You Are [Not] What You Have

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Matthew 4:8 Next the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 

At this point, the devil must have been grasping at straws. So he has one last go at tempting Jesus.

Temptation #3: You are what you have.

Once again, Jesus refuted the devil with Scripture from the Old Testament. God had confirmed Jesus was His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17) and Jesus was not going to find His identity in what he did, what others thought of Him, or in what He has.

Every day, we are tempted to believe this lie as well. We believe we’re not enough if we don’t have certain things. These things may be the right house, car, or clothing. It may be the right family, the best education, or the even the right body. We believe the lie, If I just had _______, then everything would be so much better. But our identity does not come in what we have. It comes from God. Again, you are a beloved son or daughter of God. You bring Him great joy! Rest in that.

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 4:1-11 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: of the three temptations here (You are what you do, you are what others say/think about you, you are what you have) which of these three are you most often tempted to believe? Why do you think that is? 

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I am once again reminded of how often I give-in to the temptations Jesus was able to refute. Far too often I believe the lie that I am what I have, and that if I just have _______, then my life will be so much better. But today I’m recognizing that real peace and contentment doesn’t come from what I have, it comes from who You are. Today, may I experience peace not because of what I have, but because of who You are. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)