“Be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.”

Deuteronomy 6:12-13
Perhaps Jesus’ response to Satan’s temptation seems like a no-brainer to us. We’d never cheat on God so directly! But we’ve never been tempted all at once with all the wealth and power the world has to offer. What would it take for us to feel we had everything we could ever want? To win the lottery? To make friends with influential people? For our political party to win on every issue? And to what degree might we compromise our values to make these a reality? Just who or what is it that we serve?

From the beginning of time, what much of the world lives for is power, wealth, and glory (or some combination of them). These goals are what the world serves. Satan tried to lure Jesus with these (as if He did not already have them beyond all measure!), and they are what entice us now. But the Old Testament laws as well as New Testament teachings remind us to serve God and Him alone.

Are you willing to do that? Lay aside ambitions of your own success and greatness to serve the One who laid down every ounce of His glory to save you.



Scripture Focus

Matthew 4:1-10

Insight

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

Bible In A Year

  • Jeremiah 27-28
  • Psalm 117
  • 1 Corinthians 8-9

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