EGW WritingsMatthew 4

That I May Know Him

The Wilderness Temptation, January 26

TMK 32.1

Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Matthew 4:1.

The Review and Herald

November 25, 1909

RH November 25, 1909, par. 17

Mrs. White spoke in the tent on Sabbath forenoon, June 19, dwelling upon the experiences of Christ at His baptism, and during His severe temptations in the wilderness, as recorded in the Matthew 3:1 and Matthew 4:1. In response to an invitation for all who desired to do so to signify their reconsecration to the master’s service, practically the entire congregation arose.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 3, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 18

“Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” [Matthew 4:1.] Christ must endure this trial in order to evidence to the fallen world, to the worlds unfallen, to the family of God in heaven, and to all the armies of Satan, that the fallen foe could find nothing in Christ to respond to his evil designs against the Father. It was a part of the plan of heaven that this trial and test should come. Christ’s humanity would have shrunk from that which awaited Him in the desert. But He came to the world, that, by coming into close personal contact with him, He might wrest from the hands of the usurper the Lord’s human heritage. Satan claimed to be the prince of this world, and that by overcoming Adam he had made the human race his subjects and placed them under his control. Adam fell upon the point of appetite, and for forty days Christ fasted and prayed.

12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 19

At the close of that time Satan came to Christ in the guise of an angel direct from heaven, apparently with a commission from heaven, declaring that His fast was at an end. The sensations of hunger were strong upon Christ; He was craving for food. Now Satan improves his opportunity. While the words of God from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” are still sounding in his ears, he comes suddenly upon Christ and says, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones (which bore the exact appearance of bread) be made bread.” [Matthew 3:17; 4:3.] Satan knew that the personal controversy between the Prince of life and the prince of darkness had commenced, and he sought to overcome Christ in His physical weakness.

12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 20

The proof that Satan required was for Christ to accept the doubt and act upon it, thus showing that He entertained the doubt by giving the evidence that Satan desired. Had Christ complied with this suggestion of the enemy, his satanic majesty would still have said, Show me a sign, that I may believe you to be the Son of God. But not one of the signs specified was Christ to give. By working a miracle in His own behalf He would show that He questioned God. That sign which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a “Thus saith the Lord,” was a sign that could not be controverted. “It is written,” He said, “man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.] Where Adam failed, Christ endured the test. And on the point of appetite He was victor in behalf of the whole human family, making it possible for every one to be an overcomer as He in His humanity was an overcomer in their behalf.

12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 22

And now he seeks to inspire Christ with his own sentiments. “If thou be the Son of God.” [Matthew 4:3.] Thus he sought to imbue Christ with his doubts. The words rankle with bitterness in his mind. In the tones of his voice is an expression of utter incredulity. Would God treat His own Son thus? Would He leave Him in the desert with wild beasts, without anything to appease His hunger, without companions, without comfort? He insinuated that God never meant His Son to be in such a state as this. “If thou be the Son of God,” show Thy power by relieving Thyself of this pressing hunger. Command that this stone be made bread.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 11, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 11, 1904, par. 35

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Matthew 4:1-3.]

19LtMs, Lt 11, 1904, par. 37

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.]

19LtMs, Lt 11, 1904, par. 38

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]

19LtMs, Lt 11, 1904, par. 40

Christ met the tempter with the weapon that we are to use in our contests with the enemy—“It is written.” “It is written,” He said, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

19LtMs, Lt 11, 1904, par. 42

Then Satan took Him “up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.” [Verses 8, 9.]

There Is Help in God

There Is Help in God

PH105 1.1

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil.” Matthew 4:1.

PH105 1.5

When our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world, appetite and passion exercised almost unlimited control. Men were debased, diseased, dwarfed, and crippled through the baneful effects of selfish indulgence in evil, and it seemed as if the world was about to be swept away under its disastrous power. But with all the sin and misery that were in the world then, and that we see about us now never can the power of appetite be fully understood until the significance of Christ’s temptation and long fast in the wilderness is comprehended. “When He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungered.” Matthew 4:2. And it was then, when Christ was fainting for food, that Satan came to Him, and sought to overpower Him with temptation.

PH105 2.1

Satan did not appear to Christ as he is often falsely represented, as an imp with bats’ wings and cloven hoofs. The Scriptures plainly declare that he “is transformed into an angel of light.”—2 Corinthians 11:14. It was as a heavenly angel that Satan accosted the Son of God. He told the Redeemer that He need fast no longer; that His long abstinence was accepted by the Father; that He had gone far enough; and that He was at liberty to work a miracle in His own behalf. The tempter said, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Matthew 4:3. And Jesus answered him, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Verse 4. If man had always heeded this great truth, the race would never have fallen.

