Monday, March 14, 2011

The strange benefits of temptation

According to Luke’s gospel, after being anointed with the Spirit (3:22), Jesus is now “full of the Holy Spirit” and “led by the Spirit into the wilderness” to be tempted (4:1-13). Why was this event important for Luke’s reader? The lengthy genealogy and wilderness setting portrayed by Luke evoke images of Adam and Israel’s disobedience and their failure to resist temptation. For the reader, these allusions are contrasted by the victory of Jesus as God’s faithful Son.

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The story brings out a faith dilemma for modern Christians: Why does God allow Satan to tempt us?

The biblical writers did not sharply distinguish between tests and temptations. We often separate these as if they are different experiences. However, the biblical writers had no problem using one word to mean tests in one verse and then using the very same word to mean temptations just a few verses later.

Temptations are a normal part of the Christian life. They are part of God’s curriculum for us. Either you are in one now, you are just ending one, or you are getting ready for the next one (Amen?!).

God seems to present us before a test/temptation so that by following him and by trusting his Word in those circumstances we become stronger. Our faith is confirmed and we become an example to other people of victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Because of this, we would do well to recognize when we are in a temptation, especially when Satan’s comments are like those said to Jesus: “If you are…” Here are some I have learned to recognize along with some scriptural responses:

1. “If that is what Christians are like this, why bother? You are a better person than they are.”

a. It is written: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (Prov. 3:34); Have mercy on me Lord, a sinner (Luke 18:13); Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners of whom I am the worst (1 Tim. 1:15).

2. “God is silent to you. It seems you are on your own.”

a. It is written: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Heb. 13:5)

3. “God helps those who help themselves. You need to do something now!”

a. It is written: They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. (Isa. 40:31)

4. “Maybe all this “faith” stuff is a little immature. Perhaps it’s time to put away childish things and take responsibility for your own life.”

a. It is written: “Lord, to whom else shall we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)

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5. “You need to keep building your qualifications, accomplishments, and reputation. That’s the only way to get the respect of your church leaders.”

a. It is written: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ (Phil. 4:7-9); Am I now trying to win human approval, or God’s approval? (Gal. 1:10)

6. “You’ll have time to focus on your spiritual life later. It’s time to make relationships with those who can further your career. Besides, you won’t be affected by their questionable ethics. That’s what you can look back on and be proud of.”

a. It is written: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (Ps. 84:10)

7. “Look at all you have invested in your education, your connections, and your accomplishments. You deserve more reward than this.”

a. It is written: Those who love money never have money enough; though who love wealth are never satisfied with their income (Eccl. 5:10); the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10).

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