Bible Study- Temptation (2) - The Temptation to Rely Upon Myself Instead of GOD - April 23, 2023

 

Bible Study – Temptation (2) – The Temptation to Rely Upon Myself Instead of GOD. April 23, 2023

[Sorry, but just got home from hip replacement today. But wanted to get out some thoughts on our lesson for April 23, 2023]

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Dealing with Temptation.”

Our focus scripture is Deuteronomy 8:2-10, Matthew 4:1-4.

GOD’S provision is always better than what we try to get for ourselves.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 8:2-5:

 ² Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. ³ He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. ⁴ Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. ⁵ Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

As we journey with GOD, the try word is to reflect back and remember!

GOD had chosen the Israelites to be HIS people and they had agreed to be HIS people. Often, we make a commitment to GOD and as we journey with HIM or relationship grows stale.

What is GOD’S remedy? Simply reflect back and remember what GOD has done for us over time. Remember!

In the parable JESUS told regarding the prodigal son. The father gave the son the freedom to leave, with provisions. The son spent all he had on wild living and his funds ran out. The son had to slop hogs which bought to the sons mind a memory that his father’s servants were living a far better life than he was living. The son made a decision to return home and become as a hired servant for his father. Remembering brought back healthy memories.  

Leaving was a test.  It was also a way to get the son remember that GOD cares for HIS own.

When we are in the weeds of life pause, think and reflect.

Where have you been?

Where are you going?

Seek GOD WHO Will guide your path.

Let’s read Deuteronomy 8:6-10:

⁶ Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. ⁷ For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; ⁸ a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; ⁹ a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

¹⁰ When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 

When a person takes the hand of GOD through faith in JESUS. He/she is to walk/keep the commands of GOD trusting that HE is leading you into the Promised Land.

Even in the Promised Land a person was to work and honor G

JESUS willingly gave HIS Sinless life for the sins of all people. Even JESUS was tempted to disobey GOD.

Let’s read Matthew 4:1-4:

4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

JESUS was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for the express purpose of being tempted.

Notice, that the “tempter” or Satan was doing the tempting. First, JESUS fasted for forty days. JESUS was hungry. Satan always appeals to our physical needs. So, Satan offers JESUS physical food.  

⁴ He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”^[a]

When we are tempted, Satan temps us by appealing to our physical needs. When we take matters into our own hands rather than waiting upon, we are disobedient. Trust is huge when we walk with GOD. That is our LORD teaches and build trust in HIM.

Trust is greater than all as we walk with GOD.

Blessings!!!