The Desire of Ages Audiobook Chapter 13: The Victory

Summary

The script from 'The Desire of Ages' details the spiritual battle between Jesus and Satan during the temptation in the wilderness. Jesus, steadfast in faith, resists Satan's ploys to test God's promises and refuses to be swayed by the offer of worldly power. The narrative underscores the importance of faith, obedience, and the victory over temptation through submission to God's will. It also emphasizes that while Satan can tempt, he cannot compel, and true faith protects against his deceptions.

Takeaways

• 😇 The script describes the second temptation of Jesus by Satan, where Jesus is taken to the pinnacle of the temple and urged to prove His divinity by casting Himself down.
• 📜 Satan quotes scripture to deceive, using God's words to tempt Jesus, showing his knowledge of the Bible and his ability to manipulate it for his purposes.
• 🛡️ Jesus resists the temptation by refusing to entertain doubt and by not allowing Satan to compel Him to sin, demonstrating the importance of faith and trust in God's will.
• 🙅‍♂️ The narrative emphasizes that no one can be forced to sin; it requires a voluntary consent of the will, highlighting the power of choice in the face of temptation.
• 🚫 Jesus rejects the path of presumption, choosing to obey God rather than to test God's promises, showing the distinction between faith and presumption.
• 📖 The script contrasts the true nature of faith, which is grounded in obedience and trust, with presumption, which Satan uses to justify transgression.
• 🌏 Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship, revealing his desire to be acknowledged and his deceitful tactics to gain control.
• ✝️ Jesus' mission is one of suffering and redemption, not of worldly power or glory, and He rejects Satan's offer, affirming His commitment to God's plan.
• 🛑 The script warns against the dangers of presumption and the allure of worldly success, urging believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
• 🙏 The importance of prayer and meditation is highlighted as a means to avoid unnecessary temptation and to maintain a close relationship with God.
• 🌟 Jesus' victory over Satan is complete, demonstrating that through submission and faith in God, even the weakest can resist and overcome the tempter.

Q & A

What is the significance of angels ministering to Jesus after His victory over temptation?

The angels ministering to Jesus signifies divine support and care, showing that even though He was tested, He was not alone and was sustained by heavenly beings, highlighting His humanity and divinity.

How does Satan attempt to deceive Jesus by using scripture in the script?

Satan quotes scripture, specifically Psalm 91:11-12, to suggest that Jesus should test God by throwing Himself off the temple, implying that angels would protect Him. This is a misinterpretation meant to manipulate Jesus into a dangerous act of presumption.

What does Jesus' refusal to cast Himself down from the temple demonstrate about His character?

Jesus' refusal shows His obedience to God's will and His understanding that faith does not involve testing or presuming upon God's protection without His direction.

How does the script describe the nature of temptation and its impact on individuals?

The script describes temptation as an attempt to lead individuals away from God's will, using deception and manipulation. It emphasizes that temptation can only succeed if the individual's will consents to it.

What is the difference between faith and presumption as depicted in the script?

Faith is based on trust in God's promises and results in obedience, while presumption is a counterfeit of faith that misuses God's promises to justify disobedience or transgression.

Why does Jesus refuse to worship Satan in exchange for the kingdoms of the world?

Jesus refuses because His mission is to establish a kingdom of righteousness, not to gain power through evil means. Worshipping Satan would contradict His purpose and surrender to the principles of rebellion.

How does the script illustrate the power of faith in overcoming temptation?

The script shows that Jesus overcomes temptation through submission to God and faith in His word, demonstrating that faith provides the strength to resist and defeat the tempter.

What does the script suggest about the role of prayer and meditation in resisting temptation?

The script suggests that prayer and meditation are protective practices that keep individuals from unnecessarily rushing into dangerous situations and help in avoiding defeat by temptation.

How does the script portray the relationship between Jesus and the angels?

The angels are portrayed as watchers and supporters of Jesus during His time of trial, coming to His aid after His victory over temptation, providing physical and emotional sustenance.

What message does the script convey about the ultimate cost of redemption?

The script conveys that the cost of redemption is immense, requiring Jesus to endure suffering and separation from God. It also suggests that the full realization of this cost will come when the redeemed stand with Jesus before God's throne.

How does the script use the imagery of a high mountain to depict Satan's temptation of Jesus?

The high mountain serves as a vantage point from which Satan shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world in their glory, using their beauty and prosperity as bait to entice Jesus to worship him and gain dominion over them.