Does being full of the Holy Spirit prevent us from being tempted by the devil? No, in fact, if you’ve been a believer for a while you will understand when I say, “No, we are targeted as one’s who are walking in the Spirit.
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit, in the desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them, he was hungry.” (Luke 4: 1-2)
Jesus was on an extended fast, and the forty days were coming to a close.
He didn’t randomly go into the desert, Scripture is clear, “He was led by the Spirit in the desert.” (Luke 4: 2)
Yes, sometimes we are positioned to walk right into a battle. God has a purpose for it, though we may not see it. The Son of God encountered warfare in a way that was face to face with the enemy, the deceiver, Satan himself. As I read this, I am remembering a line in the Lord’s Prayer, “…Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
I guess, if we never encounter warfare, we won’t learn how to fight. If we ask for patience, we will engage in situations that will require this attribute. Ask and you shall receive! Suffering produces something strong in us that we cannot acquire any other way.
Jesus was on an extended fast, as I mentioned earlier, so he was hungry, famished, and weak would probably be a more appropriate assessment. Jesus was tempted in three specific areas, His response was “It is written.” Yes, the Word is alive and active.
The First Temptation
The first temptation, the devil told him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” (Luke 4: 3) How does the Lord answer, “It is written; man does not live on bread alone.” (Luke 4: 4)
Jesus is quoting from the Old Testament, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8: 3)
- Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Word of God.
Satan is attacking him in the very essence of who Jesus is.
- As a believer, we must know we are IN Christ.
The Second Temptation
The second temptation, the devil tried again. “The devil led him to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of this world. I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if, you worship me, it will all be yours.” (Luke 4: 5-7)
One commentary said this, “Since Satan possesses the glory of the kingdoms of this world, and can give it to whomever he may wish, it should not surprise us to see the ungodly in positions of power and prestige.” (David Guzik)
- Jesus came to win back the kingdoms of this world, Satan knew it.
- As believers, we must know what our purpose is and what we are called to.
One day, it will be said that “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11: 5)
“Satan offered this to Jesus now, before the agony of the cross.” (David Guzik) There was only one more request, Satan asked, “If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
It is written, Jesus answered, “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” (Luke 4: 5-8) The Old Testament quote came from “Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name…” (Deuteronomy 6: 13)
The Third Temptation
The third and final temptation, the devil led him to Jerusalem to the highest point on the temple and had him stand. “If you are the Son of God, he said, “Throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command His angels concerning you.” (Luke 4: 9-10)
Now the devil is mocking Jesus and he starts quoting scripture. The scripture he is using is from Psalm 91.
Jesus answers, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Luke 4: 12) What was he testing Jesus with? Testing God through signs and wonders. A miracle would have to occur if he jumped off the pinnacle.
- Jesus didn’t need to step down from His high calling, purpose, or authority. It was secured in God.
- So it is with us, as servants of the Lord.
This commentary was the best I’ve ever read that we can apply to our lives:
Jesus resisted these temptations because He walked in the Word and in the Spirit; these two are the resources for Christian living. Too much Word and not enough Spirit and you puff up (in the sense of pride). Too much Spirit and not enough Word and you blow up. With the Word and the Spirit together, you grow up. (David Guzik)
(Shared from Luke 4 1-30, Modified)
Jesus Moves Out In Power
After this horrific encounter with the devil, “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4: 14)
- Following times of intense battles will catapult us to move out in the Spirit’s power.
- We need to not only be full of the Holy Spirit but need to experience His power.
Jesus walks straight into the synagogue and starts to read from the scroll of Isaiah as it was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4: 18-19)
- Reading and proclaiming what is written is still a powerful tool that God uses for victories.
- If you don’t know what to pray, pray and decree God’s Word.
Jesus sits right back down with all eyes glaring at him and says, “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 21)
What do you see in Jesus? I see boldness, strength, assurance of who he is and what he’s called to proclaim and do. Yet, I see a grace that was upon Him and upon His life.
- Our boldness does not give us license to be rude.
Because of his grace, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.” (Luke 4: 22)
- Grace will give you open space.
- Grace aids to open other’s hearts.
All is well until truth is spoken and favoritism shown for the Gentiles. Jesus retells the story of how, “Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy, in the time of Elisha, the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed–only Naaman the Syrian.” (Luke 4: 24-27)
- There is no partiality with God.
The people in the synagogue were furious and drove him out of the town. He was on their hit list to throw him over the cliff, but “He walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” (Luke 4: 30)
People are fickle! They call him gracious at one point then in the same reading, they are furious at him. Yes, one day they like you, the next day you are shunned. The Holy Spirit gives discernment and makes a way of escape.
- The power of the Holy Spirit is needed enabling one to walk away from danger.
(Shared from Luke 4: 1-30, Modified)
The Call To Holiness
God was fed up with the Israelites idolatry. He says, “Enough of your detestable practices, O house of Israel.” (Ezekiel 44: 6)
Only the Levites, the priests, were allowed to enter the sanctuary who, “Are to come near to minister before me, they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices. They alone are to come near my table to minister before me and perform my service.” (Ezekiel 44: 15-16)
What else are they to do? “To teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” (Ezekiel 44: 23)
Holiness Comes Through The Holy Spirit
The holy days of all the Jewish feasts are still commemorated today.
(Shared from Ezekiel 44-45, Modified)
God Acts On Our Behalf
Isaiah spoke through the unction of the Holy Spirit, “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” (Isaiah 64: 4)
- Waiting gives God the opportunity to still act on our behalf.
- An entire book of Acts was written about God empowering through the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is still moving and active.
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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