Re:Verse reading–Luke 4:1-13 (day one)
“He was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”–Hebrews 4:15.
As a man, our Lord endured all the pressures, disappointments and hardships that characterize the human condition. Are you tired? So was He. Unfairly accused? Misunderstood? Him too.
As a human, Christ was also tempted. Offered false information. Encouraged toward disobedient choices with disastrous outcomes.
Very subtle. Nothing cruel or outwardly immoral is suggested. Small concessions. Nudged toward a life that is “a reasonable version of God’s will”.
Notice the Savior’s use of Scripture. Three temptations. Three thoughtful moments to consider God’s written word.
Here is humanity as it was designed to be! Here is the perfect man! In fellowship with God. Confidence in God’s word. Obedient heart.
Merry Christmas, everyone! “For those whom God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His dear Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.”–Romans 8:29
We all, as human beings, may feel overwhelmed with all the temptations of the world. God set His standards for how we and the world should operate to be accepted by God, spiritually and morally while men set their own standards for operations for us to be accepted ethically, legally, or economically, or socially, or politically, or economically, or culturally.
Human beings are tempted to satisfy men’s standards for operations (tangible) versus God’s standards for operations (intangible) because we are surrounded by men on a daily basis so the earthly pressures from men are real. We can feel if we are accepted legally, economically, socially, politically, economically or culturally while God’s standards of acceptance are by faith and not by sight! We are tempted to adopt the world’s way instead of God’s way!
It is easy to be trapped into men’s world view instead of God’s world view. By viewing and hearing godly things often enough, our minds will be conditioned with God’s thoughts and standards rather than men’s thoughts and standards.
As human beings we are so attached to the tangible; and practically, we turn toward the things we can see, taste, hear, touch for immediate benefits. We don’t feel pressures from God because He gives us choices, and we are completely free to make our choices in our own timing. We are responsible and accountable for our choices: 1) choices for immediate, short-term, tangible benefits (men’s way), or 2) choices for future (eternity), permanent, intangible benefits for righteousness, peace and joy (God’s way)!
God allows for men and Satan to exist on earth for a reason! We are easily influenced by what is accepted by men; but I hope our choices will be ones that will please God and will provide us with future, permanent and intangible benefits! Human beings are tempted for earthly things but when we turn to God, bad, ungodly temptations will be minimized, if not eliminated! We can never go wrong or are disappointed in life if we are in good fellowship with God, are confident in God’s Word, and are in obedient to God’s standards of operations for us! When we turn to God, I am convinced that we will not feel overwhelmed with the temptations of the world or with the temptations of Satan’s world! It takes courage and determination to aim for what we have not yet seen (faith).
Merry Christmas to Pastor Don Guthrie, FBCSA leadership and staff and to all those who have served in various ways! Thank you all for your dedication, commitment, and hard work in serving the Lord’s mission during 2017. We continue to grow in Christ and benefit from your hard work and love for the Lord! Thank you all!
Again, Merry Christmas!