Matthew 4 - 7.29.24
Scripture
Matthew 4:8-11
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Observation
Immediately after being baptized by John, and receiving the Holy Spirit, with a Voice from Heaven saying, this is my Son whom I am well pleased, (see Matthew 3), Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to fast and be tempted by Satan. Following that wilderness experience, He was attended by angels and began His ministry.
Jesus was put to the ultimate test of complete surrender to God during His experience in the wilderness and fasting for 40 days and 40 nights (verse 2). God had to break Jesus down, make Him dependent on Him alone, and test Him before He was able to start His ministry. As most of us know, Jesus’ ministry was an extremely humbling one…obedient completely to death.
Of course, Jesus passed the test and He did not give in to any of the temptations presented to Him. He worshipped and served the One True God, instead of what the devil was willing to offer Him in this world.
Application
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” -1 Timothy 6:6-7 NIV
Pastor Levi has been going through a series about money. As a person who manages the finances in our home, I’m all about being responsible with money, working hard to pay off debt and managing what the Lord has given us with excellence. I also like enjoying the good things He has graciously blessed my family with (1 Timothy 6:17). However, the love of what this world has to offer and lack of contentment is NOT what God has called us to.
Even King Solomon, when God told him that He would give Him whatever He wanted, didn’t ask for wealth, long life or the death of his enemies, which are things of this world, but rather wisdom and discernment. (See 1 Kings 3:1-15).
When false teachers say that godliness is a means to financial gain, 1 Timothy 6:5 completely refutes that. This world is our temporary home. Let’s invest our time and money into furthering God’s Kingdom, which will last for eternity, instead of the things of this world, which will fade.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” -1 John 2:15-17 NIV
Prayer
Dear Lord,
You came so humbly to this world and left so humbly as well. Whenever I get tempted to put my hope in anyone or anything other than You, help me to refocus my mind and heart on You and Your promise of eternity. In Hebrews 13:5, You say to keep my life free from the love of money and be content with what I have because You will never leave me or forsake me. Help me to be content in You alone. Help me not to be overcome by the temptations of the enemy. As I continue to put my hope in You, You will richly provide me with everything for my enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17). Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi