His Temptation Series

Billy Graham used to compare temptation and sin by saying, "You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair." When Satan’s sinful suggestion flutter through your mind, just don’t give them a place to roost.

(2) No Temptation is irresistible

Again, I’ve heard people say they did something bad in their past because the temptation was just too strong. that’s not true, because God’s Word says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithfu; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) Notice God always provides a way out. that means when you face a temptation, if you look around you’ll find an escape route, so RUN FROM IT! The best way to resist sin is to simply stay away from tempting situations, and if you find yourself in one, turn and run away from it as fast as you can. Don’t make a deal with the devil. Remember what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him? He ran away so forcefully that he left his robe in her hand.

(3) Memorizing God’s Word is the best weapon to defend against Satan.

When Jesus was being tempted by the devil, do you think He could have disposed of the devil in a flash? Of course. Had Jesus so desired, He could have blinked His Devine eye and Satan would have been disintegrated in a "poof!" Why, then did Jesus allow Himself to undergo these three temptations? I believe He did it to teach us how to overcome Satan using the spiritual weapons that are available to us. Jesus dispatched the devil by quoting three verses from Deuteronomy. He was showing us that the best way for us to overcome the devil is by using the Word of God.

That’s why the Bible says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11) There is a difference between holding God’s Word in your hand and hiding it in your heart. At each temptation, Jesus didn’t say, "Hold it, Satan, let me look here in my scroll and see if I can find a verse to read to you." Jesus had memorized God’s Word and could quote it. If you memorize God’s Word you can be prepared to quote scripture in response to every temptation you face. One reason you may be giving into temptaion is because you don’t have God’s Word hidden in your heart.

(4) Waiting on God’s provision is always better than settling for the devil’s substitutes

Did you notice what the Bible says happened after Satan left? “The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.” (Matthew 4:11 The Message) The NIV says the angels “ministered unto him.” That’s a word that literally means they served food to Jesus. After fasting for 40 days, can you imagine what that angelic feast was like? Jesus could have turned stones to bread, but I don’t imagine it would have tasted very good. But instead of settling for the devil’s stones, Jesus waited for His Father’s best. We get to make the same choice today—the devils stones or God’s best.