RESISTING OUR FLESH
Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If 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.’
Matthew 4:5-6 (NLT)
In this passage, we find Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. This test involved the devil challenging Jesus to prove His identity by throwing Himself off the temple, knowing that angels would save Him. At first glance, this might not seem like a temptation related to the flesh, but at its core, it is.
The devil was tempting Jesus to misuse His power for self-serving purposes—seeking immediate gratification, recognition and safety apart from God’s timing and plan. This is often how the lust of the flesh operates. It entices us to prioritize physical desires, comfort and worldly affirmation over obedience to God.
However, Jesus resisted by leaning into God’s word and plan. He refused to take shortcuts. His example shows us the power of trusting in God’s provision and plan rather than giving in to a temporary desire for the fulfillment of His flesh.
APPLICATION: Practice self-control when temptation comes, and it will. Pause when tempted and ask for the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to resist. Find ways to say no to your flesh to build up resistance against the enemy's schemes.
PRAYER: God, Thank you for Your son Jesus, who stood firm in the face of temptation. Give me the strength to say no to the enemy and YES to Your plan and provision. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?