Sep6
Matthew 4:5-6……Ready
Then the devil took him (Walked, hiked in, or transported Jesus supernaturally) to the holy city (Jerusalem) and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. (S.E. corner of the Temple mount 450 feet above the Kidron valley) 6 “If (Since) you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (Ps. 91:11-12) (Jesus having refuted Satan’s first temptation by quoting Scripture. Satan here seems to be saying two can play that game, a “tit-for-tat,” so to say, if you can quote Scripture, so can I.”)
Continued From Book
“Satan is tempting Jesus to gain a following by performing a spectacular miracle.” ⇒ Satan may be saying; “Look you can gain all the followers you want without suffering”. Or “Hey, Why wait for God, why not jump start your ministry now by coming out into the open in a glorious and spectacular way?” This will make your job so much easier. Your reputation will be made instantly. The danger there was that it would have turned Jesus into a superhero, like Superman who can leap over tall buildings. It would have had people coming to Jesus for miracles. Jesus could have used His divine powers to gain a following. But if He would have, He would have never went to the cross and pay the price for our sins. Also, His glory would have been short lived. Jesus didn’t come to be accepted. He came for one reason to die. He came to be rejected. He didn’t come for a popularity contest. He came to become a sacrifice. He didn’t come to gather a crowd of thrill seekers. He wanted a crowd of repentant sinners!
“Warns how Satan tempts us in the way of honor, glory, and popularity.” ⇒ Satan will tempt us in the way of status and respect of others. We need to make a name for ourselves. We need fame, honor, and glory. We need people to notice us, admire us, commend us, and stroke our pride. We think we have to be something the world calls worthy. We base our identity and self worth on other peoples approval instead of God’s approval. We put more importance on public opinion instead of God’s opinion. We long for acceptance and want to be popular so we do things we wouldn’t normally do in order to fit in, that its going to make us cool. We gain our self-worth from what people think of us rather than who we are in Christ. We become obsessed with keeping up appearances and lose our self in the process. And as a result we become “People-pleasers” instead of “God-pleasers”. As a result we trade temporary pleasures for eternal rewards. We may not have to throw ourselves off a Temple. But we can throw ourselves into wanting respect in our neighborhood, our profession, our school. And when someone taunts or disrespects us were tempted to go out show them. (How many drive-by’s and gang wars have been started because honor and respect.) How about you? What is the enemy offering you today that promises you notoriety, popularity, applause, or fame? In what settings is it important for you to put yourself first, push yourself forward, or make sure that you get the credit you deserve? What activities are you involved in that are more about bolstering your own image than bearing witness to Jesus Christ? Where do you see yourself trading God’s assessment of you for peoples opinion of you”?
“Warns how Satan tempts us to presume upon the words and promises of God as a licenses to sin.” ⇒ Its like driving to an adulterous affair and asking God to keep you safe from accidents so you don’t get caught. It’s like asking God to bless our finances while were freely spending it on drugs and pornography. It’s like asking God to keep us from iniquity, while constantly feeding our minds on trash. It’s like asking God to bless our health, while smoking five packs of cigarettes a day. It’s like asking God to answer our questions while never placing ourselves under the instruction of His Word. It’s like asking God to look after the welfare of our children, while neglecting to bring them up in the ways of the Lord. Grace is no more a license to sin then life insurance is a good reason to go out and swim with Great white sharks. How often do we make poor and dumb decisions and claim we were stepping out in faith trusting in God’s grace.
“Warns how Satan will tempt us into doing something spectacular to show were a man of faith”. ⇒ How many have allowed someone to set the condition of their faith. How many have been told that you have take a “leap of faith” in order to prove you’re a man of God. The same tactics can be seen by Televangelist and Faith healers who say; “If you don’t send a gift into this ministry today, then your not a man of faith”. Or they will try to get you to donate to some program or charity your not comfortable with and when you decline they’ll say something like “I thought you were a person of faith”. We see this not only in church, but even among friends and relatives: “If you loved me…,” “If you were a Christian…,” “If you really cared you would…..” Exercising faith in God often requires taking a risk. The bible tells us, “For we live by faith, not by sight.”-(2-Corn. 5:7) A biblical step of faith is not a “blind” leap. Our faith is backed by assurance and certainty. Faith is soundly supported by God’s promises in His Word. A leap of faith is not an irrational impulse that causes us to jump out into the great unknown without any foresight.
