THY WORD I HAVE HID IN MY HEART, THAT I MAY NOT SIN AGAINST YOU.
- Key Verse
But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'" (Matthew 4:4)
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Central Truth
Jesus was tempted in every way you and I are tempted. His response? Scripture.
Reflections
As a man who spent a great deal of my life addicted to pornography, selfish desires, and materialism, temptation is a huge topic for me. As a kid, I was taught to believe that temptation was sin. Therefore, temptation served as an indictment that my walk with Jesus didn't quite measure up. Feeling defeated often, I would give in, resulting in destructive behavior, chaos, isolation, and pain.
Nowadays, temptation can be like a cool breeze, here one moment and gone the next. Other times, it is like a tornado out of nowhere that rips straight through my heart! Thankfully, I am becoming more faithful in my response to temptation as God conforms my heart and mind to the image of Christ.
One of the ways God is conforming my heart is by changing my view of temptation. In Hebrews 4:15 I see that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as I am, yet He was without sin. This reminds me that Jesus understands temptation completely and proves that temptation is not sin. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 I see that God allows me to be tempted. By allowing temptation, He is graciously providing opportunities for me to trust and obey Him and walk in His provision of peace, teaching my heart to trust Him more. John Piper calls this "future grace." When I trust here and now, I will enjoy the "future grace" of peace without shame or guilt. Brilliant . . . and helpful!
In light of these truths, it is clear that my response to temptation is what matters to God. I want desperately to be a man who relentlessly responds to temptation the way Jesus did in Matthew 4:1-11--by reciting Truth. Jesus didn't have a bag of tricks, He had the Word of God written on His heart. In recent years I have become more diligent to memorize Scripture that will help me respond faithfully. This doesn't mean that temptation has disappeared or that I stand in perfection (just ask those close to me!), but more often I am able to resist temptation and experience peace.
Discussion Questions
1. We all are tempted in one way or another. What is currently tempting you?2. Have you shared these temptations with your community, accountability, or spouse?
3. What TRUTH are you memorizing that you can recite to yourself when being tempted with lies?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In verse 2 what does it say Jesus was feeling?
2. What did Jesus use to answer Satan’s temptations? What happened when Jesus used Scripture (verse 11)?
3. Memorize some great verses (e.g., 1 Corinthians 10:13) that will help you answer temptations that would steer you away from what God says.
Emily Loerke
January 7, 2010 09:31 AM
mike, your transparency is always humbling. so glad you are a part of this team. Challenged by your words to memorize more TRUTH.
Dan Garrison
January 7, 2010 07:08 PM
Mike, Great to see your smiling face this morning and be reminded of how to struggle well by your solid, straightforward reminders! I definitely need them. I miss being around you but thanks for your honesty that speaks to me right where I am on the other side of the planet.
jo tiller
January 8, 2010 06:59 AM
great instruction ,mike..thank you for sharing with candor and insight and illustrating that in the Word we have all the tools we need to live in a way that glorifies the Lord.
Eric Colton
January 8, 2010 07:47 AM
Mike, Great job on this devotional! Thanks for being transparent and using you personal story to encourage me and many others....
Cindy Mahon
January 8, 2010 08:44 AM
I love you Mike! I am thankful for you, even in times when you give in to temptation because it helps me to turn to the One who never does. I am thankful to Jesus for the way that you have experienced God's Word being not only being truthful, but also helpful! Thanks for inspriring me to memorize more scripture! Love and kisses from your bride!
Christopher Truax
January 8, 2010 09:43 AM
Thanks for the encouragement that it is not the temptation that is sinful but when we give into it. So often I can get myself down because I am being bombarded from all sides, but as you said if I rely on God, His Word, and the community He has placed me in, I can flee the Devil and keep from stumbling.
Derek Kelly
January 8, 2010 10:12 AM
Mike, Thank you for chasing after a life aligned with Christ. It has allowed you to be used as a blessing and a comfort to me and my family in a very hard time for us. Continue to stand strong brother. Thank you
Patricia Simmons
January 8, 2010 10:23 AM
Wow..."Jesus was tempted in every way you and I are tempted. His response? Scripture." I love this simple truth...if I would only respond in this way. You have challenged me to memorize more and rationalize less. Thanks for the truths you have imparted today.
Bart Johnston
January 8, 2010 10:53 AM
Mike, Thanks for your transparency in sharing your story. Temptation is a weight I continually try to move out from under as well. Thanks for bringing forth the "trust here and now" idea, in order to experience future grace. That will help guide me moving forward. Great job you are doing giving people like me hope!
Leonard
January 8, 2010 11:25 AM
Great Job Mike! What a great reminder and encouragement today and also a great challenge to me to have God's Word written on my heart - way to go!
Susan Coy
January 9, 2010 08:00 AM
Mike, EXCELLENT....very encouraged by your words....thank you!
melissa chandler
January 9, 2010 10:22 AM
great reminder and challenge to hide god's word in my heart...very encouraging, mike, thanks for writing!
Chris A.
January 9, 2010 12:29 PM
That's great. This helped me talk with a friend that is going thru temptations with men. But, also a helpful reminder of all the nasty temptations that Satan attacks me with as well. I can witness to using Jesus' statement a few weeks ago, when I felt attacked of my strongest sin. Just that I totally understand you Mike. Thank you so very much. I love 1 Corinthians 10:13... Just shows how much God loves us, and protects us from too much, that we loose faith. But just enough to pull us closer to him. He is an amazing God!
jay Burns
January 13, 2010 09:28 AM
Mike...really really great insight in drawing the difference between sin and temptation...we all struggle with that...it is clear from your words that you are man who has struggled with this concept, now understand it, and we are all much better for you sharing your understanding with us.Thanks