Tag: God

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IX)

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IX)

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Cooperating With God, Commended To Men (6:1-13)

Neal Pollard

We remind ourselves that chapter breaks are an artificial addition inserted many centuries after the Bible books were written. This chapter is a prime example. Paul is drawing a conclusion in verse one based on what he’s said in 5:16-21. As God “appealed” to the Corinthians through Paul and Timothy (5:20), Paul makes an “appeal” to them not to receive God’s grace in vain (1)–another way of expressing the reconciliation process Paul has just detailed in the last several verses. As the messengers of this reconciliation and grace, Paul again sets out to defend their work and their motives.

He asserts, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry” (3). We don’t know all the reasons why their ministry faced fault-finders, but most who actively serve the Lord will have plenty of detractors. Paul’s opponents resorted to some pretty nitpicking and petty criticisms (see 10:10). I have had the displeasure of hearing elders, deacons, other preachers, and church workers come under fire from self-appointed spiritual analysts, and it usually tells me more about the critic than the criticized. But how much good work has been unfairly tainted by hypercritical people? Moved by the Holy Spirit, Paul goes to the trouble to counter these unnamed “analysts.” 

THEY WERE EARNEST IN THEIR APPEAL (1-2)

Seeing themselves as God’s ambassadors (5:20), they urged the Corinthians not to throw away the great gift of salvation they had received (1). He quotes Isaiah 49:3, where Isaiah also feels like his words were falling on deaf ears and he himself was rejected (49:1-6), to remind them of how precious this salvation is (2). Paul is affirming that they were engaged in ministry to help the Corinthians successfully cross the spiritual finish line. It was urgent! They cared about them.

THEY WERE MINDFUL OF THEIR INFLUENCE (3-9)

In no other letter does Paul so specifically and so frequently refer to the price he paid for serving Christ (see also 4:8ff; 11:23ff; 12:10). He was mindful of not just his exhortation, but just as much his example. So they commend themselves “in every way” (4): he lists ten difficulties (4-5), nine spiritual attributes (6-7), and eight contrasting situations (8-10). They put their work and their character under the microscope, asking the Corinthians to consider their faithful discharge of their divine duty. They understood that souls and eternal destinies were at stake, so they pursued their work with great carefulness. We do well to be mindful of our example and our efforts to win people to Christ and help them mature in Him, too! 

THEY WERE GENUINE IN THEIR AFFECTION (11-13)

Paul was moved by more than his duty to God. He unashamedly declares his affection for these Christians. While he felt they had not always reciprocated his affections, he humbled himself to ask that they open their hearts as wide to him and he and his coworkers had to them. 

More times than I can count, I have seen elders serve from sincere motives, spending hours and expending emotion, to help a struggling brother or sister only to have these men’s love and motives unfairly questioned. The same is true of other, hardworking Christians. Our job is to strive to live above reproach knowing we will be unfairly criticized. It is also important for the critic to take personal inventory, asking if they have considered the spiritual consequences of their maligning. When we all decide to pull together and work for the same important goals, so much more gets accomplished! If you’ve faced unfair criticism, remember that God has a perfect record of your deeds. Even if others misunderstand, God doesn’t! 

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (VI)

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (VI)

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Who God Uses In His Service (4:1-18)

Neal Pollard

It is easy for us to think that only the super-spiritual, seemingly-perfect can be effective, but the opposite is true. None of us is too spiritual or perfect, though we should always be striving to be better and do more for the One who gave everything to save us. Paul is continuing his discussion about the ministry he and his co-workers have. As he does, he speaks candidly about himself and them–the messengers. As Christians charged with carrying out the Great Commission, we should all put ourselves in his shoes and understand better who God uses in His service. 

GOD USES PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY (1-4)

Character does not demand perfection, but it does require a conscience shaped by Scripture and a heart softened by it. This leads one to stay encouraged no matter what is encountered (1). It also leads to honesty and trustworthiness (2). We will conduct our lives righteously, and we will handle God’s Word faithfully. People can trust who we are and, thus, what we say. We may be rejected by the spiritually blind, but we won’t be a roadblock to their faith. 