“Warns how Satan tempts us to manipulate and force God’s hand.” ⇒ How many have thought of God as a cosmic vending machine or a genie in a bottle who’s is there to grant our every wish. Or we take the shape of a magician, concocting a magic potion. A bit of faith, sprinkle in some prayer, and a pinch of fasting. Stir it all together, say the magic words, and “poof” – you get what you are hoping for. Have you ever thought of faith as a formula. “If we do this, God will do that”. “That if I just go to Church and read the bible God will do something for me or give me something I want”? Or thinking; “I followed God’s rules, so He owes me a happy marriage, a healthy family, a successful business”, etc.? (God’s promises are there for us when we need them; but to manipulate situations in an attempt to coerce God into fulfilling His promises is evil.) Or we try to paint God into a corner by using bible verses, saying things like; “God, your word says you won’t withhold any good thing from us.”-(Ps. 84:11) Therefore I’m claiming this by faith, now you must follow through and give me what I want. Or God your Word says we’re to step out on faith. So we jump expecting God to be there, and when He doesn’t show up we bring disrepute on His name, or make ourselves look like a fool in the process. (Remember God works on His time table and His terms, not ours!) Or we think God’s ways might be slower and inconvenient, so we run ahead thinking we know best. Then asking God to rubber-stamp our agenda, even though it conflicts with His will and His plan. Sometimes God lets us push past His better plan to experience the consequences of our headstrong attitude. How many have jumped headfirst into something they thought they wanted, only to find disappointment and regret. What about you? Can you see areas of your life in which you’re running ahead of God, presumptuously asking God to sign off on your plans and your agenda without considering what His will might be? Quit trying to manipulate God into acting how you think He should, and start trusting Him to act how He knows is best.
“Even today, Satan may not tempt us to jump off a tall building. We can be tempted to jump into an area of ministry God has not called us too and expect God to bless it. We can be tempted to jump into a relationship with an unbeliever assuming God will work a miracle and Save them. We can be tempted to jump on the “Name it and claim it” bandwagon and not see a doctor when sick, believing God will heal us.” ⇔ We can be tempted to jump ahead of God for something we want now when God has something better for us later.
“Satan twists the Psalm, leaving out the words “In all your ways”. Which was meant to protect those who are following and submitted to God’s will and those who are not.”⇒ The psalm is a psalm of trust, telling how God protects His people who are doing His will. It was never intended to be claimed apart from practical wisdom and common sense. We have no right to claim God’s protection or promises from His Word while acting in disobedience to His Word. These verses are about God’s protection in our daily stumbles. These verses are about God supplying angels to catch us and right us when we fall. These verses are not meant to be used as a testing ground for God’s validity. We don’t purposely put ourselves in harm’s way to see if these verses are true.
