THEME: OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD
SCRIPTURE READINGS
- Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
- Romans 5:12-19
- Matthew 4:1-11
Introduction
To understand our journey today, we must first look at what “temptation” truly means. Simply put, temptation is a strong urge to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. For a Christian, it is a direct invitation to disobey God.
Obedience, on the other hand, is the act of following God’s instructions because we trust His love for us. In this reflection, we will see a powerful contrast: while the first humans failed because they chose their own desires, Jesus Christ succeeded by standing firmly on the Word of God.
The main lessons for us are: 1. Temptation usually targets our physical needs, our desires, and our pride.
2. We cannot win this battle with our own strength; we need the Truth of Scripture.
3. Through Jesus’ obedience, we are given the grace to overcome our own failures.
The Three Faces of Temptation
In the stories of Adam and Eve and the temptation of Jesus, we see three specific ways the enemy tries to lead us away from God.
1. The Lust of the Flesh (Physical Desires)
In Genesis 3:6, we read: “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food…” Similarly, in Matthew 4:3, the tempter urged a hungry Jesus to “command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
Both Adam and Jesus faced a choice: satisfy their physical hunger or obey God. Adam and Eve chose their bodies over their relationship with God. Jesus, however, chose God. He used the Bible as His shield, saying: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
Today, the “lust of the flesh” shows up as gluttony, addiction, or sexual sins like fornication and adultery. We even see it in how we dress or act just to get attention. This Lent, we are called to use fasting to tell our bodies that God is more important than our cravings.
When you feel the urge to give in to gluttony, sexual temptation, or laziness turn to these Scriptures:
Galatians 5:16: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
2. The Lust of the Eyes (Materialism)
Genesis 3:6 tells us the forbidden fruit “was a delight to the eyes.” In the same way, the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, promising them to Him if He would only bow down. Jesus responded firmly: “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10).
When we follow the “lust of our eyes,” we become obsessed with possessions. This leads to:
- Corruption: Wanting to get rich quickly without honest work.
- Greed: Feeling constant pressure to own the latest phones, cars, or designer clothes.
- Lost Integrity: Some even sacrifice their values or enter unhealthy relationships just for money and status.
When you feel envious of what others have or feel pressured to get rich dishonestly, turn to these Scriptures: - Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
- Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
3. The Pride of Life (Status and Power)
The serpent lied to Eve, saying: “You will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). Later, the devil dared Jesus to jump from the top of the Temple to prove His power. Jesus answered: “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7).
Eve wanted to be equal to God. Today, pride makes us want to be our own “gods.” We focus on “self-projection”—trying to make ourselves look important while ignoring God’s will. As Christians, we must remember that Christ should increase in our lives while our ego decreases.
When you feel the need to show off, look down on others, or act as your own “god” turn to these Scriptures:
Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
James 4:6: “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
The Gift of Victory
St Paul gives us great hope in the second reading. He explains that while Adam’s disobedience brought sin into the world, Jesus’ obedience brought life.
“For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).
Because Jesus overcame temptation, He can help you overcome yours. You are not fighting alone.
Summary of Key Lessons
- Temptation is predictable: It always appeals to our hunger, our eyes, or our pride.
- The Word is our weapon: Jesus didn’t argue with feelings; He quoted Scripture.
- Grace is available: We are made righteous not by our perfection, but through the obedience of Jesus Christ.
Call to Action
This week, identify one “temptation” that frequently trips you up—whether it is gossip, greed, or an unhealthy habit. Find one specific Bible verse that addresses that struggle. Commit to memorising that verse and reciting it every time you feel tempted. Choose to obey the Word rather than your impulses.
A Prayer for Strength
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We admit that we often give in to the desires of our flesh and the pride of our hearts. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to love Your Word. Grant us the strength to say “No” to the world and “Yes” to You. May we walk in obedience and find true freedom in Your grace. Amen.
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