by Pastor Roy Esposito
1 Corinthians 13:11-12 (Passion & NKJV) – “Then I shall Know just as I am also Known.”
Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-15, Luke 4:1-13 – Temptation of Jesus
The “Loop of Instability” – Delusion – Confusion – Illusion
Note: We can only be tempted by something that’s in some way GOOD!
- partially good.
- good for a time.
- good for some.
- good for me.
- evil disguised as good.
Note: Most people’s daily ethical choices are not between total good and total evil.
Not recognizing the differences is where most get into trouble.
Spiritual Discernment – the ability to discern the subtleties and gradations of truth specific to each encounter.
Galatians 3:23-25 (Passion)
1 Corinthians 2:16 – “We have the mind of Christ”
Philippians 2:5 (Passion) – “Let His mindset become your motivation.”
Stones to Bread — Deuteronomy 8:2-3
Test God — Deuteronomy 6:16
Worship — Deuteronomy 6:18
The “Loop of Dialogue and Disclosure” — begins with HUMILITY
Psalm 51:1 “Have mercy, Oh God”
Psalm 51:2-3 – “I acknowledge my transgression”
Psalm 51:6 – Impart truth to my inner parts – teach me WISDOM.”
Emet (Heb) — Truth: to be firm, permanent, established; implies a sense of reliability and dependability.
Exodus 18:21 — Moses told to surround himself with men of TRUTH and to appoint them to leadership
Truth – is the foundation of wisdom and spiritual discernment which are our guides and safety nets
Mark 1:12-13 – “Immediately after this (His baptism) He was compelled by the Spirit to go into an uninhabited region. There He remained for forty days enduring the ordeals of Satan’s tests; He encountered Wild Beasts there but also Angels who appeared and ministered to Him. “