Additional Notes & Applications
Warns how Satan often uses half-truths instead of outright lies. If Satan would have come to Jesus with a complete and utter lie, that’s not at least sugar coated with some truth, Jesus would have rejected it off hand. The same goes with us, Satan won’t come to us, especially those who are biblically literate with temptations that don’t have something that is at least scripturally plausible. He could never convince us of anything if he tempted us with something that was completely irrational, repulsive, and evil. He is able to do far more if he tells us the truth in the wrong way, at the wrong time or in the wrong context. The 18th century poet Tennyson once said, “A lie that is all of a lie can be fought outright. But a lie that is partly the truth is a harder matter to fight.” Satan can also tempt us in doing things our way while still staying true to God. Here how it looks like today; Same sex marriage becomes, “Since God is love, all forms of love are divine”. Divorce becomes “I owe it to myself, doesn’t God want me happy”. Drinking becomes “If were going to reach the lost for Christ we have to meet them where they’re at”. Gossip becomes “Conversation of concern for that person.” Ignoring a person who hurt you becomes “Learning how to forgive without dragging them into my feelings.” Not serving in the church because were tired becomes “God doesn’t want us to serve under those conditions” How often do we do the same? We know what the Bible says, but we spin it, twist it, manipulate it, and change it to fit our desires. Or will do something sinful, even using scripture to justify it saying things like; “If God didn’t want me to do that, wouldn’t He have made it more clear in His Word. Some people will twist the bible and take it out of context to justify some sin or wrong behavior. As an example, some people will say that God does not actually prohibit lying by using the argument that the Hebrew midwives lied in order to save the Hebrew babies.-(Ex. 1:15-19) Therefor it is acceptable to lie. Even though throughout scripture God condemns lying.(Ex. 10:16, Prov. 6:16-19, 12:22, Ps. 101:7,Eph, 4:25, Col. 3:9-10) Satan can also tempt us in doing things our way while still staying true to God. The compromise the devil offers then, is not to thwart God’s plan, but to fulfill it in another way-the devil’s way, on the devil’s terms.
Warns of those who will misquote and misapply God’s word to make it say what they want it to say. Cults are very good at twisting and misusing Scripture. They’ll take verses out of context to support unbiblical doctrines. Or they’ll misuse scripture, claiming that certain teachings are from God. That’s why Christians need to know more than just what the bible says. We also need to know how to interpret Bible verses in their proper context if were to employ them effectively against the devil’s schemes. Do not assume that just because someone quotes Scripture they are right. “Well he told me the bible said this, I looked it up, and sure enough he was right.” Make sure the interpretation of any Scripture is in context and conforms to the teaching of the Bible as a whole. Many can present something that is scripturally true, but false and unbiblical. As an example some people take scriptures out of context in order to prove that the Sabbath must still be observed.-(Col. 2:16-17) Others will use scriptures in having you believe that Jesus’ perfect sacrifice was not enough, that you still have to earn your Salvation by keeping the Commandments and doing good works. Others will proclaim all are Saints, that we are not to see ourselves as sinners, but only as those who occasionally sin. Some will say that Satan & demons aren’t real, they’re just a symbol of evil. That’s dangerous error, mixed up with truth! It is important that we check every man’s words, or at least those who claim to preach the word, against the Bible.
Warns against winning people over by stunts and tricks. We to can be tempted in thinking that the bible is not enough, that you need to advance God’s Word through spectacular and worldly means. Many church’s have surrendered the good news of the Gospel for a pew-packing message of prosperity and wealth. Or that you need faith-healings, miracles, and promises of blessings for people to be brought to God. (Note: Sensationalism is always under the law of diminishing returns. People are never satisfied. One more sign, miracle, show. This year’s miracle would have become next year’s bore.) Or you need entertainment to bring people to Christ. Entertainment is not the way to bring attention to the spiritual needs of those who are desperately searching for hope. There is far too much “show business” of the Gospel in our times. Everything from comedians to popular entertainers putting on a musical concert to attract people to church. People need to be Saved by grace, through faith, not through a circus act! When the church resorts to spectacle and show to win hearts, at best it excels in providing Christian entertainment but likely does not transform lives for Christ in substantive ways. Will you let the message, rather than entertainment drive your ministry.
Warns how Satan tempts us to use our God-given gifts, abilities, or talents to show off and make a name for ourselves. Get famous! Use your power for personal glory! Our character and values should make us people worth following.
