Topical Bible: Character of Christ: Resisting Temptation

Bible > Topical > Character of Christ

◄ Character of Christ: Resisting Temptation ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The character of Christ, particularly His ability to resist temptation, is a profound aspect of His earthly ministry and divine nature. This attribute is pivotal in understanding His sinless life and His role as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Temptation in the Wilderness

One of the most significant accounts of Christ resisting temptation is found in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. In Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13, Jesus faces three distinct temptations after fasting for forty days and nights. The devil first tempts Him to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical hunger. Jesus responds by quoting Scripture, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4).

The second temptation involves the devil taking Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple, urging Him to throw Himself down to prove His divine sonship, citing Psalm 91:11-12. Jesus counters with, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test'" (Matthew 4:7).

In the final temptation, the devil offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus firmly rejects this, declaring, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only'" (Matthew 4:10). Through these responses, Jesus demonstrates His unwavering commitment to God's will and His mastery over the desires of the flesh, pride, and power.

Sinlessness and Obedience

The ability of Christ to resist temptation is intrinsically linked to His sinless nature. Hebrews 4:15 affirms, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin" . This passage highlights that Jesus experienced the full range of human temptation but remained without sin, underscoring His perfect obedience to the Father.

Reliance on Scripture and the Spirit

Christ's resistance to temptation is marked by His reliance on Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Each of His responses to Satan's temptations is rooted in the Word of God, demonstrating the power and authority of Scripture in overcoming evil. Furthermore, His journey into the wilderness is initiated by the Spirit, indicating His submission to the Spirit's leading and His dependence on divine strength rather than human effort.

Example for Believers

Jesus' triumph over temptation serves as a model for believers. His example teaches that reliance on God's Word and the Holy Spirit is essential in resisting the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul reassures believers, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it" . Christ's victory over temptation provides both the assurance and the means for believers to overcome their own trials.

Intercessor and Advocate

As the sinless Son of God, Jesus not only resisted temptation but also became the perfect intercessor and advocate for humanity. His victory over sin and temptation qualifies Him to intercede on behalf of believers, offering grace and strength in times of need. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" . Through His intercession, believers find the support and empowerment to resist temptation in their own lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:1-10
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Resisting Temptation
Imitation of Christ. ... PROFITABLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CHAPTER XIII Of resisting
temptation. ... of the ordering of God, who knoweth the character and circumstances ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xiii of resisting temptation.htm

"He Ordained Twelve"
... the disciple realized that his character had been ... self-sufficient, and instead of
resisting temptation, he continued ... Christ was before him, a living example of ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm

Transformed by Grace
... He was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ; and often ... By resisting
the divine influence he dishonored the Master whom he professed to love ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 55 transformed by grace.htm

Letter ix. Religious Culture and Duty.
... in kind, only in the devoted followers of Christ. ... graces and adornments of person
and character that pertain ... of the divine spirit in resisting temptation to do ...
/.../letter ix religious culture and.htm

Bethesda and the Sanhedrin
... works of mercy, the more determined they were in resisting the light. ... in Israel;
but when others should come, assuming the character of Christ, but actuated ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 21 bethesda and the.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... little company who keep the commandments of God are resisting his supremacy. ... diseases
of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... little company who keep the commandments of God are resisting his supremacy. ... diseases
of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
... is best dealing with temptation far off, and resisting the first ... that ye cannot watch
but one hour for Christ. ... 1. That it is the distinguishing character of a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi and watch unto.htm

Proofs of Jesus Christ
... why were they not destroyed for resisting a fact ... invectives against the persecutors
and enemies of Jesus Christ. ... traits of so beautiful a character, and they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xii proofs of jesus.htm

John 0. 297222222 "To Whom?"
... us another miracle of hardly less striking character, the walking of ... first faith
and go back from Christ is sure ... in resisting it you are only resisting an old ...
/.../chapter xi john 0 297222222 to.htm