PH105 2.2

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” Verses 5, 6. But again Jesus met him with Scripture, saying, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Verse 7.

PH105 3.1

“Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Verses 8, 9. He did not present the kingdoms of the world as they now appear, but in all the glory and attraction in which it is possible to present them. He desired that Christ should acknowledge him as His superior, and on this condition promised to give the world into His hands. But could Jesus admit that the world belonged to Satan? Could He acknowledge the usurper as His superior, when there was but One to whom he owed homage? “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Verse 10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 93, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 93, 1907, par. 17

After the baptism of Christ, He went into the wilderness, where He fasted forty days and forty nights, and then it was that the devil came and tempted Him. “If You are He whom You pretend to be—the Son of God—” he said, “why don’t You make bread out of these stones?” “It is written,” is the answer, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:1-4.]

22LtMs, Ms 93, 1907, par. 19

“Then the devil taketh Him into the holy city, and setteth Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.] What did Satan leave out in this quotation? It was the words, “In all Thy ways.” [Psalm 91:11.] The angels would keep Christ in all the ways of God. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

22LtMs, Ms 93, 1907, par. 21

“Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then said Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” [Matthew 4:8-10.] Sometimes we must speak so decidedly that we shall not be misunderstood. After Christ had passed through these temptations, he fainted and was apparently dying. But there were angels of God, on whose bosom He leaned. They strengthened Him and provided Him with food. Then He was fitted to go out and proclaim the truth in correct lines with the power of the Spirit. After He had preached in the most powerful manner He said, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, then for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” [Matthew 11:21-24.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 12—The Temptation

DA 114.1

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” The words of Mark are still more significant. He says, “Immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts.” “And in those days He did eat nothing.”

DA 114.2

When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and work. By fasting and prayer He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel. But Satan knew that the Saviour had gone into the wilderness, and he thought this the best time to approach Him.

DA 114.3

Mighty issues for the world were at stake in the conflict between the Prince of light and the leader of the kingdom of darkness. After tempting man to sin, Satan claimed the earth as his, and styled himself the prince of this world. Having conformed to his own nature the father and mother of our race, he thought to establish here his empire. He declared that men had chosen him as their sovereign. Through his control of men, he held dominion over the world. Christ had come to disprove Satan’s claim. As the Son of man, Christ would stand loyal to God. Thus it would be shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race, and that his claim to the world was false. All who desired deliverance from his power would be set free. The dominion that Adam had lost through sin would be recovered.

DA 115.1

Since the announcement to the serpent in Eden, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed” (Genesis 3:15), Satan had known that he did not hold absolute sway over the world. There was seen in men the working of a power that withstood his dominion. With intense interest he watched the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons. In these ceremonies he discerned a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. He set himself to intercept this communion. He misrepresented God, and misinterpreted the rites that pointed to the Saviour. Men were led to fear God as one who delighted in their destruction. The sacrifices that should have revealed His love were offered only to appease His wrath. Satan excited the evil passions of men, in order to fasten his rule upon them. When God’s written word was given, Satan studied the prophecies of the Saviour’s advent. From generation to generation he worked to blind the people to these prophecies, that they might reject Christ at His coming.

DA 115.2

At the birth of Jesus, Satan knew that One had come with a divine commission to dispute his dominion. He trembled at the angel’s message attesting the authority of the newborn King. Satan well knew the position that Christ had held in heaven as the Beloved of the Father. That the Son of God should come to this earth as a man filled him with amazement and with apprehension. He could not fathom the mystery of this great sacrifice. His selfish soul could not understand such love for the deceived race. The glory and peace of heaven, and the joy of communion with God, were but dimly comprehended by men; but they were well known to Lucifer, the covering cherub. Since he had lost heaven, he was determined to find revenge by causing others to share his fall. This he would do by causing them to undervalue heavenly things, and to set the heart upon things of earth.

DA 116.1

Not without hindrance was the Commander of heaven to win the souls of men to His kingdom. From the time when He was a babe in Bethlehem, He was continually assailed by the evil one. The image of God was manifest in Christ, and in the councils of Satan it was determined that He should be overcome. No human being had come into the world and escaped the power of the deceiver. The forces of the confederacy of evil were set upon His track to engage in warfare against Him, and if possible to prevail over Him.

