Sunday, 9 March 2014
Rev Daniel Poon
We face temptations everyday – from the time when we wake up, Satan will find every opportunity to temp us away from God and be the slave of this world. Even Jesus was tempted. It says in Matthew 4:1-11 that He was tempted three times after fasting 40 days. But through these temptations, He showed us the good example of what we should do when we face temptations.
First Temptation:
- The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (V3)
- Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (V4)
Second Temptation:
- Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (V5-6)
- Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ (V7)
Third Temptation:
- Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (V8-9)
- Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ (V10)
So from Jesus’ examples, what should we do when temptation come?
- Silent & Be Still
- Proclaim the word of God
- Read the word of God
- Prioritise your life – God first
- Command the devil to leave