Genesis 13, Matthew 4

Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 13, Matthew 4)

(Genesis 13)

It’s an amazing journey we live in faith. Each day builds on the last, whether that is a building block of failure or success, the next day is impacted. We live daily under the Grace of Christ to overcome the days of failure and/or poor choices. It seems easier to build upon our successes. One of the hardest things as a believer to do is truly live a holy lifestyle. Not just in the body, but also in the heart, soul, and mind.

Scripture tells us that through the Spirit, we have everything we need to live a holy life. That can mean only one thing, when we’re not living it (or at least getting closer), we’re not tapping into the power of the Spirit. I have a suspicion that will be a life-long journey. I’m okay with that when you consider this life v.s. eternity. That’s a short battle.

This is just me, but I wonder if Lot was having a bit of a spiritual battle when he chose where to pitch his tents. Verses 12-13 say, “Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.”

Each decision is critical. Sometimes we seem to “set ourselves up” for failure. Many times we feel like we are doing good by not jumping into a decision to sin with both feet. But scripture tells us clearly to get as far away from it as possible. It’s amazing how close we get to the cliff of sin, looking over the edge, thinking about it but never planning on jumping. Sad thing is, the longer we stand there just looking, the higher the odds are that we’ll fall.

Whether he did it deliberately or not, Lot chose to camp very close to some “rough company”. We’ve all heard the stories about Sodom. He chose to camp right next door. I wonder today if it was tempting to stay there so that he might “take part” a bit. Maybe he was just curious. Either way (or neither way) it makes me think about our faithwalk today.

Father, help us to find strength in running from even the appearance of sin. Give us joy in pursuing your Holiness, not abusing our freedom in Christ.

(Matthew 4)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In Matthew 4, we see an account of Jesus’ temptation by Satan. While cleverly crafted, his attacks are always full of lies and deception and focus primarily on the carnal “needs” of man. Satan knows what he’s doing.

In verses 3-4, Satan tempts Jesus through his need for PROVISION. He was certainly hungry, but had been drawn out into a season of fasting as a spiritual exercise. He was being tempted to take care of himself and take matters into his own hands.

In verses 6-7, Satan tempts Jesus through his need for PROTECTION. He brought question to mind whether or not God really loved him enough to save him physically if needed. This was an attack on his emotional state and need for security.

In verses 8-9, Satan tempts Jesus through his need for POSSESSION. We are very selfish people. To ignore that would be very destructive. We have a carnal desire to own stuff, to be first, to take priority, to be on top.

How does Satan do this? He showed him what he was missing out on, took God’s word out of context, and encouraged him to focus on himself. That was the same strategy he used with Eve in Genesis 3. It’s the same strategy with us every day.

Father, we need your intervention. We need your Spirit to lead us. If that leading is into the “desert”, help us to remain focused and committed to your truth. Jesus’ greatest defense was His knowledge of your Word. God, help us to know your truth. Help us to grow in it and gain a supernatural understanding of how it applies to each scenario of our lives, that you alone might be glorified.