Matthew 4 The Temptations of Christ

Matthew 4:1-11

Speaking of the temptations the Savior experienced in the wilderness, President David O. McKay said:

“Classify them, and you will find that under one of those three nearly every given temptation that makes you and me spotted … comes to us as (1) a temptation of the appetite; (2) a yielding to the pride and fashion and vanity of those alienated from the things of God; or (3) a gratifying of the passion, or a desire for the riches of the world, or power among men” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1911, 59).

Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. Recall scriptures and apply truths they teach in moments of temptation

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about how memorized scriptures can help us:

“Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change” (“The Power of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 6).

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles provided the following counsel pertaining to memorizing scripture passages:

“Be wise in how you embrace technology. Mark important scriptures on your device and refer back to them frequently. If you young people would review a verse of scripture as often as some of you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of passages of scripture memorized. Those passages would prove to be a powerful source of inspiration and guidance by the Holy Ghost in times of need” (“For Peace at Home,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 30).

Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. Do not entertain temptations

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said the following about the Savior’s example of resisting temptation:

“By emulating the Master, who endured temptations but ‘gave no heed unto them,’ we, too, can live in a world filled with temptations ‘such as [are] common to man’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). Of course Jesus noticed the tremendous temptations that came to Him, but He did not process and reprocess them. Instead, he rejected them promptly. If we entertain temptations, soon they begin entertaining us!” (“Overcome … Even As I Also Overcame,” Ensign, May 1987, 71).