The Test

You prayed the “Save Me, Jesus, Prayer” and couldn’t believe the freedom you felt. Then everything seemed to go wrong. Did you do something wrong? Are you being punished?

No, you are doing something right and the devil is mad. Satan tested Jesus!

You will have a test.

Matthew 4:4, “Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. …” The Message

Deny yourself to prepare for the test. Don’t give in to your whims.

Matthew 4:2, “Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights.” The Message

Get your answers from the Bible.

Matthew 4:4, “Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.’ ” The Message

Satan will use Bible verses – taken out of context – to trick you.

Matthew 4:5-6, “For the second test the Devil took Him to the Holy City. He sat Him on top of the Temple. (6) And said, ‘Since you are God’s Son, jump.’ The Devil goaded Him by quoting Psalm 91: ‘He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.’ ” The Message

Read the verses before and after the quote to understand them.

Matthew 4:7, “Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: ‘Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.’ ” The Message

Satan’s goal is to keep you following him. He uses things, power, fame, and pride to tempt you.

Matthew 4:8-9, “For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, ‘They’re yours – lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.’ ” The Message

Don’t back down.

Matthew 4:10, “Jesus’ refusal was curt: ‘Beat it, Satan!’ He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and only Him. Serve Him with absolute single-heartedness.’ ” The Message

Remember testing means you’re doing something right! And if you fail the test, repent and start again.

Are you in a test right now?

#bible