DA 116.2

At the Saviour’s baptism, Satan was among the witnesses. He saw the Father’s glory overshadowing His Son. He heard the voice of Jehovah testifying to the divinity of Jesus. Ever since Adam’s sin, the human race had been cut off from direct communion with God; the intercourse between heaven and earth had been through Christ; but now that Jesus had come “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), the Father Himself spoke. He had before communicated with humanity through Christ; now He communicated with humanity in Christ. Satan had hoped that God’s abhorrence of evil would bring an eternal separation between heaven and earth. But now it was manifest that the connection between God and man had been restored.

DA 116.3

Satan saw that he must either conquer or be conquered. The issues of the conflict involved too much to be entrusted to his confederate angels. He must personally conduct the warfare. All the energies of apostasy were rallied against the Son of God. Christ was made the mark of every weapon of hell.

DA 116.4

Many look on this conflict between Christ and Satan as having no special bearing on their own life; and for them it has little interest. But within the domain of every human heart this controversy is repeated. Never does one leave the ranks of evil for the service of God without encountering the assaults of Satan. The enticements which Christ resisted were those that we find it so difficult to withstand. They were urged upon Him in as much greater degree as His character is superior to ours. With the terrible weight of the sins of the world upon Him, Christ withstood the test upon appetite, upon the love of the world, and upon that love of display which leads to presumption. These were the temptations that overcame Adam and Eve, and that so readily overcome us.

DA 117.1

Satan had pointed to Adam’s sin as proof that God’s law was unjust, and could not be obeyed. In our humanity, Christ was to redeem Adam’s failure. But when Adam was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. He was surrounded with the glories of Eden, and was in daily communion with heavenly beings. It was not thus with Jesus when He entered the wilderness to cope with Satan. For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his degradation.

DA 117.2

Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in Adam’s position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.

DA 117.3

With Christ, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation. Just where the ruin began, the work of our redemption must begin. As by the indulgence of appetite Adam fell, so by the denial of appetite Christ must overcome. “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

DA 117.4

From the time of Adam to that of Christ, self-indulgence had increased the power of the appetites and passions, until they had almost unlimited control. Thus men had become debased and diseased, and of themselves it was impossible for them to overcome. In man’s behalf, Christ conquered by enduring the severest test. For our sake He exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness.

DA 118.1

When Jesus entered the wilderness, He was shut in by the Father’s glory. Absorbed in communion with God, He was lifted above human weakness. But the glory departed, and He was left to battle with temptation. It was pressing upon Him every moment. His human nature shrank from the conflict that awaited Him. For forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak and emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony, “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14. Now was Satan’s opportunity. Now he supposed that he could overcome Christ.

DA 118.2

There came to the Saviour, as if in answer to His prayers, one in the guise of an angel from heaven. He claimed to have a commission from God to declare that Christ’s fast was at an end. As God had sent an angel to stay the hand of Abraham from offering Isaac, so, satisfied with Christ’s willingness to enter the bloodstained path, the Father had sent an angel to deliver Him; this was the message brought to Jesus. The Saviour was faint from hunger, He was craving for food, when Satan came suddenly upon Him. Pointing to the stones which strewed the desert, and which had the appearance of loaves, the tempter said, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

DA 118.3

Though he appears as an angel of light, these first words betray his character. “If Thou be the Son of God.” Here is the insinuation of distrust. Should Jesus do what Satan suggests, it would be an acceptance of the doubt. The tempter plans to overthrow Christ by the same means that were so successful with the human race in the beginning. How artfully had Satan approached Eve in Eden! “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1. Thus far the tempter’s words were truth; but in his manner of speaking them there was a disguised contempt for the words of God. There was a covert negative, a doubt of the divine truthfulness. Satan sought to instill into the mind of Eve the thought that God would not do as He had said; that the withholding of such beautiful fruit was a contradiction of His love and compassion for man. So now the tempter seeks to inspire Christ with his own sentiments. “If Thou be the Son of God.” The words rankle with bitterness in his mind. In the tones of his voice is an expression of utter incredulity. Would God treat His own Son thus? Would He leave Him in the desert with wild beasts, without food, without companions, without comfort? He insinuates that God never meant His Son to be in such a state as this. “If Thou be the Son of God,” show Thy power by relieving Thyself of this pressing hunger. Command that this stone be made bread.

