6 Reminders for Facing Temptation Like Jesus

When we make a decision to follow Jesus, it is only the beginning of the many choices we will face. And along with that foundational decision comes various trials and temptations that will force us to exercise what we truly believe. The problem is that many times we are not prepared to respond properly in the face of trials and temptation, and we respond in our human strength rather than God’s power. But there is a way to respond to temptation and struggles that will help us as we walk through the various storms life throws our way.

“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:3-4).

Temptation is not a new phenomenon. It’s been here from the beginning. The devil has been using his same tactics of deception and manipulation since Eve was questioned in the garden, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1).

And still today the devil is offering similar questions:

“Do you really believe God forgives your sin?” 

“Did Jesus really conquer the grave?”

“Do you actually need to abstain from that behavior or make such extreme choices?”

“Can the Bible really answer all of life’s questions?”

Jesus gives us the example to follow in the face of temptation through His own temptation in the wilderness. He had recently been baptized and had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:1-2, Luke 4:1-2). His flesh was weak. Mentally I cannot imagine the toll of so many days and nights without nourishment. Yet, when faced with the tempter’s schemes, wisdom dripped from Jesus’ mouth. There are so many things we can learn from Jesus, but perhaps these are a few of the most important lessons.

1. The Words We Say Prove Our Faith

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “actions speak louder than words.” And there is absolutely some truth in that. But in this situation between Jesus and the devil, we see the opposite is true. While Jesus could have absolutely answered the devil’s first temptations by producing bread from stones and eating the most delicious hot biscuits he had ever tasted, instead He responded with words. He could have used His power to prove His power, but instead He used the Word of God (Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10).

2. The Way We Respond Proves What’s in Our Hearts

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

Jesus could have given a long explanation to the devil about why He didn’t want to make the stones into bread. He could have struck the stone with lightning out of anger or given the devil a piece of His mind. But instead He spoke from the depths of His heart. His words were the words of Scripture that were tucked deep within and woven into who He was.

When we respond in anger, outbursts, or with mouthy overreactions, we are proving what is in the depths of our weary hearts. When we have feasted on the Word of God, the Word of God comes forth (Luke 6:45).

Photo credit: Unsplash/Prisci

3. We Don’t Always Have to Prove That We Are Right

I don’t know about you, but right about now I kind of wish Jesus would have just let the devil really see the power Jesus held. He could have made a powerful display of His deity and put the devil in his rightful place.

But when we are faced with trials and temptations, we don’t always have to prove we are the winner. Jesus’ simple response of quoting Scripture proved more about His character than a big power play ever would have. 

4. Humility Wins

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).

It doesn’t always feel like humility wins, but we see it over and over again in the Bible. Jesus didn’t call angels down to orchestrate a magnificent defeat, He knew in time God’s way would be displayed.

In this moment, He simply spoke the truth (Philippians 2:3-8, Mark 10:45).

5. Sometimes, Doing Less Speaks Louder Than Doing More

Do you ever feel like you need to explain yourself? We see this on social media when agendas are challenged and disagreements arise. With comment after comment, people are compelled to get their ideas and explanations heard and understood. Sometimes when you stand for what is right, people are not going to understand.

When Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone,’” he didn’t keep going and going, explaining to the devil how God’s Word fulfill His soul, and the words God gives in His Word is something we should feast on, and if the devil would just see the truth then He could be free … and on and on.

In the face of disagreement with those who don’t see things the same way, sometimes it’s better to choose your words wisely and concisely. Jesus exemplified this so beautifully three times over in this situation (Luke 4:4, Luke 4:8, Luke 4:12, Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7, Matthew 4:10).

6. Giving God an Ultimatum Is Not Wise

Have you ever prayed and told God something like, “If you do this, I will do that”? This is what the devil did to Jesus (Matthew 4:9). As if the devil truly believed He could do something more powerful than Jesus, the devil tempted Him in a way that promised more than the devil could deliver. The lesson here is clear – don’t make promises to God that you cannot deliver. Rather than telling God what you want Him to do, just ask (Matthew 7:7).

Here we come back to humility again. Sometimes it’s difficult to admit we need help, but this is exactly what we are instructed to do. God is able to help in our time of temptation and need, but often we try to conquer the enemy on our own. 

“Since then 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 is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

The next time you are face to face with a trial or temptation you didn’t see coming, consider your response. A humble expression of faith in God by quoting His Word is your best defense against the devil. Remember the fight we are in is not against flesh and blood, but it goes beyond what we can see. God will help you through, and His Word is a gift to feast on day and night. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Cas Photography

Micah Maddox is a wife, mama, friend, Bible teacher, and author of a James: Tired, Tested, Torn, and Full of Faith. You can find encouraging resources FREE HERE! Micah is passionate about helping women learn what it truly means to daily walk with Jesus. She is on the Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 Writing Team and writes for Encouragement From Women. Her main ministry is at home with her husband, Rob, who leads worship at Clear Springs Baptist Church in East Tennessee, and with her five children, some by birth, and some by adoption. Micah's heart for her local church is what fuels her desire to keep writing, teaching, and serving. Micah loves to give a voice to hurting hearts and writes and speaks to the one who needs encouragement. You can connect with her on Instagram or micahmaddox.com.