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Posted by Melina (Member # 7061) on :
 
I listened to the reading of Luke 4:1-4 and I hear that this is a temptation but am not sure why. Jesus was hungry because he hadn't eaten. Satan asked him to turn the stone to bread. Jesus said no because man does not live on bread alone.
Is it a temptation because Satan was asking Jesus to prove who he really was, the Son of God? Or is it a temptation because Satan was asking Jesus to meet his needs in his own way rather than waiting for God to provide? Or is it a temptation because Satan was asking Jesus to use his power for himself and not the good of others, or is it a temptation because Satan was tempting him to break his deliberate fast before the set time?
Thank you...
 

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Posted by David Campbell (Member # 1) on :
 
Jesus was not tempted so that the Father could determine the Son’s character and ability, for the Father had already approved the Son (3:22) and would do so again (9:35). Nor was He tempted to give Satan a chance to defeat Him, for Satan probably did not even want this confrontation, knowing that Jesus could overcome his every tactic. Jesus was tempted so that He could personally experience what we go through and so be prepared to assist us (Heb. 2:16-18; 4:14-16) and to show us how we can overcome the evil one by means of the Spirit of God (v. 1) and the Word of God (v. 4). The first Adam was tested in a beautiful garden and failed, but the Last Adam was victorious in a terrible wilderness.

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament


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Posted by CHEWY (Member # 6970) on :
 
When you read these temptations, there are several messages involved. First, we must understand that these temptations are to expose the human nature of Jesus Christ in that he was tempted. This is confirmed in the verses of Hebrews that David referenced. Further in this study we should look at 1 John 2:16. here we have Jesus withstanding the temptations of this world.

"Lust of the flesh;" - Luke 4:3 - turning the stones to bread to fulfill the fleshly desires of the times. Not that eating when you are hungry is sinful, but recognizing the needed sustenance as more than just filling a desire. Our true desire which should be sought after is the sustenance of the Word of God.

"Lust of the eyes;" - Luke 4:6,7 - As far as the eye could see, Satan offered Christ. I don't believe that it was actually Satan's to give as Christ was in charge even then. Yet, as now, sin and its father, Satan, does have a controlling arm in the sinful world. Satan was appealing to the pleasing of the eyes to man in general, but Christ does not see this world as man does.

"Pride of life;" -Luke 4:9-11 - Satan is requesting of Christ to selfishly show his power just as the Pharisees demanded for him to give them a sign even after he had performed many miracles in their presence.

The most important thing to recognize in all of this, is that Christ did not cave-in to these temptations. [Proof of his deity] He remained sinless throughout his entire life. This also is confirmed in the Scriptures David has referenced.

There is also a facet of Satan's knowledge of the verbiage of Scripture. Satan does not have the Spirit required that we do to have a good understanding of the Scripture, but can likely quote the Bible in its entirety. Satan repeatedly takes the Scriptures out of context.

Hope this may have provided some insight.

Chewy-
 

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Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :
 
Hi Melina,

I came across what I thought was an interesting study on the temptations...


TEMPTATIONS

Lust of the flesh
The desire to fulfill pleasures, physical desires

Lust of the eyes
The constant craving for more

The pride of life
The desire for power or possessions


Temptation of Eve
(Genesis 3:4-6)

The fruit looked delicious and would be good to eat.

The fruit was a pleasure to look at.

The fruit was desirable for gaining wisdom; Eve wanted to “be like God.”


Temptation of Christ
(Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13)

Turn the stones into bread.

Gain all the kingdoms of the world, as far as the eye can see.

Throw yourself down and the angels will come and rescue you for God will not allow you to be hurt.


Temptation of the Church Today

Take what is easier or more pleasurable rather than God’s best.

Respond impulsively, without restraint or self-control.

Build a power base rather than seek to serve others.


I guess Satan still tempts each of us using the same old three "biggies".

We can't fight Satan, but our Lord can fight him for us when we put our trust in Christ.
 

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Posted by jimbarn (Member # 7053) on :
 
Very well stated Carol.
I am amazed at how Satan has used the same tactics
since the fall.
That one,tempting Eve and people even today with "you can
be like God" or be a god yourself.
How many are fooled with this today?
Barney
 

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Posted by Melina (Member # 7061) on :
 
Thank you all. I think I understand now. I will copy the piece Carol wrote so I can think about it more today.

It seems that these temptations could be very subtle and could catch me unawares. It would be good for me to be more aware of them.
 

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Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :
 
You're welcome to copy it. But David is the teacher. I'm just a fellow student.
 

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Posted by David Campbell (Member # 1) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Carol Swenson:
You're welcome to copy it. But David is the teacher. I'm just a fellow student.

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