An Example to Follow

As I was moving back into my college dorm the other day I found a notebook on which I had written down some thoughts about Matthew 4:1-11. I was encouraged by what I had written, so I thought I would share. I hope it lifts you up a little too.

Jesus' reply:
"Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds
out of the mouth of God." (taken from Duet 8:3)
~ God will provide.

Jesus' reply:
"You shall not put the LORD your God to the test." (taken from Deut 6:16)
~ God knows - you don't need to.

Jesus' reply:
"You shall worship the LORD your God and serve Him only." (taken
from Deut 6:13)
~ Keep God first. Always. Period.

I, like all people, am tempted to do some things that would bring me more comfort, boost my ego, or simply be "easier." In times like those, I think remembering Christ's own example and following it is the best thing I can do. However, sometimes, I just don't think to think about it. Apparently at some point in the past I did though, and I wrote it down. I hope you find this as encouraging as I did. He is God. Even in the common temptations - even in the smallest of things.

Matthew 4 (The Temptation of Jesus)

1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit
into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty
nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of
God, tell these stones to become bread."
4Jesus answered, "It is
written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from
the mouth of God.'"
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the
highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw
yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his
angels concerning you, and they will lift
you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot
against a stone.'"
7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your
God to the test.'"
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all
the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he
said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
10Jesus said to him,
"Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve
him only.'"
11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

*taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/