“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.”

– 1 John 2:15-16

Sin is a general category that is composed of “all that is in the world.” Anything that falls under sin’s category is by nature opposed to God. For God cannot sin or be tempted (cf. James 1:13; 1 John 3:3, 5, 9). However, the Hebrew writer tells us that we have a great High Priest, Jesus, who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This was made possible because Jesus partook of flesh and blood (cf. Hebrews 2:10-18). “In all points” consists of, what John describes as, “all that is in the world.” While the account of Jesus’ temptations in Matthew’s gospel is not the only occasion where Christ was tempted, “all that is in the world” is made manifest in the account. A study of Jesus’ encounter with the devil in Matthew 4 proves most beneficial to our defenses in our contention with the adversary.

“Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’” (4:3).

The first of the three temptations was twofold. Satan attempted to appeal to the “lust of the flesh.” The Spirit reveals that Jesus had recently fasted for forty days and nights (v. 2). The result was the famished Son of God. Along with this, Satan tempted via “the pride of life” by testing His power. “If You are the Son of God” was a mockery of Christ’s person. There was no question of Jesus’ power in His mind, or Satan’s. Yet the temptation was there. Christ’s response is one to be admired as He called Satan’s attention to the Holy script (v. 4). He quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3 which deals in context with the provision of God for His people in the wilderness. Jesus shed light on the fact that not only does He not need the bread to live sufficiently, but His dependency was on God and not Himself. As Christians we must remember to seek the important things (cf. Matthew 6:33), and to fully depend on God (cf. Matthew 6:32; James 1:17).

“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’’” (4:5-6).

Satan once again used “the pride of life” to tempt the Son of God. God’s providential care for those who obey Him is extended in the Psalm from which Satan quotes. Again Jesus’ identity as “the Son of God” is acknowledged to shed light on His relationship with the Father. Surely God would care for His own Son! However, God has not promised His intervention if we put our own life in jeopardy for the sake of testing Him. Again Jesus responded by quoting scripture. “Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, ‘you shall not tempt the Lord your God.’’” (Matthew 4:7). The context of this passage in Deuteronomy 6:16 alludes to the time when the Israelites “tempted [God] in Massah.” After being led out of Egypt the Israelites had the audacity to complain and test God’s care for them while in the wilderness (cf. Exodus 17:1-7). God had already provided for them and as a result they should have had faith that He would continue to do so. Had Jesus thrown Himself down He would have displayed a lack of faith rather than an abundance of faith. As Christians we must never doubt God’s care for us.

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’” (4:8-9).

After failing in his first two attempts to cause Jesus to falter, the devil turns to “the lust of the eyes.” Jesus knew of His purpose in this world. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). This path Jesus had to walk was laden with sorrow, grief, pain, anguish, rejection, hatred and the like (cf. Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:10-18; 5:7-8; etc.). The devil offered Him an easier path. All Jesus had to do was forsake His Father and worship the devil. However, once again Jesus responded with scripture. “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’’” (Matthew 4:10). Despite the temptation, Jesus kept His perspective. He recognized the path would be difficult, but the end would be worth the suffering. As Christians we must realize the difficulty of our path to heaven (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). This is also filled with suffering (cf. 2 Timothy 3:12). However, the reward is far greater than the journey (cf. Romans 8:18, 28-30).

Like Jesus we must continue in our obedience and faith. There will inevitably be temptations along the way. Nevertheless, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus is a prime example of finding the way of escape. Throughout all the temptations He encountered His mind was set on the goal (cf. Hebrews 12:2). We must look out for, and resist the devil. If we remain faithful our God will reward us (cf. 1 Peter 5:8-11; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).