Temptation's Appearance

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3)

An older pastor once gave me some very sound advice. He said to protect my ministry and never meet alone with a potential partner in temptation. My thoughts today concern all of us who minister in the name of Christ. Guard your ministry. Set up boundaries that are non-negotiable. Many people would like the opportunity to turn back the clock on the times they have yielded to temptation. If they could relive the time of their temptation, they would have others around them to keep them accountable and refuse to compromise on the boundary lines they have established.
Understanding that we are fallen people and weak when faced with temptation, we can receive help and hope in God’s word. We must never assume we have the power to resist in our own strength. We need help from a source that will never let us down. It glorifies God to resist temptation.
WHEN WE POSSESS GOD’S WORD, WE ARE NEVER ALONE WITH THE ENEMY.
I. TEMPTATION CAME TO CHRIST; IT WILL CERTAINLY COME TO YOU. “...the tempter came and said to Him…” To tempt Christ tells us we have an enemy who is bold beyond belief. Satan initiates the contact and it is intentional. Temptation is never accidental. He deliberately sets the trap.
II. TEMPTATION WILL COME WHEN WE ARE PHYSICALLY VULNERABLE. “...command that these stones become bread.” Satan exploits our weaknesses and weariness. When we are tired, we are a target. When we are hungry we can be helpless to the enemy's tempting.
III. TEMPTATION CAN COME ESPECIALLY IN THE MIDST OF SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY. Fasting will attract Satan if the motives are pure. Preparation for ministry is a susceptible time for temptation. Satan seeks to disrupt the mission of the ministry.
IV. TEMPTATION TAKES ADVANTAGE OF OUR ISOLATION. Satan targets the solitary soul. Accountability combats that assault. Community is a good deterrent for succumbing to temptation.
V. TEMPTATION WILL COME TO DISTRACT US FROM SEEKING GOD’S WILL. Satan seeks to hinder our prayer life and time with God. Outside activities, other people, and our agenda will create diversions when we try to encounter God.
VI. TEMPTATION COMES TO CAUSE DOUBT “If You are the Son of God...” Satan knew who Jesus was. But still he tempted Him. It’s in his nature. Satan knows the truth. He wants us to doubt it. When we begin to doubt, we begin to disbelieve. Unbelief is where our sin begins.
VII. TEMPTATION IS OVERCOME BY THE WORD OF GOD. God has the last word to the tempter. Truth cannot be overcome. Only by knowing God’s word do we know truth and can refute Satan’s lies. Without believing God’s truth, we will believe the lie. We are no match for temptation in our own strength.
Look closely at what surrounds your life today. Temptation often does not appear to be what it truly is...a work of the devil.