Have you ever been tempted? To be tempted means, according to Webster’s Dictionary, to be tested, allured, enticed, or inclined strongly. Yes, we are all tempted by something in our life. Is temptation a sin? No. Temptations are going to occur, however, it’s the consequences of giving in to temptation that wreaks havoc in our lives, thereafter. There are three categories of temptations, Lust of the flesh, Lust of the eyes, and Pride of life.

Jesus experienced each temptation, when he was led by the spirit, into the wilderness, and tempted by Satan. Mat. 4. The temptations were:

Lust of the flesh: Jesus experienced ‘lust of the flesh’, after fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Satan said, “Jesus if you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread”. Jesus replied, “It is written, man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.

Lust of the eyes: Jesus experienced ‘lust of the eyes’ when Satan took him to the highest point of the temple. Satan said, (taking the Bible out of context), “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, and angles will save you”. Jesus replied, “It is also written, Do not put the Lord your God to the test”.

Pride of Life: Jesus experienced ‘pride of life’ when Satan took him upon a high mountain, showing Jesus the world. (Remember, God gave Adam control of the world, Adam thru sin gave control to Satan, and at this time Jesus had not redeemed the world on the cross, thereby, taking back control.) Satan said, “All the world I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me”. Jesus Commanded Satan, “Leave me Satan, for it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only”.

You may be thinking, how did Jesus not give in to Satan’s temptations? What source of strength did He have? Simple – the Bible – God’s Word. Each time Jesus was tempted, He spoke to Satan with, “It is written” in the Bible. The Bible is not just another book. It is God’s written Manual, Source of Eternal Life, and Sword for Battle. We may not always be totting it around with us, however, if we read it, and store its teachings in our heart, then it is with us 24/7, therefrom, we will receive Divine Inspiration, Strength, Encouragement, Wisdom and Power.

When you are tempted, thru the power of Jesus Christ, orally command Satan to ‘leave you’, and quote what the Word of God says, to Satan. Jesus says, “I will not permit you to be tempted above what you can bear”.

Do not enter a dialog or converse with Satan. Call on Jesus and He will rescue you from all temptations.

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