True Life: The Temptation of Validation

03/22/21 • 22 min

How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

In this second episode of our True Life series, Nicole looks at the temptation of validation that Jesus faced, and what his victory of it means for us today. Listen to the first episode here!
Today, we’re looking at how Satan tempted Jesus to throw himself off the highest point of the temple. What should we imagine when we read that? What do we need to know to be able to rightly interpret Jesus’ response?
Principles from this passage:
Satan tempts Jesus (and us) to prove who God really is. But we learn from Jesus that there is a difference between claiming the promises of God and asking God to prove himself to us.
We see from these verses that interpretation matters. Am I honest with myself when my doubt or discouragement is actually disobedience? Am I equipped to answer my doubt or discouragement with the Word of God?
Scripture Referenced in this Episode:
Matthew 4:5-7; Psalm 91
Related Resources:
Be sure to check out Nicole's newest book, The Miracle Moment! There’s a moment in every conversation that can change the whole relationship. It’s the “miracle moment.” And once you learn how to recognize and respond to it, it holds the power to help transform the relationships you have?at home, in love, and at work?into the ones you really want. To learn more or to join Nicole's launch team, visit https://nicoleunice.com/miraclemoment/.
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Grivina

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Previous Episode

True Life: The Temptation of Comfort

As we lead up to Easter, for many of us, understanding what the Resurrection means and its importance in our faith are sometimes lost on us. It’s easy to go through the motions but not actually experience the Resurrection as a true reality in our lives.
In this episode, we begin our look at the Temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4. The beginning of Jesus’ public ministry gives us a window into what Jesus was sent to do. When we see how he began, we understand how his ministry was fulfilled. We also get an interesting angle into the kinds of temptations that we should expect while we are here on earth.
When Jesus quotes the Word of God at Satan, we have a model for perfect obedience. The truth of God's Word was stronger than the temptation of comfort. By calling on the Word of Truth, Jesus was able to keep himself from temptation, as so can we.
Principles in this Passage of Scripture:
1. The Enemy’s Methods are Not Creative, But Often Effective: He calls into doubt your identity. He tempts you to prove yourself and looks for moments when you’re weakest to tempt you. We don’t need to be fearful, but we need to be discerning.
Related Resources:
Be sure to check out Nicole's newest book, The Miracle Moment! There’s a moment in every conversation that can change the whole relationship. It’s the “miracle moment.” And once you learn how to recognize and respond to it, it holds the power to help transform the relationships you have?at home, in love, and at work?into the ones you really want. To learn more or to join Nicole's launch team, visit https://nicoleunice.com/miraclemoment/.
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Tony Baggett

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Next Episode

True Life: The Temptation of Shortcuts

This week, we are unpacking Matthew 4:8-11 in our ‘Temptations of Jesus’ series. You can listen to the first and second episodes here.
In this passage, we are looking at the temptation of shortcuts, or moral relativism. This temptation asks us, “Don’t you want to accomplish and achieve all the things you know God would want?”
In this temptation, Satan gets more obvious and blatant with what he wants – “bow down and worship me.” Of course, Jesus quotes Scripture; his weapon in this battle that is not of flesh and blood... If Jesus needed Scripture to defeat the lies of the enemy and overcome temptation, how much more so do we?
In this episode, Nicole also helps us unpack the backstory of the enemy:
1. He is the accuser or slanderer. He uses words and twists them to attack us.
2. There is no truth in him. He is the liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).
3. He is still under the power of God (Luke 22:31; the book of Job)
4. He is scheming: (Ephesians 6:11)
5. It is possible to resist him (James 4:7)
6. His work has already been destroyed (1 John 3:8)
Related Resources:
Be sure to check out Nicole's newest book, The Miracle Moment! There’s a moment in every conversation that can change the whole relationship. It’s the “miracle moment.” And once you learn how to recognize and respond to it, it holds the power to help transform the relationships you have?at home, in love, and at work?into the ones you really want. To learn more or to join Nicole's launch team, visit https://nicoleunice.com/miraclemoment/.
Follow Nicole:
Her Site | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Image Credit: Getty/Overearth

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.