DA 119.1

The words from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), were still sounding in the ears of Satan. But he was determined to make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The word of God was Christ’s assurance of His divine mission. He had come to live as a man among men, and it was the word that declared His connection with heaven. It was Satan’s purpose to cause Him to doubt that word. If Christ’s confidence in God could be shaken, Satan knew that the victory in the whole controversy would be his. He could overcome Jesus. He hoped that under the force of despondency and extreme hunger, Christ would lose faith in His Father, and work a miracle in His own behalf. Had He done this, the plan of salvation would have been broken.

DA 119.2

When Satan and the Son of God first met in conflict, Christ was the commander of the heavenly hosts; and Satan, the leader of revolt in heaven, was cast out. Now their condition is apparently reversed, and Satan makes the most of his supposed advantage. One of the most powerful of the angels, he says, has been banished from heaven. The appearance of Jesus indicates that He is that fallen angel, forsaken by God, and deserted by man. A divine being would be able to sustain his claim by working a miracle; “if Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.” Such an act of creative power, urges the tempter, would be conclusive evidence of divinity. It would bring the controversy to an end.

DA 119.3

Not without a struggle could Jesus listen in silence to the arch-deceiver. But the Son of God was not to prove His divinity to Satan, or to explain the reason of His humiliation. By conceding to the demands of the rebel, nothing for the good of man or the glory of God would be gained. Had Christ complied with the suggestion of the enemy, Satan would still have said, Show me a sign that I may believe you to be the Son of God. Evidence would have been worthless to break the power of rebellion in his heart. And Christ was not to exercise divine power for His own benefit. He had come to bear trial as we must do, leaving us an example of faith and submission. Neither here nor at any subsequent time in His earthly life did He work a miracle in His own behalf. His wonderful works were all for the good of others. Though Jesus recognized Satan from the beginning, He was not provoked to enter into controversy with him. Strengthened with the memory of the voice from heaven, He rested in His Father’s love. He would not parley with temptation.

DA 120.1

Jesus met Satan with the words of Scripture. “It is written,” He said. In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a “Thus saith the Lord,” was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

DA 120.2

It was in the time of greatest weakness that Christ was assailed by the fiercest temptations. Thus Satan thought to prevail. By this policy he had gained the victory over men. When strength failed, and the will power weakened, and faith ceased to repose in God, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right were overcome. Moses was wearied with the forty years’ wandering of Israel, when for the moment his faith let go its hold upon infinite power. He failed just upon the borders of the Promised Land. So with Elijah, who had stood undaunted before King Ahab, who had faced the whole nation of Israel, with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal at their head. After that terrible day upon Carmel, when the false prophets had been slain, and the people had declared their allegiance to God, Elijah fled for his life before the threats of the idolatrous Jezebel. Thus Satan has taken advantage of the weakness of humanity. And he will still work in the same way. Whenever one is encompassed with clouds, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan is at hand to tempt and annoy. He attacks our weak points of character. He seeks to shake our confidence in God, who suffers such a condition of things to exist. We are tempted to distrust God, to question His love. Often the tempter comes to us as he came to Christ, arraying before us our weakness and infirmities. He hopes to discourage the soul, and to break our hold on God. Then he is sure of his prey. If we would meet him as Jesus did, we should escape many a defeat. By parleying with the enemy, we give him an advantage.

DA 121.1

When Christ said to the tempter, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” He repeated the words that, more than fourteen hundred years before, He had spoken to Israel: “The Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness.... And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.” Deuteronomy 8:2, 3. In the wilderness, when all means of sustenance failed, God sent His people manna from heaven; and a sufficient and constant supply was given. This provision was to teach them that while they trusted in God and walked in His ways He would not forsake them. The Saviour now practiced the lesson He had taught to Israel. By the word of God succor had been given to the Hebrew host, and by the same word it would be given to Jesus. He awaited God’s time to bring relief. He was in the wilderness in obedience to God, and He would not obtain food by following the suggestions of Satan. In the presence of the witnessing universe, He testified that it is a less calamity to suffer whatever may befall than to depart in any manner from the will of God.

DA 121.2

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Often the follower of Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry forward his worldly enterprises. Perhaps it appears that obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support. Satan would make him believe that he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions. But the only thing in our world upon which we can rely is the word of God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. Even in this life it is not for our good to depart from the will of our Father in heaven. When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God’s command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.