GOD USES PEOPLE OF HUMILITY (5-7)

Paul gives a helpful reminder. It’s not about us, it’s about Christ. He’s the source of light, glory, and power. We’re the plain, fragile pottery God uses to demonstrate His surpassing greatness. 

GOD USES PEOPLE OF DURABILITY (8-12)

To be His servants, we have to weather storms. Those storms may be those we would avoid if we didn’t serve Him, but we understand the importance of our mission. We won’t let affliction, perplexities, persecution, and threats keep us from doing His work! God does not need spiritual sissies in His service. We draw our courage and strength from Him, and it causes Him to shine out through us!

GOD USES PEOPLE OF STABILITY (13-15)

What causes us to be stable? Faith! Because we are truly convicted of the truth, we cannot help but speak. We have faith in the reality of the resurrection, so we teach and share the message that brings grace to more and more people. This leads more people to give thanks to God and causes God to be glorified.

If I want to be a faithful servant of Jesus, I need to watch my personal conduct, lower myself, endure, and be trustworthy. That does not require perfection, but it does require dedication! But God depends on imperfect people like you and me! We cannot let Him down. 

Montagues, Snakeheads, And Christians

Montagues, Snakeheads, And Christians

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Brent Pollard

Juliet’s poignant line, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, delves into the profound influence of names on identity and perception. This metaphor underscores that a name does not define the essence of a thing or person. In the play’s context, Juliet ponders over Romeo’s last name, Montague, associated with her family’s rival house. She asserts that his true self would remain unchanged even if Romeo had a different name. This argument posits that a name is merely a label without impacting a person’s or thing’s inherent qualities or worth.

Lawmakers in Maryland are proposing a solution to an environmental problem by changing the name of an invasive fish species known for damaging the local ecosystem. The snakehead fish, currently unpopular as a food source, could become more attractive to consumers if given a more appealing name. This example raises interesting questions about the power of names and labels in shaping our perceptions. The lawmakers suggest renaming the fish “Chesapeake Channa” to emphasize its connection to the Chesapeake waters where it currently resides. The aim is to rebrand the invasive species and replace its negative connotations with a more positive image. Given that snakeheads taste delicious, Maryland’s campaign may prove successful. This case illustrates how a simple name change can significantly alter our perception of an object, in this case, a fish.

Juliet’s perspective that a name is a label with no influence on the intrinsic qualities of an object is worth considering. It suggests that intrinsic attributes hold more significance than the names or labels we assign. This viewpoint allows for tactics like renaming a fish to enhance its appeal. However, what if a person or thing’s name reflects their identity and purpose? In such cases, it would be unwise to alter the name. This rose must remain a rose. This caution underscores the responsibility we bear when considering such changes.

Peter reminds us that a name holds significant meaning. In 1 Peter 4.16, he implies that if someone faces persecution, it should be solely because of their faith. For instance, if authorities punish a person for stealing, it does not count as persecution. Those to whom God has given the correction’s instrument should treat the offender lawfully, as mentioned in Romans 13. So Peter says, “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4.16 NASB95). Though it appears only three times in the New Testament, the term “Christian” came to describe a community of believers who followed Jesus Christ’s teachings and distinguished themselves from Jews and pagans. It is the new name God promised through His prophet, Isaiah (Isaiah 62.2). 

As followers of Christ, it is crucial to identify ourselves as Christians. While being “spiritual” or “a believer” is not wrong, it does not define our identity as followers of Christ. To be faithful, we must fully embrace the responsibility that comes with the name “Christian.” This commitment involves living a life consistent with Jesus Christ’s teachings and values, actively following in His footsteps, being a part of a Christian community, and demonstrating love, compassion, and forgiveness in all aspects of our lives. Avoiding “Christian” may indicate a reluctance to accept the associated responsibility and accountability. By embracing our Christian identity, we respond to the call to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet.

