Overcoming Temptation – Jesus' Victory and Our Power in HimSample

The Third Temptation – Testing God (Luke 4:9-12)

"Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: "He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you," and, "In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."' And Jesus answered and said to him, 'It has been said, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."'"
— Luke 4:9-12 (NKJV)

"Set Him on the pinnacle of the temple" – (epistesen auton epi ton pterygion tou ierou)
means “set” or “placed,” indicating Satan positioned Jesus in a specific spot.
(pterygion tou ierou) refers to the pinnacle of the temple, the high point of the temple’s roof or outer edge, a dangerous place to stand.

Contextual Understanding: The pinnacle of the temple was a high, exposed place, symbolizing the test of faith and the challenge of trusting in God's protection. Satan brings Jesus to a place of prominence to challenge His identity and provoke Him into acting out of presumption.

Application Insight: Sometimes, temptations come to us when we are in vulnerable positions. Satan seeks to take advantage of our faith by placing us in situations that test whether we will trust God or act out of foolishness.

"If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here" – (ei huios ei tou Theou, rhipsōn seauton enteuthen) means "if," suggesting a challenge to Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
(rhipsōn) means "throw," a direct command for Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnacle.
σεαυτὸν (seauton) means "Yourself," directing the action toward Jesus directly.
ἐντεῦθεν (enteuthen) means "from here," indicating the location from which Satan wants Jesus to act foolishly.

Biblical Understanding: Satan is tempting Jesus to prove His divine protection by forcing God to intervene in a dangerous and reckless act. This is a form of presumption, where one tests God to see if He will act, rather than trusting His will.

Application Insight: Satan often tempts us to act out of presumption doing something foolish or reckless and then expecting God to bail us out. True faith trusts God but does not manipulate situations to test His power.

"For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you...'" (gegraptai hoti angeloi autou enteleitai peri sou)
means “it is written,” indicating that Satan quotes Scripture (specifically Psalm 91:11-12).
(angeloi autou) means "His angels," referring to divine protection.
(enteleitai) means "are given charge," indicating that God has commanded His angels to protect.
(peri sou) means "concerning you," specifically referring to Jesus.

Contextual Understanding: Satan uses Psalm 91:11-12, a promise of protection, to try and twist Scripture. He’s not misquoting it but misapplying it. The verse speaks of God's protection for those who trust Him, not for those who would put Him to the test.

Application Insight: Satan can use truths from Scripture in deceptive ways, misapplying them to encourage us to act foolishly or presumptuously. We must always read the whole counsel of God and understand the context of Scripture to avoid being misled.

"You shall not tempt the Lord your God" – (ouk ekpeirasēs Kyriou ton Theon sou)
Greek Breakdown: (ouk ekpeirasēs) means "you shall not tempt," referring to testing God inappropriately.
(Kyriou ton Theon sou) means "the Lord your God," emphasizing that God is not to be tested.

Biblical Understanding: Jesus refutes Satan by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, which forbids testing God. This is a call to trust in God’s wisdom and timing, rather than seeking to manipulate or force God's hand.

Application Insight: Faith is not about provoking God into action; it's about trusting that God’s will and plan are perfect. True faith doesn’t need to test God but rests in His sovereignty and provision.

Related Scriptures:

Psalm 91:11-12 – Angels are charged to protect: "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."

Insight: This passage is a promise of God’s protection for those who trust in Him, but it’s not an invitation to test His protection through foolish or presumptuous actions. Satan misuses it to try and encourage Jesus to force God's hand.

Matthew 4:7 – Jesus refutes temptation by applying proper scriptural understanding: "Jesus said to him, 'It is written again, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."'

Insight: In Matthew’s account, Jesus' response is the same, but this verse emphasizes how Jesus used Scripture rightly to resist temptation. We must understand the full context of Scripture to avoid misapplication.

Revelational Insight:

Satan uses Scripture to try and manipulate Jesus into testing God's faithfulness. True faith is not about manipulating God to prove Himself but trusting that He is sovereign and trustworthy in every situation. Jesus’ response teaches us that we should never presume upon God's grace or force God’s hand through reckless actions.

Satan’s tactics in this temptation serve as a reminder that wisdom is required in understanding and applying God’s Word correctly. We must avoid testing God by creating unnecessary risks, and instead, live in humble trust that God knows best and will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.

Application Points:

Avoid Presumption: Faith is not about daring God to intervene. Trust Him, but don’t create situations that force His hand. Wisdom is necessary to navigate God’s will.

Rightly Apply Scripture: The enemy may use misquoted or misapplied scripture to deceive us. We must rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and understand its context.

Trust God’s Timing: Rather than testing God to prove His power or protection, trust in His sovereign timing. God will fulfill His promises, but it will be according to His will, not our demands.

Prayer for today:

Lord, I pray for wisdom in applying Your Word in my life. Help me trust in Your perfect timing and sovereignty rather than acting out of presumption or trying to force Your hand. May I always honor You by living according to Your truth and not testing You. In Jesus' name, Amen.