempt us.