Temptation - Part 3 Presuming on God   Matthew 4:5-7

It is important to understand the difference between a temptation and a test. Temptation is an attempt to draw you away from God.  A test is to build character in your life and to make you stronger.

When the devil left Jesus after his temptation, angels attended Him.  Jesus trusted God to meet his every need.

We are looking today at the second temptation put before Jesus by the devil.  (Remember that all of man's temptations are included in the three temptations.)

What was behind this second temptation?  The devil took Jesus into the Holy City and onto the highest point of the temple. (150 ft above the ground.) IF you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.  (Have you ever heard, “If you're a Christian, if you're really a believer . . . ?)

Have you ever presumed upon your father's name to do what you wanted even though you haven't been given clear permission?

The implied challenge is: You believe in God.  Just step out in faith and trust Him.  If we're not careful, we can presume and act even though God may not have given directions to do it.  We step out and THEN ask God to bless instead of asking Him first what we should do. 

Satan was trying to get Jesus to presume on the goodness of God.

The people who are most disappointed in God are the ones who have never truly surrendered to Him.  They've tried to manipulate Him.  God is looking for people who are really committed to Him.  "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you."  God promised blessings, prosperity, and health to those who would surrender their lives to him.

 God never told Jesus to jump from the temple.  Might have made for a great testimony, but God never told Him to do it.

 Never presume on the goodness of God to try and manipulate Him.  Will you trust Him to stay with you?  Will you trust Him with your career, your relationships, your future, your finances?

 Hebrews 11 - The "Hall of Faith" chapter in the Bible is a list of those whose lives were fully surrendered to God. 

 Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

4 Trust in the Lord forever,

    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. 

Are you there today?  Do you completely trust God to take care of everything in your life?  The challenge this week is to be totally surrendered to God so you can change the world.  God wants YOU to be an influencer, to make a difference in the world around you.  To do it, you'll have to walk in obedience.