Bricklayers 6Sample

Temptation

Yesterday we saw Nehemiah’s enemies trying to trap him. In verse 4 we see that they didn’t stop at once. His enemies sent him the same message FOUR TIMES. However, the fifth message gets more detail. Nehemiah’s enemies tempt him to come down with rumors that are untrue. They threaten to tell the king these rumors if he does not comply. In a way, this part of the chapter parallels Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Satan tempts Jesus’ identity in every way. He even tries to throw Scripture at Jesus! Each time Jesus is tempted, he is reminded that God’s way is better; his true identity is found in the father. It’s the same with Nehemiah. He is not afraid and does not give way to the threats of these messages. He basically calls them liars and sees they are only trying to deter him from what he is certain God has called him to do.

What do you think you are tempted by? How do you recognize these temptations and combat them?

Jesus teaches his disciples (and us) to pray against temptations and for deliverance from evil. When we recognize our temptations and ask God to deliver us, He is faithful to provide a way out.