1. Notice the time of temptation, immediately after the revelation of 3:22, and at the opening of Jesus' ministry. What light does this throw on the devil's challenge, 'if you are the Son of God' (4:3,9)?
2. Consider the special subtlety of each temptation, and the means by which Jesus in each case parried the thrust. What does this teach us for our own defence against temptation?
3. What may we learn from this passage of the nature of temptation? Note, e.g. at what times temptation may come, what sort of circumstances the tempter may use (4:2), etc. How does the passage show that temptation is not sin?
Stibbs, A. (1949). Search the Scriptures: The Study Guide to the Bible. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press.
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2 comments:
1.the challenge was at the beginning where he was still learning, when he was still growing in his relationship with God.
2. Devil tempts us in our weakness, where he can get a foothold in, rather than the areas where we are more secure. we need to ensure that we do not let Him get a foot in and address our weaknesses. Jesus used scripture to throw back and we need to know what we believe and why and also what the Bible says - which is why we are doing this blog!!
3. We can get tempted at any time, anywhere. For Jesus, he was hungry. the devil used promises to try and tempt as well - a better life. He also used IF... which is a doubting phrase in one sense...a kind of go on, maybe, .. (if that makes sense)which speaks to our conscience
Giving into temptation is the sin, not the actual temptation. God uses it to make us stronger and to trust in him more, even though we find it hard it is for our good.
1. He challenges Jesus right at the start to try and deter Him before He has a chance to do anything and build up momentum. Jesus would be more tempted to prove that He was the son of God after God himself had just said it to Him. He'd want to show His heaven;y connection.
2. The devil gets more crafty as the temptations continue. First he tempts Jesus with basic hunger, then with power, then with divine power. Each time Jesus counters it with the Bible. The only way to defeat the devil is to use the word of God.
3. Temptation hits us where we are weak. It attacks those areas where we struggle and he uses half truths, not outright lies. He also attacks when we are tired and not on our guard. This shows temptation is not sin because Jesus faces it and Jesus never sinned.
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