Battling Temptation with Scripture Alone

Life is filled with trials and temptations. Sometimes we fail. Jesus was also faced with great tests, but He succeeded. Let’s learn how Jesus battled temptations and won, using scripture. Let’s look at the testing of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11.

Led by the Spirit

When Jesus fasted was it a complete fast or did He possibly only drink water? Was he thirsty or only hungry afterwards?

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2 NKJV)

First Test: Physical Food

The Greek word for tempted also means tested. Was Jesus being tested after a preparatory time of fasting? Does the tempter try to incite Jesus to do his bidding? Would Jesus use his heavenly powers to satisfy the lusts of the flesh? Would He pass the test?

Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3 NKJV)

First Response: Scripture

Did Jesus follow the tempter’s untrustworthy words or God the Father’s? Did Jesus quote human traditions or scripture? Did God feed ancient Israel so they would learn to be fed by Him and not their own efforts? Did Jesus have the power to make bread from stones, but waited for His Father’s timing to be revealed, rather than follow the devil’s timing?

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4 NKJV cp. Deuteronomy 8:3)

Second Test: Foolish Risks

Would Jesus be tempted by the pride of life and take a foolish leap from a Temple wing perhaps 50 meters (over 150 feet) above ground? Do we make foolish decisions without praying to do God’s will? How often do we confuse a foolish jump with a Spirit-led leap of faith?

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” (Matthew 4:5-6 NKJV)

Second Response: Scripture

Was Jesus fooled by someone twisting Scripture? Had Moses and Aaron foolishly taken glory to themselves for a miracle, instead of giving God the glory (Numbers 20:7-12)? Did Jesus only want to bring glory to the Father? Do we trust God or our presumptuous self-will?

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” (Matthew 4:7 NKJV cp. Deuteronomy 6:16)

The Last Test: Power

Would Jesus be tempted by worldly power? Does Satan temporarily rule this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 6:11-12; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9-17)? How many people have sold their soul to the devil to receive worldly power, even deceived into thinking they could make things right? Dictatorship is wrong, but is democracy really God’s answer? How many politicians would really be voted into office if they told the whole truth? Do people really want the truth or a delusion (Isaiah 30:9-13)?

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV)

Last Response: Scripture

Are we to fear or revere God only? Does Satan mean adversary? Did Jesus reveal His total aversion to gaining power through compromise with any evil?

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Matthew 4:10 NKJV cp. Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:20; Joshua 24:14)

The Alleged Discrepancy

Matthew records the events in a different order than Luke. Is this a biblical contradiction? History can be written climactically or topically rather than chronologically. Matthew seems to have written chronologically by using the word “then,” whereas Luke seems to be thematic judging by his use of the word “and.”

Summary

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11 NKJV)

Three things test our love of God, “love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Life’s great temptations are, “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).

Three times Jesus said, it is written, quoting scripture rather than any tradition outside the Bible. Some would call that using the Bible as a club, yet the correct term is using it as a sword (Ephesians 6:17). Is the Old Testament myth, male chauvinist patriarchalism, metaphor or something other than truth? Jesus and the apostles consistently defended the scriptures.

Failure in these temptations are markers of false religion, which is known for misusing miracles, foolish risk-taking and the pursuit of materialism disguised as claims to spirituality. The Temptation of Christ was a victory in the wilderness far away from watchful crowds. How faithful are we when we are alone?

Jesus battled the devil’s tactics and won. Can we learn from Him? He skillfully used scripture alone. He submitted to God and told the devil to leave. God inspired James to teach us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bible E-Course 23j - Good Works

 Should a Christian do good works? What about lazy Christians who only believe, but are not interested in good works? What did Jesus teach?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

Was Jesus mighty in work and word?

… Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed [work] and word before God and all the people (Luke 24:19 ESV)

How did Jesus answer the disciples’ question about what they could do? What is the work of God?

“What can we do to perform the works of God?” they asked. Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29 HCSB)

What makes someone a true child of Abraham? What then makes someone a true descendant of the Apostles?

They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. (John 8:39 KJV)

How will we be repaid in eternity?

God will repay everyone based on their works. (Romans 2:6 CEB)

Is the emphasis on the works of the law or good works? Are we justified by the works of the law? Do we void or abolish the law through faith?

by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin… For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law… Do we then nullify the Law through faith? Far from it! On the contrary, we establish the Law… For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God… David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works (Romans 3:20, 28, 31; 4:2, 6 NASB)

As long as we have faith, are our deeds irrelevant?

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV)

For what purpose does God bless us materially?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)

Are we justified by works of the law?

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (Galatians 2:16 NKJV)

Is grace given because of our works? For what were we created?

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that [grace and salvation] not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 WEB)

Why did Paul pray for the Colossian saints? Are good works and Christian education important parts of church life?

so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10 HCSB)

Is there a work of faith?

