When you read through Matthew 4:1-11, you get to see a time where Jesus experienced temptation in ways that we also experience it. Satan knows what your struggles are. He knows how to tempt you, that is why what you keep doing but have been trying to stop doing hasn't stopped yet. Satan knows when you are weak and vulnerable. Satan knows that when you are with the wrong group of friends, you will be lead away from doing God's will. Satan knows that when you are alone you can hide your sin from others, but you cannot hide it from God.
Jesus was in the wilderness fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. He was not doing this to lose weight and get that great summer body, it was his way to show honor to god. After that 40 days and 40 nights he was hungry. Satan tempted him to turn rock into bread so that he would not be hungry. Jesus responded by quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3 and said that man should not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Jesus was tempted and went to scripture. Temptation does not come from God. He allows for it to happen so that we can be strengthened by it through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Satan also tried to tempt Jesus by telling him to throw himself down from the highest poin of the temple. Satan even manipulated scripture (as many still do today) in order to get Jesus to do what he wanted. Jesus again responded with scripture. Finally, Satan tempts Jesus that he can have all of the kingdoms of the world if Jesus worshipped Satan. Jesus again responds with scripture amd tells satan to get away and Satan finally leaves him.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we learn that there is not temptation that happens to us that is not common to man be it sex, money, drugs, lies, power, prestige, popularity and so on. God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can deal with. he will provide a way out because He is faithful. We must decide if we want to take that way out or not. No matter what you are tempted with, know that Jesus was tempted but He knew how to fight. Also know that others are tempted like you and will be tempted like you in the future. We don't have to fight alone. When tempted, call a Christian brother or sister. Go for a walk, but also pray to God. We have to know how to fight. Not on our own power, but with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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