In the end, while names and labels can sometimes be arbitrary or misleading, there are cases where a name carries deep significance and meaning, intricately tied to identity and purpose. Just as Juliet recognized that Romeo’s value transcended his surname, and Peter emphasized the importance of embracing the Christian name, we must carefully consider when a name represents something core that should not be rebranded or obscured. A name like “Christian” is not just a label but a calling to embody the teachings of Christ through words and actions. So, while changing names can sometimes be helpful, we must also respect when a name holds profound meaning that should be upheld rather than discarded for pragmatic purposes. Distinguishing between these situations requires wisdom and care.

“Love One Another”

“Love One Another”

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Neal Pollard

One of my favorite songs, “The Greatest Commands,” starts with this imperative. As that song urges us, “Love is of God” (1 John 3:10). Having a divine source and being a command, it ought to really grab our attention. John explains by reinforcing why we should love one another.

IT IS AS OLD AS TIME (1 John 3:11-13). When a Bible writer leaves his own culture and goes back to the beginning, you know the subject is important. Jesus does this with marriage (Mat. 19:3-9). Paul does this with women’s role (1 Tim. 2:8-15). John does this with love. He takes us back to the edge of Eden, using Cain and Abel as examples. He implies that Cain killed Abel because he did not love his brother (12). He also is teaching that love is a work, not simply a feeling (12). He then shows us that Cain’s way is the world’s way (13). John will stress that following the Lord’s way is how we overcome the world (4:4; 5:4), and the Lord’s way is to love one another. 

IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (1 John 3:14-16). It is a characteristic of the spiritually resurrected; it is how “we know that we have passed out of death into life” (14). We persist in a dead state if we do not love our brother (14). Hatred is the spiritual equivalent of murder (15; Mat. 5:21-26). At the other end of the spectrum, we know love by imitating Jesus and being willing to lay down our lives for the brothers (16). Building that kind of spiritual bond within the body of Christ matters so much to God! He wants us eliminating negative feelings, dissension, grudge-bearing, and animosity. He wants us building a spiritual bond that looks like the heart of Jesus, a heart that caused Him to go to the cross! What a challenge!

IT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAKE AND GENUINE (1 John 3:17-18). Saying “I love you” is incredibly easy. It is three one-syllable words. But our actions so often betray our claim. Do we literally put our money where our mouth is (17)? If we see our brother in need, whether financially, emotionally, socially, or spiritually, but show callous indifference, we need to go back to verse 10 and start reading again! The simple, powerful admonition is, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (18). In the context of works, James says, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas. 2:14-16). Just like faith without works, words without loving action are dead and useless! It makes our “I love you’s” false and dishonest.

IT IS KEY TO OUR CONFIDENCE (1 John 3:19-24). John says, “By this…” (19). By what? By loving in deed and in truth. By loving in deed and in truth, “we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him” (19). Look at all the conditional language in these verses. We should have confidence of our salvation if we love in deed and truth (19-21). We should have confidence that He will bless us and be with us if we keep this commandment to love one another (22-23). We should have confidence that we abide in God and He abides in us, if we keep His commandments (which includes, “love one another”)(24). John is not talking about cockiness or arrogance, but a blessed assurance that comes when we are striving to walk in the light (1:7). But, do not miss this point. Walking in the light necessitates brotherly love. You can’t have one without the other.

How should this change us? Won’t it kill grudges, feuds, avoidance, gossip, resentment, hostility, division, rivalry, suspicion, and the like? It will revolutionize the atmosphere of an entire congregation and the relationship between individual Christians in the congregation. It will draw us closer, into one another’s lives. Most of all, it causes us to imitate, please, and obey the God whose Son showed the greatest love of all (John 15:13)! 

