Lionel, that’s a good answer to Steve’s question…and might I add that (in reference to Psalms 24) yes, the earth is the Lord’s because He is the Creator and the ultimate Governor of all its affairs…Yet I believe that because of sin, the creation (namely earth) was subjected to captivity and thereby is under temporary management and groans for freedom (See Romans 8:19-20). One day, God is going to restore it all and Satan will have no more control.

There is a lot to talk about in your comment. Often times we see Jesus as God and forget that He was fully 100% man! His temptation is real, genuine and could have had real consequences, it wasn’t a sort of temptation but it was the same temptation as the first Adam, yet He did not sin!

Steve,

You bring up a good question. I think Satan had real authority to grant Jesus those kingdoms before He paid the price for His kingdom. Paul says he is the “god of this world”. Paul also calls him the prince of the power of the air. We have a real adversary who can still do a bit of damage.

Good lesson/devotional, I also particularly liked this: This is the point; to only memorize scripture is not enough, we have to not only know it, but also interpret and apply the word correctly just as Christ did. If we allow the word to penetrate the deepest areas of our heart and mind we can come out victorious when we are tempted as well. Jesus is our perfect example in all things let us learn from Him in every situation. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.

Jeff & Javetta-

I like the point about self control, thank God for the internal motivation and divine enablement of the Holy Spirit as when we “walk in the Spirit” or are “led by the Spirit” we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit part of which is self control.

Interesting question for all: Satan said, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus didn’t correct Satan. Q: how did Satan gain ownership of all the kingdoms? Doesn’t Psalm 24 make it clear that the Lord owns the earth? How can Satan make this claim?

It’s also interesting that God essentially repeated to Noah what he told Adam and Eve. There are a few additions, though. He also allowed all animals and plants as food (no dietary laws yet).

The heart-life connection is deep and direct: what we truly know and believe/trust–not merely what we think we know and trust–determines how we behave and feel.

How can we be sure we are knowing and trusting truth? Jeff speaks to this when he says, “This is the point; to only memorize scripture is not enough, we have to not only know it, but also interpret and apply the word correctly just as Christ did” and Alan adds an unpacking of “apply” by reminding us that following Jesus involves “teaching, proclaiming, and caring” like he did.

In the past six months or so, this idea of the heart-life connection has been impressed upon me more times than I can count. I have come to learn that changing my heart beliefs is not just difficult; it is impossible to do directly. I have also come to learn that this does not mean I can sit idly by and merely trust the Spirit to do his work. I must participate by fessing up when I see the disconnect, admitting my inability to change myself, immersing myself in God’s truth, and trusting the Spirit by acting on what I do know.

It’s a beginning…

Alan, excellent point on the end of Matthew 4.

I like the end of Matthew 4 also. We see Jesus teaching, proclaiming, and caring for people. So, Jesus was not only a perfect example of avoiding temptation, he’s also the perfect example of how we are to live – by teaching, proclaiming, and caring.

-Alan