The Three Tests

1. The test to prove yourself.

Prove that you are somebody special. The correct response is to not to do it. Your proof of identity and worth is found in the Word of God: the Bible. The Bible tells you that God created you in His image and sent His only begotten Son to save you from your sins.

“The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written, man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [1]

2. The test to take risks; to gamble; to falsely believe that you are invincible even if you are not obeying God.

The correct response is to not gamble with your life. Don’t test the limits of how far you can take rebellion against God. This is to listen to the devil. God loves you, but He is also holy. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When you live an obedient life towards God, He blesses you.

“Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God, he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written, He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [2]

3. The test to forsake God in preference for temporary pleasures.

The correct response is to choose to worship God and worship Him only no matter what your status is in the eyes of the world. God is eternal. The devil is temporary. Those who listen to the devil will perish with the devil. He is a liar and deceiver. Those who listen to and obey God bear good fruit in this life because they live for God and neighbor, whereas those who live selfishly (themselves instead of Christ on the throne of their hearts) will perish with the devil.

“Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give You,’ he said, ‘if You will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from Me, Satan! For it is written, Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.” [3]

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [4]

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” [5]

[1] Matthew 4:3-4
[2] Matthew 4:5-7
[3] Matthew 4:8-10
[4] James 4:7
[5] 1 John 5:5