The Power Of The Resurrection (Part 3)

The Power Of The Resurrection (Part 3)

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Carl Pollard

 Previously we have discussed the importance of knowing for certain that Jesus lived on this earth. The power of His resurrection begins with the hope of His birth. We are all in need of a Savior. Thankfully, 2,000 years ago God sent His Son to take on flesh. He willingly came and left an example for us to imitate. Secular historians all agree that Jesus of Nazareth really did exist. But there’s more to this that we need to study. He lived, oh yes, He LIVED. But we also need to understand that He Died. 

Scripture says that, in John 19:18, “There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between.” Mark 15:39 adds, “When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Scripture tells us that not only did Jesus live on earth, He was also put to death. John tells us that Jesus hung on a cross between two criminals. Mark records the response of a Roman centurion who saw the way Jesus died and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” 

God in flesh and blood hung on a cross for my sins, for the sins of the world. For me, having several biblical authors record the death of Jesus is more than enough proof. But let’s see what secular history has to say about His death. 

The Roman historian Tacitus said this in AD 117, “Their originator, Christ, has been executed in Tiberius’ reign, by Pontius Pilate.” Even Jesus’ worst enemies record His death. The Jewish Rabbis and Religious leaders wrote this in the Talmud, “Jesus of Nazareth was a transgressor in Israel who practiced magic, scorned the words of the wise, led the people astray, and said that he had not come to destroy the law but to add to it. He was hanged on Passover Eve for heresy and misleading the people.” 

The truth is, Jesus surely died for you and me. Scripture clearly teaches this, and so do many secular historians. For us to fully grasp the power of what comes next, we’ve got to believe that Jesus lived and that He died on a cross for you and me. 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXXIII)

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXXIII)

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The Song Of Moses (31:30-32:52)

Neal Pollard

John sees a sign in heaven which he calls “great and marvelous,” a sign involving angels, a sea of glass mixed with fire, victorious saints standing beside that sea, “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:1-2). Then, in Revelation 15:3 he quotes Deuteronomy 32:2-3. In one of our hymns, “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks,” there is a line that anticipates that as we rest in that fair and happy land, we will “sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, by and by.”

This song comes from God (cf. 31:19) and is first spoken by Moses (31:30) and then, of course, ultimately written down. It reminds us that Moses was not only familiar with Hebrew poetry, but he was the first to write it down (cf. Psa. 90). What can we learn from this inspired song, composed for Israel’s good?

It praises (1-4).  He proclaims the Lord’s name, and calls for others to ascribe greatness to Him (3). He calls God “the Rock” (cf. 15,18,30,31), indicating His steadfastness and dependability. He upholds God’s character as perfect, just, faithful, righteous, and upright (4). How many songs have followed this pattern, declaring to God in song in many different words, “How great Thou art!”?

It admonishes (5-6). Given the integrity and greatness of God, we certainly should not act corruptly, deny our heritage, and become crooked and perverse (5). Yet, this song charges, or at least warns, that such a response is never far away from us. This kicks off a big part of this song that could not have left the singers feeling warm and fuzzy. Notice the admonition: “Do you thus repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you” (6). For being a great and giving God, how could we repay Him with anything less than gratitude and obedience?

It reminds (7-14). The song is historical, looking back to an event that is still in the future for the first singers of it. The lyrics were for their descendants, to remember the giving of Canaan. This part of the song carries them through the deliverance and provision in the wilderness all the way through the conquest. It also contains a reminder of how choice and plentiful the resources are in this land. Don’t we need reminded, not only of the Lord’s substitutionary sacrifice through events like the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper? Don’t we need reminders of past blessings, especially our salvation from the wilderness of sin? As the song urges, “Roll back the curtains of memory now and then, show me where you brought me from and where I could have been; Remember, I’m human, and humans forget, so remind me, remind me dear Lord.”

