The Three Temptations - Part 5
In His first temptation in the wilderness, the devil tempted Jesus to satisfy His needs, but it was not in God’s way, and it was not in God’s time, and so it was not in God’s will.
“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’”—Matthew 4:2-3 (NKJV)
Jesus refused.
“But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’”—Matthew 4:2-4 (NKJV)
All of us, as ministers of Christ, will face this temptation, and we must overcome it if we are going to fulfill the ministry that God entrusts to us.
There is nothing wrong with having needs, and there is nothing inherently wrong with satisfying needs and desires, but they must always be subject to the will of God and His timing.
Jesus demonstrated this in the wilderness.
God is not asking us to deny our needs, but to meet them in God’s way and in God’s time, which is sometimes hard to wait for. But Jesus put off meeting his own needs in order to accomplish the higher purposes of God. After He responded in this way, pleasing God, He was later ministered to by angels.
“Then the devil left Him; and angels came and ministered to Him [bringing Him food and serving Him].”—Matthew 4:11 (AMP)
Our Needs Are Already Provided For
We must come to the realization that in whatever situation we find ourselves, God provides us with everything that we need for that moment and that situation.
In that realization, we can always be content, knowing that God has already provided everything that we need, and He always will.
“Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”—Philippians 4:11-13 (AMP)
Jesus had no visible means of support during His time of ministry on Earth, and yet, He never took up an offering or asked anyone for money. He had no “safety net” of finances in the natural, and yet He didn’t seem to ever give it a thought. He focused on what His Father had called Him to do and trusted God to meet all of His needs. And He never lacked anything!
Jesus commanded us to have this same mindset.
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”—Luke 12:22-32 (NLT)
“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:19 (AMPC)
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.”—Psalm 37:4 (AMPC)
