Jesus in the Wilderness: How to Overcome Spiritual Temptation

Temptation is the enticement or invitation to sin, often appealing to our human desires, and it can come from various sources—our own sinful nature, the world, or Satan. Temptation is a test or trial that challenges our obedience to God.

We are all tempted and we have all sinned. Romans 3:23 NKJV says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

However, temptation itself is not sin.

The Bible makes it clear that being tempted is not the same as sinning. Even Jesus was tempted, yet He did not sin. 

Hebrews 4:15 NKJV “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So we have to be careful, we have to understand that it is how we respond to temptation that matters. The urge to be tempted begins internally with our desires.

James 1:14-15 NKJV says: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”

Some people continue to misquote 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV by saying God doesn’t give us more than we can bear. But again, we emphasize that the scripture says “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

So God does not tempt anyone. Rather, He is there to provide a way out when we allow ourselves to be tempted.

James 1:13 NKJV says: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

 Though it is common to everyone, as believers we are called to resist it. But we need God’s help and through it all we must grow stronger.

Temptation is one of the most powerful examples of overcoming temptation/sin in the life of Jesus. 

After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness, not by accident, but by divine design. As we said yesterday, the wilderness was not a place of punishment, but a place of preparation and empowerment. It was there that Jesus modeled how we, as His followers, can overcome spiritual temptation and stand victorious through the power of the Word, prayer, fasting, and total reliance on the Father.

Matthew 4:1-2 (NKJV) says: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”

What do we notice here? Jesus was led by the Spirit. From the beginning.

Sometimes, our wilderness seasons are God-ordained. They serve a purpose—to strengthen us, to purify our motives, and to position us for the ministry and mission God has ahead.

Now to the example of Jesus. Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights. Fasting was a key part of His preparation. He denied Himself physical food in order to feed on the spiritual. In doing so, He drew near to the Father and fortified Himself against the enemy’s attacks. Fasting disciplines the flesh and sharpens our spiritual sensitivity.

When the tempter came, he attacked Jesus at His most vulnerable point—His physical hunger. Does anybody know what this is like? It’s like when you are down to almost nothing and somebody, instead of lending you a helping hand, pushes you further down in a hole.

Matthew 4:3-4 (NKJV) tells us: “Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’”

Note that Jesus responded with Scripture. Family, we have to use the Word! 

What did Jesus do? Well, what He didn’t do was to argue or negotiate with the devil. Some of us need to learn that lesson.

What did Jesus do when He was tempted by the enemy? Jesus simply declared what was already written. Quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, Jesus reminded us that our true sustenance comes from God’s Word. When temptation arises, the Word of God must be our first defense. Knowing Scripture isn’t just for information—it’s for transformation and warfare.

And we have to be on constant guard because the enemy is relentless. He doesn’t give up.

The enemy must have known that he couldn’t get through with Jesus. But he tried anyway. Again and again, this time using Scripture out of context to tempt Jesus into pride and presumption. Another lesson for us there in terms of what not to do. Let us make sure to correctly quote and apply the Word of God. Amen?!

Matthew 4:5-7 (NKJV) says: “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’”

Here, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16. He didn’t just know the Word—He understood its context and proper application. Temptation often disguises itself in half-truths and misused Scripture. That’s why spiritual discernment is crucial. We overcome temptation not only by knowing the Word, but by rightly dividing it and living by it.

The third temptation was an appeal to power and shortcutting God’s plan. 

Matthew 4:8-10 (NKJV) reads: “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’”

Jesus stood firm again with Scripture—this time quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. He rejected the temptation to compromise for immediate gain. We have to stand firm in our faith Family. No compromise. How often are we tempted to take shortcuts, to exchange obedience for comfort, or worship for worldly success? 

Jesus shows us that true victory lies in absolute allegiance to God alone. God always comes through for us. He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Matthew 4:11 (NKJV) says: “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Family, temptation is real, but it is not permanent. It has a time limit. When we resist the devil, he must flee. James 4:7 (NKJV) reinforces this: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

We cannot resist the devil if we haven’t first submitted to God. Submission isn’t weakness—it’s the key to spiritual strength. Jesus modeled this perfectly in the wilderness.

And as God did for Jesus, He will send refreshing, restoration, and renewal. Jesus came out of the wilderness empowered for ministry because He overcame temptation through truth, trust, and total dependence on the Father.

Finally, Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) reminds us: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus knows our struggles. He has walked the path of temptation. And because He overcame, we can overcome too. Not in our own strength, but through Him. He gives us His Word, He gives us His Spirit, and He gives us His grace to stand strong in every wilderness season.

Let this encourage us today: temptation is not a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity for victory. Through prayer, fasting, and the Word, you and I are equipped to overcome, just like Jesus. 

aub - 17Apr25 

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