It warns (15-27). The largest portion of this song is borne of divine love. It is a warning against forgetting! It foreshadows future apostasy and God’s inevitable response to it, in keeping with His perfect nature and character. The warning centers around the folly and destructiveness of idolatry, how God would respond to it with omnipotent punishment. We do not like warnings, but we benefit from them. They are deterrents from a God who supplies all our needs (cf. Phi. 4:19). 

It laments (28-33). Following this lengthy rebuke, there is the emotional response of a fallen, punished people. Note the lyrics, “Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!” (29). The future defeat of apostate descendants was not the result of a God who lacked ability (31), but because they chose to plant and harvest unrighteousness (32-33). Weeping always follows wickedness, whether in this life or the next! 

It hopes (34-38). How does one respond and rebound from such a grim picture? Focus on God! The song shifts from earth to heaven. After their reaping the harvest of their unrighteousness, Israel could anticipate divine intervention: “For the Lord will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free” (36). In His deliverance, He would point out the futility of serving any rival (37-38). He points out that hope is only found in Him, and these singers would audibly say so. 

It highlights (39-43). From the hope springs the ending that connects back to the beginning. Remember the character of that praiseworthy God? He is unique (39)! He is able (39). He is eternal (40). He is just (41-42). He brings joy (43). He atones (43). What better way to end this momentous song than by pointing the worshipper to heaven? 

Following the song which followed the preceding instruction (essentially, the first 31 chapters, as we know it), Moses ends it this way: “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess” (46-47).  The song was to touch their emotions, put their guard up, guide their descendants, bring them life, prolong their days, and fuel their mission. 

The chapter ends with God’s instructions that Moses ascend Mount Nebo, reminding him that he could not enter the Promised Land with the people because he “broke faith” with God and did not “treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel” (51). That mountain would be the place of his death after he had glimpsed that Promised Land (52). Though this is the fate of the great leader of Israel, this song is a vital part of his lasting legacy. We do well to study this song and be reminded of how God wants us to think when we worship Him in that way today. Our song service should be filled with all these elements, and our hearts should be tuned in to the God described in this powerful song! 

Secrets!

Secrets!

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Gary Pollard

The greatest secret in the universe has been revealed to humanity: Jesus himself (Col 2.2-3). This is perhaps a hint that the groups harassing the believers at Colossae were Gnostic as well as Jewish. Gnostics were all about secret knowledge and asceticism (at least in this group, cf. 2.18). Paul addressed the Jewish elements in this section too. I’m certainly not dogmatic about this, but it does seem possible that at least elements of Gnostic thought were influencing Colossae, on top of the pervasive traditionalism of the Jewish Christians. 

Either way we should pay attention to an important point — all of humanity from the dawn of civilization has been trying to figure out what a specific something is. We’ve always been impressed with a sense that something bigger than us is out there. Since we’ve recently been able to take a crude glimpse into the cosmos itself, we’ve only been more impressed with how powerless we are on this little blue marble. Cosmic scales are something we can’t even wrap our minds around. There’s so much raw power that can only be viewed from distances so vast that we could never hope to travel them physically (eg. supernovas). But a simple cometary fragment could wipe out our little rock, if God willed it! 

Most early civilizations deified some element or other natural force on this planet, or they deified what they could observe with the naked eye in the heavens. Many ancient cultures worshipped powerful or beautiful animals, stars, or even political/military celebrities (sometimes all of the above). They were searching everywhere, desperate to find the source of infinite cosmic power, wisdom, and guidance that they instinctively knew existed, but could not identify. Since God is invisible (cf. 1.15), he had to be revealed to us. This great mystery was solved once and for all with the arrival of Jesus on the planet he created (2.16-17). He is that power, and he cares about us! That means he wants to take us with him when this earth is destroyed (2.18-20). The mystery is far more profound (and practical and humbling) than we thought. What is that thing every ancient culture has tried to identify and worship? The Great Mystery of the Eons — Jesus: Creator, Teacher, Civilizer, Rescuer, God.

This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people. God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth — which is for all people — is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory (2.27). 

