Do not test God!

Rev Enoch Thompson | JANUARY 15, 2023 | MATTHEW 4:5-7

KEY VERSE: Matt 4:7(NIV)

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

MESSAGE:

The second Temptation was based on a misapplication of God’s Word, and an invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ to use His Messianic powers to seek human fame, as the man who jumped and landed safely from the highest point of the Temple. To attempt such an action was to call into question God’s faithfulness to fulfil His Word as misquoted by the Devil.

We must be careful not to take decisions and pursue actions that, in the guise of exercising faith in God, may expose us to dangers to which God has not intended for us to expose ourselves. When we put ourselves in compromising and dangerous situations and “trust” God would take care of us, we are tempting God.

Faith does not mean presumption or brainlessness. True faith must be intelligent, and act reasonably. To attempt to walk on water has landed some people on the other side of eternity in super-record time. Prolonged fasting without due caution, refusing medical attention, staying off medication in the name of divine healing, irresponsible financial management or the refusal to follow available education opportunities are all examples of putting God to the test.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

If we think God will sustain us in dangerous and generally irrational steps we take in the Name of the Lord, let us share our thoughts with other members of our community of faith. God does not need our extraordinary feats to prove His reality and power.

God can and is glorified in the ordinary course of life. Do not tempt your God!

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, please help me to see your power and your glory in the ordinary course of things. Lord, do extraordinary things in your time. I shall be content to praise and worship you by what you choose to do or not to do. In Jesus’ Name Amen!

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!