Pride

N. T. #24

March 10, 2023 "Pride"

Matthew 4-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread (meet physical needs) after fasting 40 days. Then his next temptation was to throw himself down off the pinnacle of the Temple, for angels would rescue Him. This was a temptation to show His power as the Son of God. 

The third temptation took place on an exceedingly high mountain. What did Satan offer Jesus? It was all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them with one condition. What was the condition? It was Jesus falling down and worshiping him. 

Isn't it kind of laughable for Satan to offer this when God created it all, not Satan, and God was still on His throne controlling things as the world is His footstool. How absurd it is, actually. In reality, Satan could not deliver on this promise.

The bottom line is Satan wants our worship and for us to bow to him. He always makes nice offers, but does not come through with the promises, for he is a liar.  It isn't worth the price of yielding to sin.  Only Jesus deserves our worship. He is our Creator, Savior, and Messiah, Almighty God, Prince of Peace. No other deserves our worship. Jesus gave His live in our place, bearing our sins, not His, so we could have eternal life in heaven. What a sacrifice!

LET IT GROW

Jesus had finally had enough of that old devil. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 13-14, Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve Him, and shalt swear by His name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you.

Our worship should be reserved for the One True Living God. 

Resist the devil [with the Word and in obedience to God], and he will flee from you [as he fled from Christ]. James 4:7

We lust for power and humans. It is a pride that raises its ugly head in our life, causing us to stumble into sin. We want to be numeral uno-number 1 or we want to be like others. We want what they have. Why do we have trouble living the Christian life? Not knowing the Word of God so they can use it when tempted.

This was not the last time the devil tempted Jesus. He has nothing to prove. Jesus was born King, baptized as a King, and was tested as a King. He is King of kings and Lord of lords today! One day Jesus will reign as King over all the earth.

When the fallen angel left, faithful angels came and fulfilled their role of serving Christ and giving Him the worship He deserved. (Tony Evans)

What can we learn from this? Follow the Lord's leading, not Satan's. Live by faith, not presuming god understands our weakness and will forgive us, presumptuously. God uses a holy life. Let's resist the devil and he will flee from us. Use the Word on him. Follow God's plan, not our own. Have no regrets in the end. Let's not waste our days on self, but serve God. No more if's-Jesus is the Son of God.

LET IT GO 

Jesus, You are all my hope and righteousness.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.