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Christian blog devotionals encouraging Christian living and spiritual growth. An open bible study and interpretation of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

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The three temptations of Jesus by satan…

…And the tempter came and said unto Him, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

…Then the devil taketh Him into the holy city; and He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If You art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply You dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, you shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God.

…Again, the devil taketh Him unto an exceeding high mountain, and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and He said unto Him, All these things will I give thee, if You wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, you shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt you serve.

…Then the devil leaves Him; and behold, angels came and ministered unto Him...Matthew 4:3-11.

 

The first temptation of Jesus…

If you be the Son of God…then command these stones to become bread…

Satan used the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes to tempt Jesus along with the pride of self in life…Jesus after having fasted for forty days was hungry…Satan used the lust of the flesh…hence making stones bread appealed to Him. Satan used the lust of the eyes…hence looking at bread when hungry appealed to Him…Satan used the pride of self in life…hence if You be the Son of God then make…Jesus never fell to the first temptation but quoted what is written…Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

 

The Second temptation of Jesus

If You be the Son of God cast yourself down for He shall give His angels charge concerning You and on their hands they shall bear You up…

Satan again used the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes to tempt Jesus alone with the pride or self in life…Jesus was tempted by the lust of the flesh in…He could have wanted to feel a Holy angel’s presence or hands…Jesus was tempted to with the lust of the eyes…He could have wanted to see the unseen angels…Jesus was tempted by the pride or self in life because they could have saved Him and obeyed Him…Jesus never fell to the second temptation…but quoted what is written…You shall not make a trial of the Lord your God. In my words, He said do not jump in the fire Satan then ask God to save you.

 

The third temptation of Jesus

All these things…the glory and the kingdoms of the world…will I give You if you fall down and worship me.

Satan again used the lust of the flesh and eyes to tempt Jesus along with the pride of self in life. Jesus seen all the food and good these other kingdoms did and would not have to suffer any longer in the flesh. Jesus was tempted by the lust of the eyes…He seen He could have authority over all these other nations and never have to do anything but commit idolatry. Jesus was tempted by the pride of self in life…He would not have to suffer and learn obedience by dying for sinners...He could be the Authority without having to suffer obedience unto death. Jesus did not fall but quoted as it is written…you shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt you serve.

 

All three temptations had this in common…the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of self in life.

 

Jesus could have turned stones into bread…Jesus could have commanded the angels to make Him not fall…Jesus could have committed idolatry and receive authority over the earth without any form of obedience or suffering. Jesus was tempted as it is written…

For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need...Hebrews 4:15-16.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever...1 John 2:15-17.

 

We have these promises of assurance…as it is written…

Wherefore let him that thinketh he stands take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry...1 Corinthians 10:12-14.

And in like manner the Spirit also helps our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; and He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose...Romans 8:26-28.

 

Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed Him, If you abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...John 8:31-32. …You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stands not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof...John 8:44. …I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep...John 10:9-11.

 

Jesus was born of a virgin and never broke any of the Commandments of the law but was under the standard of the Ten Commandments. Jesus never broke any of the Ten Commandments being from the tribe of Judah and not from the tribe of Levi. In any of these temptations, Jesus never broke one of the Ten Commandments. Then by learning obedience as it is written…though He was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which He suffered; and having been made perfect, He became unto all them that obey Him the Author of eternal salvation; named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek...Hebrews 5:8-10.

 

Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead in order that we all could be saved from our disobedience to God, because unlike Jesus we all like sheep have gone astray. Do you believe Jesus died and was raised from the dead…yes or no? Do you want to be tempted away from God’s side…yes or no? Do you want to be saved from eternal punishment…forever being destroyed in fire because of your rebellion to God…yes or no?

 

Jesus said as it is written…after His resurrection and dying on the cross…to the 11 remaining disciples…

… Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves (disobeys)  shall be condemned. And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover...Mark 16:15-18.

…So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen...Mark 16:19-20.

 

 

Prayer

Father please help us not to be tempted…we struggle enough by ourselves…we renounce Satan and his temptations...please create in us a desire not to love the world or the things in the world…help us not to love our lives unto death so we may prosper and be in health as our soul prospers in Christ…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.

 

Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…


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A test…are you self righteous…


And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought (nothing):

…Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee (preacher), and the other a publican (government employee…politician).


The actions of the Pharisee…the preacher…

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus (this way) with himself, God,…I thank thee, that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners (those which require service through forcible or political means), unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican (a traitor to Jews…a roman employee).

(Listen to his resume)…I fast twice in the week; I give tithes (a tenth) of all that I get.


The actions of the Jewish publican…

…But the publican (a Jew which could only feed himself by being a roman government employee), standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying,

(The publican’s resume)…God, be thou merciful to me a sinner (traitor).

I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be humbled; but he that humbles himself shall be exalted.