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV)

What did Paul instruct Timothy to teach the wealthy in the church?

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. (1 Timothy 6:18 NLT)

What is one expected outcome of studying scripture?

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17 KJV)

What is a zealous Christian totally committed to doing?

He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. (Titus 2:14 NLT)

Should we be ready for every good work?

Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work (Titus 3:1 WEB)

To what should Christians devote themselves?

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:8 ESV)

What should we provoke in each other?

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24 KJV)

Are works of the law different from good works, such as helping the poor? Can faith truly be alone, or are good works inseparably coupled with our faith? What does the Bible say in the only place where the words “faith alone” appear?

… are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? … a person is justified by works and not by faith alone… faith without works is dead. (James 2:18-26 NASB)

Does God judge our work? Should we fear to be lazy, unfruitful Christians?

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth (1 Peter 1:17 NASB)

Are we judged by faith alone or by our works?

… and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works… and they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20:12-13 KJV)

Are Catholics and Orthodox right, that faith and good works are inseparable and never alone (James 2)? Are Protestants also right, in that a branch can only bear fruit after it has been grafted into the vine (John 15)?

We are justified before God by a living faith that is active, not a dead faith that is only intellectual belief. All Christians agree with the Bible, that we are born from above in Christ Jesus for a life of good works. Are you ready for every good work? You decide!

Faith Never Alone

Have we Protestants gotten faith and works wrong? The only place I can find the words "faith alone" is in James where he completely contradicts the Protestant mantra. "You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." (James 2:24 NIV) Everybody knows that Luther added the word "alone" to Romans 3:28. It wasn't there. It was his interpretation, an interpolation.

Perhaps at least on this point Catholics and Orthodox got it right, even if they got many other things wrong. I know that many Protestants falsely accuse them of works salvation. They don't believe that at all. I'm not talking about works of the law. That's clear. I'm talking about good works like caring for the poor, as James clearly explains. Perhaps we can't actually separate faith and good works. Perhaps they go together inseparably. Perhaps faith can't be alone, but must be a living faith, alive with good works. Even the thief on the cross showed his faith by a good work, the good words he spoke.

We are judged by our works. We are saved by grace through faith indeed, but it seems that it must be a living faith, alive with good works, not a dead faith without good works. Perhaps Catholics and Orthodox are right, faith and good works are inseparable and never alone (James 2). Perhaps Protestants are also right, in that a branch can only bear fruit after it has been grafted into the vine (John 15).

Bible E-Course 23i - Sanctified by God

Sanctify means to set apart as holy, or to dedicate for special use. Did God sanctify a people?

And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. (Exodus 19:14 KJV)

Does truth sanctify people? Would that make studying the Bible important?

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17 NIV)

Are we also sanctified by faith in Jesus?

… that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Jesus]. (Acts 26:18 KJV)

Are we also sanctified by the Holy Spirit?

that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:16 NKJV)

Is sanctification the Spirit’s work?

… God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV)

In whom are we sanctified? Does that mean we are called to be saints?

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV)

Can an unbelieving spouse be sanctified?

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14 NASB)

Do cleansing and sanctifying go together?

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25-26 KJV)

Is fleeing sexual sins part of a sanctified life?

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 NIV)

Is a meal sanctified by prayer?

For it [food] is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:5 KJV)

Are we sanctified by Christ’s body and blood?

By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 NKJV)

Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. (Hebrews 13:12 NKJV)

Saints

Were there saints in the Old Testament?

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. (Psalm 16:3 ESV)

What about Israel?

He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 148:14 ESV)

Are all Christians saints?

To God’s church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours. (1 Corinthians 1:2 HCSB)

Are verbal traditions as reliable as the written record?

Beloved, I was just at the point of writing to you about the salvation we share, when it became necessary for me to write and urge you to fight earnestly for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints. (Jude 1:3 NCB)

Is apostasy pictured by a fallen woman, complicit in killing true saints?

I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (Revelation 17:6 NIV)

Holy

Can a place be holy, special to the Lord?

“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5 NLT)

Can time be holy?

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Exodus 20:8 NKJV)

Can a nation be holy?

… you will be my holy nation and serve me as priests. Moses, that is what you must tell the Israelites. (Exodus 19:6 CEV)

Can clothing be holy?

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. (Exodus 28:2 ESV)

Should we treat God’s name as holy or a throw away expression like OMG?

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. (Luke 1:49 KJV)

Are we to be holy?

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT)

God sanctifies all true Christians. Because He sets us apart from the world, we are called saints, holy to God. Do you want to remain dirty in sin or let God clean you up by His word? You decide!

