Opposition to the Redemptive Purpose of God

In looking at the temptations Jesus faced in Matthew 4, we saw that this is what we face today: the temptation to be relevant; to be spectacular and to be powerful. The activity of Satan has not changed; his single purpose is to frustrate the will of God in our life. We are empowered when we hold on to the very promises of God.

First Corinthians 10:13 promises "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." We stand on the faithfulness of God.

In Psalm 84:11 (For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless) and Luke 12:32 (Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom) we discover what God desires to give us is more than the world could ever offer. Yet again and again we give in to temptation.

Here's our encouragement, when we miss "the way out" provided by the Lord, as Jesus said to Peter in Luke 12:32 "But I have prayed for you, [Sister], that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your [sisters]. This is the power and reach of the Redemptive Purpose of God - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.