{"id":506,"date":"2023-05-15T11:52:11","date_gmt":"2023-05-15T11:52:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/?p=506"},"modified":"2023-09-16T08:23:25","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T08:23:25","slug":"jesus-fasting-and-temptation-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/2023\/05\/15\/jesus-fasting-and-temptation-2\/","title":{"rendered":"JESUS FASTING AND TEMPTATION"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Part -2<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HOW DID JESUS TEACH US TO FAST?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Matthew chapter 6 verses 16-18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201c<\/strong><em>And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do.&nbsp; They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I assure you that they have already been paid in full.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>When you go without food wash your face and comb your hair, so that others cannot know that you are fasting &#8212;- only your unseen father will know.&nbsp; And your father who sees what you do in private, will reward you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What is temptation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biblical meaning of temptation is a \u2018trial\u2019 in which man has a free choice of being faithful or unfaithful to God.&nbsp; Satan encouraged Jesus to deviate from the plan of his father by misusing his authority and privileges.&nbsp; Jesus used the Holy Scripture to resist all such temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The three sources of temptation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><u>World<\/u><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indifference and opposition to God\u2019s design.&nbsp; Empty passing values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><u>Flesh<\/u><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gluttony and sexual immorality \u2026our corrupt inclinations, disordered passions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><u>The devil<\/u><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real personal enemy, a fallen angel, a Father of lies, who&#8212; labors in relentless malice to twist us away from salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How did Satan tempt Jesus in the wilderness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gospel records Satan tempting Jesus in <strong>Matthew 4: 1-11, Mark 1: 12-13, and Luke 4: 1-13.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Jesus had been in the desert wilderness for 40 days of fasting without food and isolation.&nbsp; Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River.&nbsp; He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days.&nbsp; Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the devil said to him,\u201d If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>But Jesus told him,\u201d No!&nbsp; The scriptures say, \u2018People will not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out from the mouth of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the devil took him to the highest point of the Temple, and said\u201d If you are the Son of God, jump off!&nbsp; For God will order his angels to protect you and guard you.&nbsp; And they will hold you up with their hands so you won\u2019t hurt your foot on the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus replied,\u201d The scriptures say,\u201d <strong>You must not put the Lord your God to test.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.\u201d&nbsp; He said,\u201d I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them because they are mine to give to anyone I please.&nbsp; I will give it all to you if you will worship me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus replied,\u201d The scripture says,\u201d <strong>You must worship the lord your God and serve him only<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The first temptation of Jesus in the wilderness was self-sufficiency.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">When Jesus was hungry after going without food for 40 days, he could\u2019ve fallen into the trap of instant gratification.&nbsp; Taking matters into his own hands to relieve his hunger instead of waiting on God for provision through the angels tending to him. <strong>Mark 1: 13.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">Satan knows to strike when we\u2019re at our weakest point physically, mentally, and spiritually.&nbsp; It could be fear, exhaustion, hunger, anger impatience, distress, depression, disappointment, worry, or anything that distracts us from seeking God and his will for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">The prideful temptation we all face is thinking we don\u2019t need God, this time. I can do it myself.&nbsp; There is an innate desire to prove our self-worth apart from God in the wilderness trying to satisfy a hunger for success, popularity, recognition, fulfillment, comfort, wealth\u2026now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The second temptation of Jesus was making unwise choices<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing to live recklessly and expecting God to come to our rescue.&nbsp; The Lord has given us all free will, but He\u2019s only a prayer away when we\u2019re having trouble making a decision or tempted to think ungodly and God will protect us from harm.&nbsp; Our wilderness is the expanse of choices confronting us every day, especially through the vast array of temptations via access to mobility, electronics, and Big Tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">Satan whispers in our ears that there won\u2019t be any consequences for making wrong choices and that \u201c<strong>He (God<\/strong>) will command his angels concerning you, to guard you.\u201d&nbsp; <strong>Luke 4:10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">We may sense the Holy Spirit warning our conscience against harming others or ourselves but act anyway.&nbsp; God is always there to forgive us when we repent from wrongdoing, but he will not defend us when we intentionally sin or live unwisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If you are wise and understand God\u2019s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>James 3:13 NLT<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The third temptation of Jesus in the wilderness was power<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lusting after what isn\u2019t or shouldn\u2019t be ours and envying others who have more than we do.