Bible E-Course 23h - Adopted by God

In ancient times there was often no difference between an adopted child and a natural born one. An adopted child received all the rights and privileges of a biological child. That is the meaning in the Bible. We have a special relationship as an adopted child of God.

When the Bible uses the term sons it often means children in our modern language unless the context shows that only males are meant. Ancient languages had less vocabulary and often no gender-neutral words like children. So, we need to understand that the word “sons” is a literal translation of an ancient language and sometimes really means “children.”

Sons may also be an appropriate translation when we understand Old Covenant inheritance laws. Under normal circumstances the sons inherited the land, because daughters shared their husband’s land. There were exceptions for the sake of justice. Because of this, the picture of male and female Christians having the inheritance of “sons” is also appropriate.

The Bible is filled with the blessings of our adoption by God. What makes us God’s children?

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26 NLT)

Does God adequately provide for and love His true children?

… Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them… Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you… (Matthew 6:25-34 NKJV)

Did God plan long ago to adopt children?

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will (Ephesians 1:5 NASB)

Do we imitate God?

Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. (Ephesians 5:1 CEV)

Does that mean we are to be holy?

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV)

Does God lovingly correct His children?

Be patient when you are being corrected! This is how God treats his children. Don’t all parents correct their children? 8 God corrects all of his children, and if he doesn’t correct you, then you don’t really belong to him (Hebrews 12:7-8 CEV)

How do we know if we are children of God?

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14 NLT)

Are we to be fearful slaves in religious bondage or God’s own children?

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:15-16 NIV)

Does God generously include us as heirs?

So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:7 NIV)

Are we joint heirs with Christ even if we sometimes must suffer with Christ?

… and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:17 NKJV)

What a wonderful inheritance God has in store for us. We become His children through faith in Jesus Christ and become heirs with Him. Will you choose temporary suffering followed by glory in God’s eternal kingdom, or this world’s temporary thrills followed by hell? You decide!

Bible E-Course 23g - Justified (Declared Not Guilty)

In the Bible, justification means pronounced righteous by acquittal, a declaration of “not guilty.” Is there an answer to our guilt in a prophecy of the Messiah?

After his deep anguish he will see light, and he will be satisfied. Through his knowledge, the righteous one, my servant, will make many righteous, and will bear their guilt. (Isaiah 53:11 CEB)

Is self-justification an abomination to God? Does God know the human heart?

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15 KJV)

How are we justified under the New Covenant? Could the law of Moses justify us?

… by Him [Jesus] everyone who believes is justified [declared free of guilt] from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:39 NKJV)

Must we obey the law completely to be justified by it?

For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight [justified]. (Romans 2:13 NLT)

Is this a contradiction? How can we be made righteous by the law, when we are incapable of keeping it perfectly?

However, we know that a person isn’t made righteous [justified] by the works of the Law but rather through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. We ourselves believed in Christ Jesus so that we could be made righteous [justified] by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the Law—because no one will be made righteous [justified] by the works of the Law. (Galatians 2:16 CEB)

Does that mean that the law is done away?

Don't suppose I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning. (Matthew 5:17 CEV)

Is it even possible to obey all 613 commandments of the law? If not, what was the purpose of the law?

For by works of the law no human being will be justified [declared righteous] in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20 ESV)

If we can’t be justified because of our utter inability to keep the law perfectly, then how is justification before God even possible?

but all are treated as righteous [justified] freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24 CEB)

What’s the conclusion then?

For we conclude that a man is justified [made right with God] by faith apart from the works of the law. (Romans 3:28 HCSB)

Did Abraham set the precedent even before the law was given?

Well then, what can we say about our ancestor Abraham? If he became acceptable to God [justified] because of what he did, then he would have something to brag about. But he would never be able to brag about it to God. The Scriptures say, “God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith in him.” (Romans 4:1-3 CEV)

Though Christians are still far from perfect, will any accusation against us succeed in heaven?

Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the One who justifies. (Romans 8:33 HCSB)

Was Abraham to bless just the Jews or all nations?

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8 ESV)

What was the purpose of the law?

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24 KJV)

What would Paul say to those who try to find justification in the law?

You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace. (Galatians 5:4 NASB)

If one chooses to keep certain laws without relying on those things for justification, are we free to do so?

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. (Romans 14:5-6 NKJV)

Is faith alone a reasonable argument when even the demons believe, but refuse to repent? Is there a danger in faith without action?

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. (James 2:19 NIV)

Is James’ “faith alone” a challenge to the Protestant mantra of faith alone? Or, are good works evidence of saving faith? Does a living faith reveal itself in good works?

But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:20-24 NKJV)

Justification is a pronouncement of forgiveness and an acquittal of guilt. We are justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by our feeble attempts to keep the law. Yet, a living faith is evidenced by good works. Where is your faith? You decide!