TEMPTATION
J.D. Ketterman
Today's Scripture: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15, ESV
Theme: Jesus experienced and understands temptation. Through Christ, we can faithfully obey God when tempted.
OUR HIGH PRIEST
The high priests of the time, in their gold threaded robes and ornate headdresses, compelled the populace to come in reverence to them with their sacrifices to atone for their sins, struggles, and misfortunes. Jesus walked among us as one of us, as our Shepherd into the fold of God’s love. He related to our struggles. He understood temptation and how to fight it. Jesus came to enlighten us and show us how to live holy lives so that we will be able to confidently enter God’s kingdom. He is the High Priest Who sympathizes with our weaknesses and teaches us how to strengthen ourselves to combat them.
To combat temptation, this invitation to sin, we must faithfully follow our Highest Priest, study and practice His teachings, remove temptations, and “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, ESV). We are called to be Christian “soldiers.”
SOLDIERS IN THE TOUGHEST BATTLE
In the military, we were put through years of training. They started by teaching us the basics, then technical, job-specific schooling. We had to go through a multitude of manuals, then put our knowledge to work in highly supervised, on-the job training. Finally, constant drilling was repeated until we had the confidence to handle any scenario in battle.
The military also always works in teams, where others have your back, and you have theirs. As I met specific qualifications and gained experience, I was promoted and given the responsibility to be an example to others. We needed this battle-proven training for readiness against the enemy. With all this preparation, you find that few may dare to test your resolve. Jesus didn’t lack any preparation, yet He was tested, and Jesus’ resolve beat the devil.
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of our battle…the battle of fighting the temptation to sin. We have the greatest example to follow. Jesus grew up learning Scripture and used it to defeat temptation and the devil. We have that manual written in the Spirit of God. If we study this manual and train ourselves to handle any scenario, few can dare to test our resolve. We have our fellow Christians watching our backs and we theirs. Hebrews 4:15 reassures Christians that “Jesus’ sinless humanity and empathetic high priesthood” provide both a model for resisting temptation and a source of divine support in their spiritual journey.
Through constant prayer, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV). With all of this, we have the strength and resolve to beat back the temptation to open the door to sin.
Make It Personal: We all battle temptation. To do battle, we must study/train to strengthen our use of our shield of faith and our sword of Scripture. Specifically, Paul’s beautiful letter of encouragement to the Ephesians tells us of our mission, how to accomplish it, and that God has instilled in all of us the Spirit of Jesus. Spend time daily studying Scripture, gather support in a Life Group, truly listen to our spiritual leaders, and “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:4:18a, ESV).
Pray: Father God, keep in my heart the faith in who You are and what You can do. Strengthen me in my battle against earthly thoughts and deeds. Guide me in the path of righteousness. I am grateful that You have given me all I need, the greatest gift of eternity through your Son, Jesus Christ, whom I declare our Lord and Savior. It is in His Name I pray. Amen
Read: Colossians 3:5-11; Hebrews 4:14-16, 12:3-6; John 10:14; Matthew 5:6
Weekly Memory Verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans, 3:23