GOD’S WORD GIVES US STRENGTH TO RESIST TEMPTATIONS

The expression temptation in the second part of the theme means test or trail to examine how steadfast a believer is in faith and belief he proclaims and pronounces. It is not only a test, but for an ardent believer is a process to strengthen him and invigorate his faith. In a sense, therefore, says that we should could it a blessing when we fall into temptation. But it will not be the same with everybody; unless the person under assault by temptation is cautious to fight it out, there is the danger of the person losing the crown reserved for him. Temptation assails man from within. Members of the body are the tools of temptation and the chief of the tool is the eye. People in general may at times when they are tempted; say that they are tempted by God. We must guard ourselves not to be beguiled by such thinking.

In the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke, we see how Jesus was tempted. Let us note the Scripture carefully; Jesus Christ, being full of Holy Spirit, returned and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and was tempted by the devil, The Satan, for 40 days. On the one hand we note that he was full of Holy Spirit and on the other hand we note he was led into wilderness, when he was tempted for 40 days. This appears conflicting. How could the Spirit lead any man into wilderness, and how could the devil tempt anybody filled with Holy Spirit? It suggests that the devil, who is the tempter, always lurks behind the persons filled with the Spirit to trap them in and to devour and enfeeble them. All of us therefore must be vigilant not to fall victims to the ingenious devices of the devil. In the gospel lesson we could observe as it were an internal exaltation, in the form of devilish mentality that provoked Jesus to perform certain exercises utilizing the energy acquired by him by virtue if his fasting of 40 days and spending time with his Heavenly Father. If the devil had accosted him in the form of a living being, he would
have chastised or cursed him away, but we find that he was led to a high mountain and then he was set on a pinnacle of the temple, it must be a mental and emotional exaltation of him understandably infused by the evil spirit. But we need not to be scared of the enticement and snares placed on our path to Salvation, by the adversary, because the Lord in whom we believe, knows how to deliver us from temptation.
From the Gospel we note that the devil always is prone to tempt one when he/she chooses to become stronger in faith by fasting, praying and by striving to be led by the Spirit. It is because the tempter does not want anyone to get out of his hold. Here is therefore a lesson for all of us. When we decide or resolve to become sturdy in our faith, we shall be all more liable to be tempted and it should be the appropriate time to guard ourselves with complete armour. When we endure temptation, we should count it as a blessing because we can then receive the crown of life, which our Lord Jesus Christ has promised. Coming back to the first part of the theme, The Holy Bible is the WORD OF GOD which stands forever and ever, as Jesus Christ had declared in Mt. 24³⁵. It is food for the soul and Lord Jesus Christ, when was tempted by Satan to convert stones into bread and satiate his hunger, admonished the latter saying that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. God’s Word, The Holy Bible is not only food but is life and life giving source to the faithful. God’s Word opens our eyes and enables us to hold wondrous things in his Scriptures. We also note that it were eyes through which first sin came into the life of human beings. The Word of God gives us strength and encourages us to face Satan in our daily life. The word of God is written with the inspiration of God so that we all may read and understand God’s love for the whole mankind that HE gave His only begotten Son, Jesus to die as ransom for many. It is written that the word of God is so powerful that it is two edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrows and is a discerner of the thought and intents of heart.

Apostle Paul knowing that the Word of God is sharper than a sword, in his appeal to brethren to put on the armour of God including the word of God which is the sword of the spirit. In Rev.1¹⁶ we note that out of HIS mouth went a sharp two edged sword with which HE will fight those who fail to repent. It was because of this same word that Saul was transformed into Paul and it is still piercing the hearts of many, stony hearts
into the heart of flesh.

· Has this not been able to transform us from traditional Christians to true Christians?

· Has His word, the sword of God been able to make us repent and confess our faults?

If not then we should humble ourselves before God inviting His Word to enter our hearts to transform us.