Warns against thinking you’re going to get to a time in your life where you’re in this holy place where you won’t be tempted. Notice how Satan has no fear walking up to the Son of God and holding a conversation with Him. Satan has no fear of taking Jesus into the holy city. He has no qualms even about taking Jesus to the temple, the holiest place in the Holy City. Let that be a lesson for us, Satan is not deterred by the holy boundaries we set. Listen, Adam was tempted in a perfect place, Paradise, the Garden of Eden, yet he fell. Which goes to show how you can’t isolate yourself from temptation. Temptation can be found everywhere—in empty places, in low places, in high places, and yes, even in holy places. Be it holy locations: Church sanctuaries, monasteries, ministries, seminaries, Christian websites, etc. “Wherever God erects a house of prayer, The Devil always builds a chapel there: And ‘twill be found, upon examination, The latter has the largest congregation.”– Daniel Dafoe
Warns how Satan not only tempts Jesus by misquoting scripture. What’s even more astonishing is that Satan misquotes this scripture at the Temple. What a scary thought, creating spiritual disaster by the abuse of religious ideas and all in God’s house. How many times have we personally, as a community, or as a nation used Scripture to justify our evil action. Has not the church used God’s Holy Word to launch the Crusades, or justify Slavery? Have we not used these words to oppress and keep female disciples out of the pulpit?-(1-Tim. 2:12) Or how many have tried to distract people from their apparent sin by appealing to other teachings that seem to encourage non-judgmental attitudes; “Do not judge or you to will be judged”-(Matt.7:1-2) Think about it! One of the greatest examples of people doing this was the Pharisees. They used religion to cover up their evil actions and tried to appear pious and reverent. Instead of caring for their parents as God commanded, the Pharisees taught that a person could devote their money and resources to the Lord as “corban,” thus nullifying any use of the money or any other resources for their parents.-(Matt. 15:3-6)
Teaches how Satan often tempts us not with things we don’t want, but the things we enjoy. We love to do things for the church. We love to show how devoted we are. Jesus had a huge heart for Jerusalem. He had a zeal for God’s house/temple. He wept over the city of Jerusalem. But God’s plan for Him was to enter Jerusalem on a donkey, not on the wings of fiery angels.
Teaches if Satan knows enough of the bible to quote it, twist it, and manipulate it. We have to be versed in the bible ourselves to know the difference. If the devil is skilled at the bible and knows scripture very well, how much more should we if were to stay ahead of Satan’s game. If Satan can’t get you one way he’ll work through your religion and miss-understanding of the bible! That’s why we need to know not just the word of scripture but the whole counsel of God’s Word. Just reciting verses and knowing the Greek will do us no good if we don’t understand the context and what the rest of the bible says. [Note: Often it’s not ignorance of the bible, but its the neglect, the misuse, and miss-application of the bible that Satan targets!]
Warns just as Satan can appear as an expert in the Word of God. He can also appear as a televangelist, university professor, seminary instructor, bible scholar, Christian author, etc. Satan can even appear as Pastor of a Mega-Church to make it look like God is blessing him. Therefore we need to be careful and not so gullible. Just because someone can build a big following, rattle off scriptures, quote some bible verses to support their beliefs. Or give you something from the bible that sounds intelligent, cohesive, and well articulated doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a correct interpretation of scripture! Always interpret the Bible in terms of context, and do not isolate verses, always interpret scripture in the context of the chapter, book, author, and the entire Bible.
Warns how Satan will play off our strengths and weaknesses. That if Satan doesn’t win in one area he simply moves on to another. In the first temptation Satan attacks Jesus at the point of His “weakness”– His hunger and physical needs. When this fails Satan moves on to attack Jesus at the point of His “Strength” – His faith & trust in God’s Word.
