Understanding Our Temptations

Dr. James Emery White

Audio By Carbonatix

By Dr. James Emery White, Crosswalk.com

The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way and, from that, He can understand our weakness. But do we understand the nature of those temptations that Jesus faced and, from them, understand our own weakness?

The clearest portrait of the temptations Jesus faced can be seen in the wilderness, where He faced four – yes, four – direct seductions.

Stones to Bread

First, Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread. For Jesus, this was the temptation to use His supernatural power for His own personal needs. To be motivated by selfish desire.

In other words, the temptation is related to motives.

Why you do what you do.

Temple

Then came the temptation to stand on the top of the Temple and cast Himself off. This was the temptation to force a large following through the sheer display of who He was. Bypassing their will, even their hearts, it would have been doing something so spectacular it would have forced belief.

This was the temptation related to methods.

How you do what you do.

Kingdoms of the World

Then there was the invitation to be in control of all the kingdoms of the world. This was no empty boast—Satan could deliver it. “Okay, you love this world so much,” Satan said, “you can have it.” Jesus could have set up the Kingdom of God on Earth in all its fullness.

This was the temptation related to mission.

What you do.

The Fourth Temptation

But there was actually a fourth temptation.

“If you are the Son of God...” (Luke 4:3, 9).

If.

The temptation of self-doubt. The temptation of merit. You are not worthy, not deserving, not cherished, not prized, not special, not... anything.

The Only Possible Response

So how did Jesus respond? The only way possible, and the only way needed.

With the truth of God’s Word.

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written...’” (Luke 4:4, NIV).

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written...’” (Luke 4:8, NIV).

And after Satan caught on and tried to use Scripture as part of the temptation, Jesus said,

“Jesus answered, ‘It says...’” (Luke 4:9-12 NIV).

Jesus withstood temptation for two reasons: first, He knew what the Scriptures said; and second, He submitted His life and will to them.

How are you going to be tempted? Where are you going to be vulnerable?

In the same ways.

You will be tempted in the areas of motive, method, mission, and merit.

You will be tempted to make it about you – your gain, your fame, your advancement – instead of becoming more like Jesus.

You will be tempted to take shortcuts, to have the ends justify the means.

You will be tempted to pursue agendas other than the primary one God has for every life.

You will be tempted to listen to the voice that would shame you, discredit you, and place you outside of God’s grace and forgiveness.

The question is whether you will meet each and every one of those temptations with the truth of God’s Word.

Like Jesus did.

5 Prayers to Pray against Temptation

James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and a former professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president. His latest book, Hybrid Church: Rethinking the Church for a Post-Christian Digital Age, is now available on Amazon or from your favorite bookseller. To enjoy a free subscription to the Church & Culture blog, visit churchandculture.org where you can view past blogs in our archive, read the latest church and culture news from around the world, and listen to the Church & Culture Podcast. Follow Dr. White on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @JamesEmeryWhite.