Lessons from the three Temptations

                    The three tests 
                                  
  Test 1: The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell  this stone to become bread.”
Test 2: The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Test 3: The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Reference - Luke 4:1-13                               

These verses are the first recorded instances of temptation directed toward Christ. This happens towards the end of the 40 day fast in the wilderness where He was tempted by the Devil.This was at a time when Jesus was about to start His 3 year ministry at the age of thirty.

It is worthy to note the nature of the temptation, the timing, the usage of scripture by the Devil and Who it was targeted at.

The last part makes you wonder if the Devil was really that foolish to tempt his Creator whom he had known so well prior to his fall or if he thought it was wise to utilize the few chances he would get to tempt God in the flesh before his own destruction which he knew was inevitable.

Lesson1:

The main attempt of these temptations was a direct attack on the integrity of God Himself because Satan knew that He had willfully taken a human form and in a way he was trying to push God. Jesus could have easily turned the stones into bread but he didn't have to prove anything. He was God. He is patient and waits for the right time to act. It is noteworthy  to understand how He responds; Quoting the scripture. Humans are vulnerable and need to stay spiritually strong and hence be spiritually fed and mature. Anyone can be tempted and give in if not alert, evil has to be resisted.

Lesson2:

The Devil sometimes attacks when it is least expected. It could be at a difficult time and all you see are your problems and he  blinds you to the truth you already know, but find hard to grasp. It seems like a struggle with faith, but as the apostle Paul says it is not a fight  against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers of the evil world. When you start doubting your faith, remember that it's not  your lack of faith, but the enemy's increasing faith in you . The believer walks by faith, not by sight. When we are tested, don't be tempted to test the Lord yourself, submit to Him.

Lesson3:

The Devil is the master of deception. He tries to use even scripture to confuse people. Truth mixed with lies can cause more trouble than partially knowing the truth. There are many who use their own interpretation of the Word to justify their actions. We cannot be fully knowledgeable but we can trust that the Lord answers when we call upon him and will reveal to us the truth. When that which is perfect comes, that which is imperfect shall go away.

Conclusion:

We are not left alone, but have a Helper who is a friend and our advocate and intercessor before God. He is a real person. 

Let the Holy Spirit guide you everyday as you welcome him to your life.
Have a blessed week ahead!!!