The Greatness Temptation

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

Think on the math. About thirty of Jesus’ thirty-three years on earth were ordinary and mostly obscure. For roughly ninety percent of His life, He was ignored by the world. Like ours, most of His life was commonplace.

His ministry was launched at the Jordan. At His baptism, heaven was opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Surely, this is the moment Jesus has been waiting for! He’s making the move from menial to miracles, from backstage to center stage.

That’s not how it worked. He went from the waters to the wilderness. The Spirit immediately led Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). Still obscure and now alone, He found His strength in His early years–time in Scripture, time with His Father, obedience in the ordinary. All were preparation. Read Psalm 91 to learn more.

Jesus’ temptations in the desert mirrored the temptations the Israelites’ experienced in the wilderness. While the Israelites’ wailed for more than manna, Jesus said, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” While the Israelites put God to the test, Jesus said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” While the Israelites had power struggles over who was the greatest (Joshua was upset when Eldad and Medad were prophesying, and Miriam and Aaron were downright jealous of Moses’ fame [Numbers 11:24-12:16]), Jesus said, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” Although Scripture says, now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3), Jesus was humbler still. Jesus perfectly did what Israel failed to do.

There are temptations at every ordinary and obscure corner of our lives that lure us to make ourselves greater then God. Maybe it’s desiring food more then the Word, maybe instead of testing our own actions, we test God’s patience, or maybe it’s a power struggle in our home, church, or hearts. Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses. He’s been there, done that, and yet did not sin. His promise as we battle the greatness temptation is this: God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you’re tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

He>i: In the very ordinary parts of your day, what is your greatest temptation to put your wants before God’s will?

Our problem isn't that we don't know God's will. Our problem is that we DO know, but aren't willing to follow through.

Chuck Swindoll

grace and peace,

Lenae

EGO =Edging God Out

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Psalm 10:4

Within a blog post Regi Campbell defined ego with an acronym: Edging God Out. He wrote, “’When we’re going for what we want, irrespective of what God wants, our ego is in charge and we start ‘edging God out.’”

Egos edge God out and off the center stage position He should have in our lives. Pride puffs us up and pushes God from the throne of our hearts. Prideful people have no room in their thoughts for God.

God’s Word is clear. Pride is a serious sin. He hates it! Pride seeks God’s rightful place within our hearts and fails to acknowledge humble dependence on Him in all things. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished  (Proverbs 16:5)

Prideful people edge God out of their plans by running into the day without prayer and guidance from His Word. Their actions demonstrate they don’t need God or His help. They can handle things on their own! The humble make much of God by acknowledging that they need Him every hour. They commit all that they do to Him (Proverbs 16:3).

Prideful people edge God out of their conversations when they misuse His name, gossip, and judge. They twist their stories to make much of themselves, and manipulate discussions for personal gain. Humble people use their words to honor and exalt God, and to look out for the interests of others. Their prayer is that all the words they speak and think be pleasing to Him (Psalm 19:14).

Prideful people edge God out of their lives by putting false idols on the throne of their hearts. They seek the gods of comfort and security in their bank accounts instead of His provision. They look for affirmation and approval from others instead of their identity in Christ. They’re white knuckled and anxious as they seek control and power rather than trusting in their Father’s sovereign care.

Scripture says that God looks intently at the humble. He shows pleasure, favor, and care to those who walk humbly with Him. “This is the one to whom I will look: he (she) who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2, ESV).

HE>i: Is there anything edging God out of being the center of your life? If so, humble yourself in prayer and ask Jesus to be the center. 

At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend.

John Stott

grace and peace,

Lenae