Pass or Fail?

And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13

            Three temptations, three tests. The devil was determined to test Jesus, to see if He really was the Beloved, the Son of God. Three tests of character, three tests we all face at one time or another if we truly want to serve God.

1.     The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” Luke 4:3-4

The test of passion – are our desires for things of earth or heaven? Do we rely on earthly products, or is our primarily reliance on the resources of Heaven?

2.     And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” Luke 4:5-8

The test of perspective – do we entertain illusions of grandeur or are we committed to worship God as servants? Do we strive for position, power, and prestige, or are we committed to devotion in worship and humbleness in service?

3.     And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and  “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Luke 4:9-13

The test of priority – do we attempt to use our faith as a tool to empower our own agenda, or is our faith simply and purely born out of devotion for God?

We will face temptations and tests everyday, but through His testing, Jesus has shown us the way of victory. Follow Him closely, and we will be victorious too.

Let’s Do Something About It

·      Prayerfully consider if there is a particular area that you are weak in, or that may be open to the devil’s temptations.

·      Ask the Holy Spirit to show you steps you can take to protect your heart and mind in times of testing, and to steps to keep you strong and attentive at all times.