Deuteronomy: the Second Giving of the Law (XXXI)

Deuteronomy: the Second Giving of the Law (XXXI)

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Choosing Life (30:1-20)

Neal Pollard

What better way is there to preach a climactic conclusion than to put a powerful emphasis on God? In these last 20 verses, Moses mentions “the Lord your God” a stunning 15 times (“Lord” 19 total times and “God” 17 total times). He makes a full court press for these travel-worn wanderers to be totally committed to “return” (2), “obey” (2,8,10,17,20), “love” (6,16), “observe” (8,12-14), “keep” (10,16), “turn” (10), “walk” (16), “choose” (19), and “hold fast” (20). This is the divine expectation. He punctuates it with the repeated use of the word “all”–all your heart (2), all I command (2,8), all your heart and all your soul (6,10)!

Yet, in response to their commitment, look at what God would do. He would “restore” (3), “have compassion” (3), “gather” (3,4), “bring” (4,5), “prosper” (5,9), “multiply” (6), “circumcise their hearts” (6), punish their enemies (7-8), “rejoice over you” (9), and “bless” (16). He wanted this for them and their descendants (6, 19). 

In the absence of obedience, Moses has repeatedly reminded them of how painful, counterproductive, and defeating life would be. Serving a substitute god would be unfulfilling, and its end would be divine rejection. In the humble practice of obedience, God would bless them beyond their comprehension. Through Moses, God encourages them to see this choice as one they were fully capable of making. In the heart of this chapter, Moses says these commands to obey were not out of reach or too difficult (11-13). It was near to them (14)! They could do this!

So, what’s the bottom line? Much like Joshua will do at the end of his tenure as Israel’s leader, Moses says “choose.” But understand what you are choosing between– “life and prosperity” or “death and adversity” (15), “life and death” (19), and “the blessing and the curse” (19). In case it was not abundantly clear, Moses final word is, “So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them” (19b-20). The blessings of choosing God, when summed up, are life, legacy, love, length of days, and a land of promise. While the particulars have changed under Christ, it is only because they are better. They are parallel to these, only superior! We face the same contrasting choices, framed by New Testament writers as the world or the Lord (Js. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). It’s really not much of a choice, is it? 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXX)

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXX)

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Moses’ Last Sermon (29:1-29)

Neal Pollard

The sermon actually spans two chapters, ending at 30:20. It is delivered “in the land of Moab” (1). It bears the concluding remarks you would expect from a man who is summing up all that he’s already said. Notice the “you have” statements (2,6,17) and the “I have” statement (5) which serves to review where they have been under the steady hand of Moses’ leadership. 

They were delivered by God’s power (2-3), preserved and provided for by God’s benevolent hand (4-5), and protected by God’s wisdom (6). They were enabled to defeat their enemies by God’s help (7-8) and endowed with the privilege of entering covenant with God from their greatest to their smallest citizen (9-13). God is establishing this covenant not only with those present, but for those who would come to know of it who were not there that day (14-18). Moses warns that no one could coast on the righteousness of the nation, being stubborn in heart, without facing the wrath and judgment of a God who would not forgive such rebelliousness (19-21).

In fact, future generations were going to need to have this covenant refreshed for their understanding (22-29). If they lived in the wake of Israel’s unfaithfulness and felt the brunt of the curses outlined in Moses’ previous sermon, then this sermon would provide the answer to their questions: “Why has the Lord done thus to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?” (24). They would have to say, “Because they forsook the covenant of the Lord, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they have not known and whom He had not allotted to them. Therefore, the anger of the Lord burned against that land, to bring upon it every curse which is written in this book; and the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger and in fury and in great wrath, and cast them into another land, as it is this day” (25-28). 