&nbsp; We live daily in a worldly dark wilderness that idolizes prominent people, positions, and possessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We want control over our destiny and when we\u2019re successful, it\u2019s tempting to bask in the splendor, authority, and fame while taking all the credit ourselves instead of giving the glory to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Succumbing to this alluring worldly temptation provides a false sense of power over other people and our circumstances.&nbsp; We want to \u201cHave it all\u201d no matter the cost or loss.&nbsp; While singing give me more of Jesus, \u2018We\u2019re Living \u2018give me more of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HOW TO FIGHT TEMPTATION LIKE JESUS DID IN THE WILDERNESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pride<\/strong>, which is at the root of all temptations, fools us into thinking we can recognize or resist temptation on our own and that sets us up for failure. &nbsp;&nbsp;God hates pride because nothing good ever comes from giving in to it.&nbsp; Yet, unconsciously pride and ego are at the center of almost everything we do unless we\u2019re spiritually sensitive to its cunning lure and fight in the same way Jesus did&#8212; by knowing and hiding God\u2019s Word in our hearts so that we won\u2019t sin against Him <strong>Psalm 119:11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cGod opposes the proud<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&nbsp;But gives grace to the humble.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>So humble yourselves before God.&nbsp; Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Come close to God, and God will come close to you.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.&nbsp; Let there be tears for what you have done.&nbsp; Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of Joy.&nbsp; Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you in honor.&nbsp; <strong>James 4: 6-10 NLT<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Know your bible<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With each temptation, Jesus made a choice and took a stand.&nbsp; Without hesitation, his response was firm, \u201c<strong>No!\u201d <\/strong>supported by Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to stay humble eliminate pride, and avoid temptation, make the bible your \u201c<strong>Bread of Life\u201d John 6:35<\/strong>.&nbsp; You wouldn\u2019t go a day without eating unless you were sick or fasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you go a day without the Lord\u2019s word, you will be sick in heart and empty in spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><u>Pray continually over everything<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">The Holy Spirit was with Jesus throughout his wilderness experience and he\u2019s with us in our wilderness.&nbsp; He\u2019s there for guidance, direction, comfort, compassion, and encouragement to make the right decisions and take Godly actions.&nbsp; He also sends out a red flag warning to our conscience that we\u2019re being tempted and considering doing something that would be offensive to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prayer<\/strong> is simply a conversation and discussion with our Heavenly Father who guides us in the way we should go.&nbsp; Often, we find ourselves arguing with him or trying to convince him that our way is the best way even though in our souls we don\u2019t have peace.&nbsp; God is not the author of confusion, Satan is.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-pink-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">So, when you feel like you\u2019re in a tug-a-war with God, step back, take a breath, and let the Holy Spirit lead you to a peaceful confidence that s pleasing to God even though it will usually be the opposite of what the world tells you to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have an accountability partner.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">Often, we\u2019re too close to the situation to take an objective viewpoint, but a trusted godly friend who knows us well can gently point out where we \u2018re off course.&nbsp; Give that person permission to speak into your life and consider their words and thoughts as wise counsel.&nbsp; God wants us living in a Christian community to build each other up and to warn us when we\u2019re headed into danger.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">Rember that God never tempts us.&nbsp; Temptation always comes from Satan and we all will face enticements to sin.&nbsp;&nbsp; Here\u2019s the Good news.&nbsp; The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.&nbsp; And God is faithful.&nbsp; He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\">When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.&nbsp; So, take precautions to guard your heart and your mind against falling prey to Satan\u2019s sly and cunning ways.&nbsp; You have everything you need in your spiritual arsenal.&nbsp; Be alert and prepared to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you in honor.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.&nbsp; He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.&nbsp; Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.&nbsp; Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In his kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.&nbsp; So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.&nbsp; All power to him forever!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Amen.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Part -2 HOW DID JESUS TEACH US TO FAST? Matthew chapter 6 verses 16-18 \u201cAnd&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-506","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-jesus-is-god-who-loves-you"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":"","covernews-featured":"","covernews-medium":"","web-stories-poster-portrait":"","web-stories-publisher-logo":"","web-stories-thumbnail":""},"author_info":{"info":["Holy Bible"]},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/category\/jesus-is-god-who-loves-you\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Jesus is God Who Loves you.<\/a>","tag_info":"Jesus is God Who Loves you.","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=506"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":507,"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506\/revisions\/507"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bibleholyghost.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}