Teaches though the devil can take us to a place of dire peril and temptation. Satan can’t force us or push us to sin; all he can do is propose and entice us, he can’t make us sin. When Satan confronted Jesus he did not pick Him up and throw Him off the Pinnacle of the temple. Nor did he take the stone and stuff it into Jesus’ mouth as a loaf of bread. He had to appeal to Jesus and then wait for Jesus’ response. Neither the devil nor circumstances cause people to give into temptation; they are simply the occasion of it. Human moral choice is the cause, we are responsible for the choices we make regardless of the source of the temptation. Satan may place a bad idea in front of us, but it’s our own fault if we jump. St Augustine once said, “The devil’s part is to suggest, it is ours not to consent.” Whatever sins we commit we have to own it, we can’t use Satan as an excuse anymore. Saying “The devil made me do it” may be a good advertising jingle but bad theology. Satan can only tempt; if you sin, it’s because you choose to do so.] (cf. James 1:13-15) [Note: Some have wondered why Jesus would have followed Satan’s advice to venture into Jerusalem or to stand “On the Pinnacle of the Temple” in the first place? Doesn’t the bible teach not to put ourselves in tempting situations! Most would assume that you should never do anything the devil insinuates. First of all, going to Jerusalem and standing on the pinnacle is not a sin. This was not Satan coming up to Jesus and saying, “Follow me” and Jesus saying, “Ok”. Rather it teaches how temptations are strong. This is a real issue and a real moment.]
-highest point of the Temple–Meaning: The phrase “Highest point of the Temple” was probably not the actual roof of the Temple, but any part of the Temple complex. What exactly is meant by “Pinnacle/wing” is uncertain. The most accepted location is the southeastern corner of the Temple Mount. This would have been the outer wall of Herod’s Royal Portico overlooking the Kidron Valley some 450 (45-story building) below. A dizzying height that would almost certainly kill a man. Josephus, the Jewish historian who lived in the first century A.D., wrote the following description of this Pinnacle: This cloister deserves to be mentioned better than any other under the sun; for while the [Kedron] valley was very deep, and its bottom could not be seen, if you looked from above into the depth, this further vastly high elevation of the cloister stood upon that height, insomuch that if any one looked down from the top of the battlements, or down both these altitudes, he would be giddy [dizzy!], while his sight could not reach to such an immense depth.–(Antiquities, Book XV, Chapter XI, Section 5) Others believe that the “Pinnacle” of the Temple was the highest part of the Temple roof, an estimated 216 feet above the pavement below. There is a comment recorded in the Jewish Midrash (Rabbinical interpretation on the Hebrew scriptures) that supports this. Note the following: Our teachers taught, at the time when the King Messiah will appear, he will come and stand on the roof of the temple. He will proclaim to Israel and will say to the humble, “The time of your redemption has arrived! If you do not believe – behold my light which shines upon you…” (Midrash, Pesikta Rabbati 36)
Under different circumstance there would have been nothing wrong for Jesus to throw Himself from the Temple, after all it would have been a powerful display of faith and trust. That Jesus was taking God at His word and then acting on it. And besides, after Jesus landed safely it would have created a flashy miracle and greater witness to the masses of people below to put their faith in Him, that He was indeed the Messiah. Jesus would even later say “If you don’t believe my words, believe the signs that I do”.-(John 10:38) But what is wrong is that for Jesus to take the devil up on his offer it would have had Jesus questioning God’s promises that He was really on His side. It would have had Jesus fulfilling God’s plan another way that would bypass the Cross all together. It would have removed any need for faith. It would have had Jesus gaining followers based on wonders & miracles and not Salvation. Jesus came to Save Sinners not Impress Sinners! [Note: Jesus could easily have gained a following by jumping of the Temple. But what would have the trade off been? The trade off would have had Jesus gaining Kingdom subjects based on the miracles He had done and could do. But there would have been be no changed hearts, no repentance, no faith. There would have been no atonement, no forgiveness, no reconciliation, and no redemption. Church’s are in danger of doing the same thing in wowing people with promises of health, wealth, prosperity and as a result they end up getting people to come to church for all the wrong reasons.]
Note: Some contend that Satan’s temptation here is to get Jesus to test God’s care and protection. Satan may be saying “So if your so committed to obeying God’s Word and trusting Him. Why don’t you show everyone, starting with yourself. Show how trusting you are and how much you believe in the promises of God’s Word by throwing yourself from the top of the Temple. After all you say you’re a man of faith and take God at His Word.”
(For more Applications get the whole Book)
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