Where Am I Vulnerable? (3)

In view of what the Bible teaches, we are vulnerable to attacks from the devil and we need to prepare for them. 

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.  (James 4:7 NLT)

Jesus is our example.  He went out into the wilderness after he was baptized and was tempted by the devil in at least three different areas:  1) daily needs and desires 2) trust in God, and 3) approval of others.  When the devil suggested short cuts and human plans Jesus responded by remembering who He was, the truth of His Father's words, and His desire to humble Himself and be obedient to His Father’s plan for Him.

Let’s look at the first - daily needs and desires:  Jesus hadn’t eaten in 40 days and was legitimately hungry.  Hunger makes humans vulnerable. The devil wanted Jesus to satisfy His own need and thereby prove He was the Son of God who could change stone into bread.  Jesus came to earth, made in human likeness, to do the will of His Father.  He did not consider equality with God something to be used for His own advantage.  Jesus’ response to Satan in that vulnerable moment was: “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NLT)

Jesus’ actions tell us that we are vulnerable when we seek to satisfy our own needs in our own way.  We need to keep focused on who we are in Christ.  We are children of God.  God is our Father and He has promised to provide for us.  We need to avoid isolating our thinking on the need of the moment and ways to meet it.  We demonstrate humility before God by trusting He will provide.  We resist the devil by ignoring him and recognizing that the momentary satisfaction of a need fulfilled in our own way will lead to further rebellion as the consequences of sinful choices play out in our lives. 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

God will take care of us in our time of vulnerability as we honour Him with lives of obedience.

©2015 Partners in Hope