The last two weeks we have been looking at the three temptations Jesus faced in the desert after his baptism, as recorded in Matthew chapter 4. The first temptation was to turn a stone into bread to satisfy the physical hunger Jesus had while fasting for forty days. The transformed character imitates Jesus, whose spiritual appetite overshadowed his physical appetite. The second temptation was to jump from the top of the temple because God would not let Jesus be hurt. The transformed character again imitates Jesus, whose worth to God overshadowed his ego. Today let's examine the third temptation!
The devil took Jesus up to a very high mountain, and showed him the kingdoms of the world, with all their greatness. He said he would give all of these kingdoms to Jesus if he would only bow down and worship him. Jesus told Satan to go away from him, and again alluded to the Old Testament when he said, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." This alluded to Deuteronomy 6:13, which is in the midst of a passage warning against idolatry and following "other gods." In fact, you should read Deuteronomy 6 all the way through. See how much of that chapter is directly related to this temptation!!
Think about the temptation Jesus was facing here.Jesus knew he was going to die for the sins of everyone, but Satan offers a way around that. Satan offers him all the kingdoms of the world. All that is required is for Jesus to bow his knee to Satan. Would you take the easy way out? Would I? The temptation is much greater than we can really imagine. But Jesus was satisfied with his mission. He did not need control over those kingdoms; he did not need control over his life. Jesus desired to worship God rather than to control anything, even his own destiny. So the aspect of a transformed character that is exemplified here is to be satisfied to worship God, rather than desiring to exhibit control. How are you doing with that?
There are so many examples of "the kingdoms of this world" being offered to us if we would just find a way around worshiping God. You can make more money if you do something immoral. You can have a more powerful position if you stab someone else in the back. You could go on and on. But let's key in on something so important to these examples of transformed character. Character is not what we do, it is who we are. It drives what we do, but it is not simply a matter of doing what is right. It stems from a heart that genuinely wants to be Christlike. If my spiritual appetite is genuinely greater than my physical appetite, or my worth in Christ is genuinely greater than my ego, or my soul is genuinely satisfied to worship God rather than to exhibit control, then My character is truly, genuinely transformed. Will I be perfect? Again, NO! But as our character is transformed, we become more and more like Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Where is your heart? What is your character like? How will your character be transformed? These are all great questions to wrestle with as we seek to become more like Jesus. I can tell you that your character is influenced by those you spend time with and those who you allow to influence you. If you spend time with God, with Jesus through the Bible and in prayer, we will be influenced by him. You will not be influenced by someone you spend no time with. Pray, read God's Word, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. That is how character is transformed. Next week, we will look at transformed relationships. For now, wrestle with where your character is. Wrestle with how to make time with God, no...life with God a priority. Wrestle with where your character needs development and pray for God's grace to transform you.
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