Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. I. WE ARE ALL TEMPTED. Satan is behind all temptations. II. SOME OCCASIONS ARE MORE SUITABLE TO THE TEMPTER'S PURPOSES THAN OTHERS. Moments of joy, sorrow, or unwatchfulness he often seizes. III. THE TEMPTATION TO SIN FOR THE SAKE OF BREAD IS COMMON, and many are misled by it. Many who shrink from dark ways are guilty of distrust in their temporal circumstances. What an affluence of victorious power there is in that, "Hence, Satan." (Dr. J. P. Lange.) I. Though the devil come not in person to us, as he did to Christ, yet HE COMES BY HIS INSTRUMENTS. Balak sent to Balaam. II. There be some that will say THEY WERE NEVER TEMPTED WITH KINGDOMS. It may well be, for it needs not, when less will serve. The devil need never carry us so high as the mount, the pinnacle is high enough; yea, the lowest steeple in all the town would serve the turn. Let us but stand in our window, or in our doors, if he will give us but so much as we see there, he will tempt us thoroughly. We will accept it, and thank him too. III. In temptation there is BOTH FIRE TO CONSUME OUR FAITH, AND A DART TO WOUND OUR CONSCIENCES, (Bishop Lancelot Andrewes.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.WEB: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. |
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