DCLM Higher Everyday 22 March 2024 — Are You Ever Tempted? – Part 3
Topic: Are You Ever Tempted? – Part 3
Text: Matthew 4:8-11
8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Key Verse: “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me”( Matthew 4:8-9).
Message
In our text today, we see Satan tempting Christ with avarice, to embrace the kingdoms and glory of the world. Misquoting the Scripture, Satan falsely claimed to own the kingdoms, wealth and glory of the world. The devil took Christ to an exceeding high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; “And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Christ responded with a stern rebuke, “…Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). Christ’s response is very instructive to all Christians.
Beloved, be warned! Reject offers of power, popularity, wealth, success and worldly lusts from the devil. It is idolatry. Remember that Satan’s goal is to rob you of heaven and its bliss. Like Christ, rebuke Satan with God’s Word. Focus on God and His Word, flee from idolatry, live a consistent holy life, and you will always overcome the devil. Not even Portiphar’s wife could bring down Joseph.
Quote: Satan’s goal is to rob you of heaven
Challenge: Like Christ, rebuke Satan with God’s Word in temptation.
Prayer for today: Oh God, help me to overcome temptations, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
