How to Easily Resist Temptation and Ace Every Test
By Capazin Thornton
Temptations come by way of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. You can easily resist temptation using the same keys Jesus used.
Matthew records that after Jesus was baptized and anointed by the Holy Spirit for public ministry, the Holy Spirit led Him up into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Luke’s account says Jesus was “full of the Holy Spirit.” Mark writes, “Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness” (to an area that was uninhabited except for wild beasts).
After Jesus had fasted 40 days and nights and was hungry, the devil came to Him with strategically designed temptations.
“Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread’” ~ Mt 4:3
Jesus did not argue with the devil. Nor did He say, “I rebuke you, devil.” Instead, He countered by speaking the precise Scripture fitting the occasion:
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’.” ~ Mt 4:4
The Greek rhema is translated word. This is the same word used in Ephesians 6:17, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word [rhema] of God.”
Rhema is a clear, vivid word or verse of Scripture immediately quickened to our spirit by the Holy Spirit. When we speak the Holy Spirit inspired rhema, it becomes like the razor sharp two-edged sword (machaira) used by Roman soldiers in close hand-to-hand combat. Offensively and defensively, the sword of the Spirit will cut the devil’s temptations to shreds.
The devil tried a second time to entice Jesus to sin. Jesus responded with a rhema. The third and final temptation revealed the devil’s true desire—for Jesus to fall down and worship him. (Mt 4:9) Again, Jesus skillfully wielded the sword of the Spirit—the precise Word of God the Spirit inspires fitting the occasion. This time His response sent the devil fleeing.
Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’.” ~ Mt 4:10
How to Easily Resist Temptation and Ace Every Test
As humans, we face temptations daily. It is so encouraging to know we have a Savior who was tempted just as we are, yet He never sinned.
You might think, “Yeah, but He was the Son of God.” True. However, as the Son of Man, Jesus emptied Himself of the divine rights, privileges and power He had before His incarnation. He took upon Himself the limitations of a flesh and blood body, and became God’s servant, anointed by the Holy Spirit.
The key to the power of Jesus’ life and ministry is:
- He submitted Himself totally to the will of the Father;
- He prayed often;
- He stayed full of God’s Word; and
- He stayed full of the Holy Spirit.
Thus, He could easily resist temptation and ace every test. And so can you.
YOU CAN successfully resist every temptation; ace every test; stand victoriously through every trial. |
Therefore, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.—Jas 4:7
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[Scripture References: 1 Jn 2:16; Jas 1:14; Mt 4:1; Lk 4:1; Mk 1:12-13, NASV; Gen 3:1-6; Mt 3:16-17; Jn 5:30, 6:39; 1 Cor 10:13; Heb 4:15; Lk 4:18-19; Acts 10:38; Phil 2:5-7]
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Capazin Thornton is a Christian Speaker, Bible teacher, and author in Orange County, California.
2 Responses
This is excellent teaching for this time in history. There is so many things to buy and you can get them so easily on line or many other ways. That’s just one area we have to face! We must remember the Lord will guide us if we just listen. Thank you Capazin!!! Again you are right on!!
I’m not always sure why God puts a specific message on my heart. I just try to hear and obey! Blessings to you, Janice.