“…throw Yourself down.”
Today we are examining the essence of the second temptation, “…throw Yourself down.”.
It’s easy to rejoice and be glad when a known promise of God concerning a particular situation, comes to pass in your life. What do you do when you have tested the efficacy of the promise of God concerning a particular situation and it fails? Why should you still believe in the Promise? Read Hebrews 11. 17-19
In the last lesson, “Tell these stones to become bread” – Jesus was faced with how to use his miraculous power; whether to use it for selfish reasons or to help others. Jesus denied himself the opportunity to satisfy his hunger, even though he had been fasting for forty days and nights. This shows that he is not concerned with material things but with spiritual food given by God.
Purpose refers to “your” chosen set of life goals that guides your actions and gives meaning to life. Purposeis both an anchor and a compass in your Life journey; while securing you against life’s storms and distractions, it is also directing you toward what matters most.
Main Text Text Matthew 4:5-6
‘Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, ‘
- What was the plan of the tempter? (Short term goal?)
- Why was He tempted? (Long term goal?)
- How was the temptation effected?
- What was Jesus’ anchor and compass?
- Why did He overcome the Temptation?
- How did He overcome the Temptation?
- What could have happened to Jesus if He actually threw Himself down?
Action Plan
- What examples of “throw yourself down” events do you know or have experienced?
‘Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’
Hebrews 4:14-16
*** Next week study is on Third Temptation “… “Bow down and worship me” “ ******
