15/04/2019 - THE SPIRIT OF GOD LED JESUS TO BE TEMPTED

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Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1

One of the most powerful declarations of the scriptures is the one where Jesus was led by the Spirit of God to the desert to be tempted.  We may expect that similar experiences occur with us, for just like in schools around the world, we are subjected to periods of trials and tests after we have learned the lessons.  As we are approved we are used by the Lord to carry out His purposes. 

Jesus had fulfilled all righteousness; so He was baptized into the Holy Spirit. Now he would prove that he had learned what had been taught to Him, but with one difference, He would substitute us at Calvary.  On being confirmed for His mission, Christ was initiated in it.  The same will happen with us, but some get ahead of themselves and start to work without observing Jesus’ command to the disciples: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49b)

Those that do not await confirmation from Heaven and execute the work on their own account and risk will discover that they could have executed it with excellence, had they listened to the Lord. It is good to take note of these examples, because our God is never late and never early but always performs on time.  So be patient and wait for the Almighty and in days’ time you will discover that it was worth respecting the phases that He predetermined.

This verse is powerful: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). If brother is facing temptations, do not rebel against heavenly wisdom, because the laboratory lessons are also part of your training, and not only the theoretical. The secret in order to not give in into the suggestions of the enemy is to always be vigilant and in prayer (Matthew 26:41).  Then after undergoing trials you will receive the power of God and will serve Him pleasantly. 

How many brothers could remain with us, helping us to keep on with the Lord’s work with more results, but let the seed fall by the wayside, and the devil came to eat it (Matthews 23: 1-23)?  How many strayed under the trials of the sun, because they did not remove the stones from their heart, and remained without the seed because it dried?  The question is: why would they conduct themselves in this manner if the seed would make them more than true winners? What will become of these lives?

We can still remember those whose hearts were like earth filled with thorns.  These could be understood as the cares of life: a university diploma, building a house, developing a savings account for their latter days or the college education of their children. Unfortunately, in many cases, these were all for nothing.  If you are in tribulation where the Spirit of God has taken you, He waits anxiously that you remember your lessons and do not sin. 

Last of all avoid the fascination with riches, with glamor of expensive cars, fine clothing of expensive labels, ambition for other things.  All this was offered to Jesus and He instantly refused them.  Do not accept anything that the devil offers or shows or you will be reproved by God.  Remember this could be eternal perdition!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares