Facing Forward - Luke 4:1-14

January 26, 2025
Luke 4:1-14
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Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.

from Luke 4:8

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Jesus faced temptation. After he was baptized and full of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit led him into the wilderness where he was tempted by the Devil. The Devil tempted him to prioritize His own desires over God’s will, elevate Himself above others, and test God rather than rely on Him. Some of these temptations may seem harmless at first glance, such as desiring admiration, seeking success, or expecting God to act on our terms. Yet, in each case, the underlying temptation was to do things for himself instead of keeping his eyes on the path before him.

Jesus’ focus on God’s path kept Him from being distracted by temptation, a struggle that is all too common for us. We often stray when we allow distractions or fleeting desires to creep in, shifting our attention away from God’s plan. Whether it’s chasing worldly success, indulging in sinful thoughts, or harboring resentment, these moments distance us from God’s blessings and the joy of contentment in what we already have. By keeping our eyes on God and trusting His promises, we can resist the pull of temptation and stay on the course God has set before us.