Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father] Ephesians 5:1 

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you John 13:15

The Bible tells us in multiple verses to imitate God and Jesus says to follow in His example. While there are some acts done by Jesus we cannot do such as miracles or physically going to the cross, there are various acts done by Jesus in which we should attempt to imitate. This month, we will be looking at four of those acts that Jesus exemplified, starting with fighting off temptation.

Expect Temptation

After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!’ Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 3:16-4:1

We see this example of Jesus fighting off sin immediately after His baptism. The devil does not wait to tempt. The devil is always on the prowl, even if you are fresh off a moment of great faith. The devil does not just come for those weak in faith; he wants to take the faithful ones down just as much. Jesus is moments removed from being baptized, the heavens opening and hearing the voice of God, and yet He is led to the  testing of His faith. We also see how the Christian life is not without its testing. Salvation and baptism do not clear your future of temptation. This is why this example of Jesus fighting temptation is so helpful. Everyone knows what it is like to be tempted, whether in a big dramatic way or on the smaller side of the scale. This passage also points out that Jesus is not aimlessly wandering into the desert, He is led by the Holy Spirit. While God is not tempting His people, you can be comforted to know He is still sovereign through all temptations the devil throws your way.

Answer with Scripture

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:3-4

The first thing we see from the devil’s temptation is he reminds Jesus of His power. The devil always wants to remind you of your power, whether you have any or not, he wants you to lose the fear of God. If you lose sight of God’s rightful throne over your life, the greater chance you fall for the devil’s lies. 

The next thing we see from the devil’s temptation is that the temptation appears beneficial. Jesus is in the wilderness, likely hungry, He could probably use a bite to eat. However, Jesus does not let His hunger blind Him to what is wrong. The devil often tempts where we are needy. We likely don’t experience the same hunger of being in a wilderness, but there are still plenty of needs the devil attempts to twist in a way to lead us into sinning. 

Let’s now look to how Jesus responds to this first temptation. He replies with Scripture. He does this for each temptation, but I think this one not only responds to the devil’s lie but reaffirms Scripture He uses later, saying that all Scripture comes directly from the mouth of God. I think it is also partially directed to us. Jesus is saying that all scripture is from God while showing it is being used to fight off temptation. This should teach us to use scripture in our times of temptation. To do so, it is vital to memorize Scripture, not just any verses, but specifically the ones that pertain to your temptations. One trick I learned from a pastor is to write down the temptations throughout the day and write down verses that coincide with them. It is hard to think of them in the moments so to write them down allows you to approach it with a clear and focused mind.

Stand Under God’s Authority

Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of them; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ ” Matthew 4:8-10

We have skipped down to the final temptation of Jesus. Again, we see the devil attempting to dethrone God from His throne. We see this in the devil’s false promise to Jesus to give all things at the cost of worshiping him. Jesus easily sees this and gives us a couple lessons with His response.

Firstly, Jesus is not being kind to the devil. He is commanding the devil to go. There are many places where the Bible teaches to treat sin as hostile and to boldly and violently fight it. We are to be gentle and live peaceably with all people, but when it comes to sin, we are to righteously hate it.

The second thing we see is Jesus, again, supporting the scriptures, saying that what is written from the mouth of God will remain forever. God’s word will never lose its power against temptation. God’s word will always be far superior to whatever temptations the devil throws out. 

Finally, we see God’s sovereignty in Jesus’ response. We see that in how He acts towards the devil. Jesus would not have commanded the devil if he were above Him. Jesus does not respectfully ask the devil to leave, instead, like a king ordering a peasant to leave the throne room, Jesus shouts and demands that he leaves. While we are not sovereign like God or have His power to command the devil to leave, Christians, because of Christ inside of them, do have the authority to fight off temptation. It is not by any authority found in us, but in the One who rules over all things. God empowers us to fight temptation, not because we earned the power, but because His great love and compassion in not leaving us helpless to the enemy’s attacks. When we remember that, we obey what Jesus quotes here, to worship God and serve Him only.