It is in this context that we read a passage often-quoted out of its context, that the secret things belong to God and the things which are revealed are to be observed and obeyed (29). Only God knows the future, but He has revealed the Law for them. Predictably, if they keep what God has revealed they would enjoy blessings unimaginable. If they rebelled against God’s written revelation, they should anticipate wrath and punishment that they could not predict or fully anticipate. It is true that we should not overly speculate about things God has chosen not to reveal to us, but Moses’ point here is that the future is foreknown only by God (Isa. 46:9-10). We have no reason to fear it because of what God has revealed. There are no surprises on the final exam! 

Five Things Jesus Teaches Us About Temptation

Five Things Jesus Teaches Us About Temptation

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Neal Pollard

Jesus knew temptation. The writer of Hebrews makes that point about Him in assuring us He, as our High Priest, knows just what we are going through in this life (2:18; 4:15). His suffering allows Him to sympathize. I am comforted to know that He understands, since He is like me (Heb. 2:17). Luke records this significant and pivotal moment in Jesus’ life before He begins His public ministry (Luke 4:1-13). It gives me necessary insight into who Jesus is, and it helps me fight the common battle against the enticements of my flesh, my eyes, and my pride.

TEMPTATION STRIKES THOSE IN A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. To be clear, temptation strikes “every man” (Heb. 4:15). But, sometimes we conclude that it’s not so bad or so frequent for the spiritually strong. Here is the perfect Son of God, described as full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit (1), who encounters the tempter (2). Being spiritually strong can help make navigating temptation easier than it is for those who live according to the flesh (Rom. 8:5-14), but no one was closer to God and more spiritually healthy than Jesus as He walked the earth. How helpful to consider Paul’s warning here: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). 

TEMPTATION STRIKES IN PREDICTABLE AREAS. John classifies temptation into three major categories: “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1 Jn.2:16). Methodical Luke lists Jesus’ temptation in that very order (cf. Mat. 4:1-11). The serpent, approaching Eve, must have appealed to these very areas at the beginning (Gen. 3:6). The devil does not have to get more complicated than that because these avenues are overwhelmingly effective for him. Though this and other passages reveals the evil one’s intentions and efforts, we are fully accountable for how we respond to temptation (Jas. 1:13-15). We must take responsibility for how we handle temptation. 

TEMPTATION STRIKES WHEN WE ARE VULNERABLE. Jesus has gone an unfathomable 40 days without food when He encounters the devil (2ff). The devil goes straight for this susceptible area. Think back to times when you haven’t gotten proper rest, you faced stress and pressure, you were sick or felt poorly, and other trying times. These can easily become doors we open to sin. All of us will experience physical and emotional weakness. We must be aware that these lead to spiritual exposure. 

TEMPTATION CAN MAKE US CALL WHAT WE KNOW INTO QUESTION. Twice, the devil uses conditional statements to try and create doubt. First, he says, “If You are the Son of God” (3). He called Jesus’ identity into question. Then, he says, “if You worship me” (7). He seeks to get Jesus to question His loyalty. It was not a matter of what Jesus intellectually knew, but Jesus dwelled in the flesh (John 1:14; Heb. 2:14). Be aware that temptation will cause us to question things we know, too. That includes our exalted identity and our true motivation.

TEMPTATION IS THWARTED BY AN OMNIPOTENT TOOL. Jesus wins His battles with the devil and temptation by leaning on truth. There are 86 quotations of Deuteronomy (the second giving of the Law of Moses) in the New Testament, and Jesus quotes this book in reference to each of the devil’s temptations (8:3; 6:13; 6:16). Proper knowledge and handling of Scripture helps even when enemies of truth, even the devil, try to misuse Scripture against us (as he does with Jesus, misapplying Psalm 91:11-12). Scripture is God’s own weapon, given to us not to cut and maim others but to fight off temptation and fend off the biggest threats to our faith and soul (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). 

It is wonderful to contemplate a day in which temptation will be permanently past-tense (cf. Rev. 21:1ff; 1 Cor. 15:55-58). Until then, we benefit so much from seeing how Jesus coped with the bane of temptation. It also helps us appreciate what He endured in order to give us salvation.