Jesus teaching in the same setting of how a child should receive the Kingdom of God…

…And they were bringing unto him (Jesus) also their babes, that he (Jesus) should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked (forbade) them. But Jesus called them unto him, saying,

…Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein...Luke 18:9-17.


Do you seek position with man or do you seek God’s service…

Are the self-righteous…thinking your past resume will get you into Heaven Or are you a sinner who needs to be taught how not to sin and is looking for forgiveness?


The self-righteous was thinking his works was all he needed…he was not seeking God or forgiveness but believed he had already won the entrance into Heaven…he was not asking God to meet his needs spiritually but was “reminding” God how much he sacrificed for God’s service. Whereas the publican…knew he needed God or else he would not make it…notice the text said…the Pharisee prayed with himself…he was so full of self, God would not entertain his prayer…the publican was just the opposite he came to the temple to seek God and to learn better.


Jesus said to his disciples in the same setting to receive the kingdom of God like a child…going daddy bless me I know not what is good for me…this was the intentions of the parents…humble opinion…like saying please bless them.


Do you seek God like a child…looking to God to learn and be forgiven…yes or no?


Prayer

Father please bless us so we not offend You in word or deed…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.


Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…


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You must forsake evil or repent to live in the eternal heaven…

 

For godly grief (sorrow) produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death...2 Corinthians 7:10.

Repentance starts in the mind…as in you hear of knowledge that what you have done is wrong or evil. Then this knowledge causes you to consider wrong and right in your heart…then you decided if you change your behavior to fit the knowledge revealed unto you…it involves a change of mind…hearing new knowledge or facts…which results in a change of heart…the desire to be more moral like God…then a change in direction or living according to the decision made to more like God or to be more moral. Some people are sorry they got caught stealing because they will suffer the consequences…others are sorry they stole and did not mean to do wrong. Some change and rejoice because the new knowledge…the new morals…the new direction will lead to salvation in eternal Heaven…others are sorry it does not meet social standards.

 

What does repentance mean…

When a person repents of a telling a lie…it means you will never lie again. When a person repents of stealing it means they will never steal again. When a person repents of murdering it means they will never murder again. When a person repents of coveting it means they will not want other people’s blessings. When a person repents of adultery…means they will never have sex outside of marriage again.


God requires repentance according to His moral standard of the Ten Commandments…which can be summed up in terms of treating our neighbor as ourself…you do not like your money to be stolen so do not steal…you do not like to be lied to so do not lie…you do not like to be killed…so do not murder…you do not want people eyeing your blessings…so do not covet another’s blessings…the ten commandments was the minimum standard of the Jew…and thus Jesus being from the tribe of Judah to be called sinless…if One soul could keep them without fault and Jesus the Christ of Nazareth did never break one of these Ten Commandments…and was and is sinless.

 

The Ten Commandments…

1.      Thou shalt have no other gods before Me Exo 20:3

2.      Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image Exo 20:4-6  

3.      Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain Exo 20:7  

4.      Honor thy father and thy mother Exo 20:12  

5.      Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exo 20:8…John 4:20-26…1 Cor 16:1-2…the first day now.

6.      Thou shalt not kill. Exo 20:13  

7.      Thou shalt not commit adultery. Exo 20:14  

8.      Thou shalt not steal. Exo 20:15  

9.      Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Exo 20:16   

10.  Thou shalt not covet Exo 20:17  

 

Jesus required and told others to repent or they would die…

Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they have suffered these things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish...Luke 13:1-5.

 

You cannot willfully break one of the Ten Commandments and please God…you must forsake your behavior and conform to God’s standard…

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries...Hebrews 10:26-27.

 

Listen to what Peter told those Jews He accused of killing Jesus…

Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made Him (Jesus) both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do (we murdered the Christ)?

…And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto Him...Acts 2:36-39.

 

We must change and be like our Father in Heaven…just like our dads here on earth teach us their commandments or ways of living. Our Heavenly Father…the Creator…the Great I am having a moral code which is the morals found in the Ten Commandments…Can you read the Ten Commandments and say I have never broken one of these…yes or no?

 

If you have broken one these then you need forgiveness from God…just like Peter told those who killed Jesus.

…And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto Him...Acts 2:36-39.

 

Jesus died having never broken any of the Commandments of God and laid down His sinless life so our Father in Heaven would forgive you and I of breaking His moral code or heart…Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead so you and I could be forgiven…yes or no?

 

Are you like those who murder or crucified Jesus…and need forgiveness of stealing…lying…murdering…coveting…adultery… or any other commandments…yes or no?

 

If you do not repent…then you can find no forgiveness…listen

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. A man that hath set at nought Moses' law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know Him that said, Vengeance belongs unto Me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God...Hebrews 10:26-31.

 

Prayer

Our Father in Heaven…please reveal and supply all our needs to conform to the morality of the Ten Commandments so we may develop a character like Yours and so our soul will prosper and we can be in health by loving our neighbor as ourself for You in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.

 

Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…


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