DA 121.3

In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to death. See Revelation 13:11-17. But to the obedient is given the promise, “He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16. By this promise the children of God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed. “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” Psalm 37:19. To that time of distress the prophet Habakkuk looked forward, and his words express the faith of the church: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17, 18.

DA 122.1

Of all the lessons to be learned from our Lord’s first great temptation none is more important than that bearing upon the control of the appetites and passions. In all ages, temptations appealing to the physical nature have been most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind. Through intemperance, Satan works to destroy the mental and moral powers that God gave to man as a priceless endowment. Thus it becomes impossible for men to appreciate things of eternal worth. Through sensual indulgence, Satan seeks to blot from the soul every trace of likeness to God.

DA 122.2

The uncontrolled indulgence and consequent disease and degradation that existed at Christ’s first advent will again exist, with intensity of evil, before His second coming. Christ declares that the condition of the world will be as in the days before the Flood, and as in Sodom and Gomorrah. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart will be evil continually. Upon the very verge of that fearful time we are now living, and to us should come home the lesson of the Saviour’s fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish which Christ endured can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence. His example declares that our only hope of eternal life is through bringing the appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God.

DA 122.3

In our own strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature. Through this channel Satan will bring temptation upon us. Christ knew that the enemy would come to every human being, to take advantage of hereditary weakness, and by his false insinuations to ensnare all whose trust is not in God. And by passing over the ground which man must travel, our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. It is not His will that we should be placed at a disadvantage in the conflict with Satan. He would not have us intimidated and discouraged by the assaults of the serpent. “Be of good cheer,” He says; “I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

DA 123.1

Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, “I thirst.” He has endured all that it is possible for us to bear. His victory is ours.

DA 123.2

Jesus rested upon the wisdom and strength of His heavenly Father. He declares, “The Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded: ... and I know that I shall not be ashamed.... Behold, the Lord God will help Me.” Pointing to His own example, He says to us, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, ... that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” Isaiah 50:7-10.

DA 123.3

“The prince of this world cometh,” said Jesus, “and hath nothing in Me.” John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.

DA 123.4

And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation. “It is written,” He said. And unto us are given “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4. Every promise in God’s word is ours. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. “Thy word,” says the psalmist, “have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 12—The Wilderness Temptation

HLv 69.1

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward He was hungry.” RSV.

HLv 69.2

Jesus did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission. By fasting and prayer He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel. But Satan thought this the best time to approach Him.

HLv 69.3

Mighty issues were at stake. Satan claimed the earth as his and styled himself “the prince of this world.” He declared that men had chosen him as their sovereign; through men he held dominion over the world. Christ had come to disprove Satan’s claim. As the Son of man, Christ would stand loyal to God. Thus it would be shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race, and that his claim to the world was false. All who desired deliverance from his power would be set free.

HLv 69.4

Satan had known that he did not hold absolute sway over the world. There was seen in men a power that withstood his dominion. See Genesis 3:15. In the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons he discerned a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. He set himself to intercept this communion. He misrepresented God and misinterpreted the rites that pointed to the Saviour. Men were led to fear God as one who delighted in their destruction. The sacrifices that should have revealed His love were offered only to appease His wrath.

HLv 70.1

When God’s written word was given, Satan studied the prophecies. From generation to generation he worked to blind the people that they might reject Christ at His coming.

HLv 70.2

At the birth of Jesus, Satan knew that One had come to dispute his dominion. That the Son of God should come to this earth as a man filled him with apprehension. His selfish soul could not understand such love. Since he had lost heaven, he was determined to cause others to share his fall. He would cause them to undervalue heavenly things, and set the heart upon things of earth.

HLv 70.3

From the time when the Commander of heaven was a babe in Bethlehem, He was continually assailed by the evil one. In the councils of Satan it was determined that He should be overcome.

HLv 70.4

The forces of evil were set upon His track to engage in warfare against Him, and if possible to prevail over Him.

HLv 70.6

Satan saw that he must either conquer or be conquered. All the energies of apostasy were rallied against Christ.

HLv 70.7

Many look on this conflict between Christ and Satan as having no special bearing on their own life. But within every human heart it is repeated. The enticements Christ resisted were those we find so difficult to withstand. With the weight of the sins of the world upon Him, Christ withstood the test on appetite, on the love of the world, and on that love of display which leads to presumption. These were the temptations that overcame Adam and Eve, and that so readily overcome us.

HLv 71.1

Satan had pointed to Adam’s sin as proof that God’s law could not be obeyed. In our humanity, Christ was to redeem Adam’s failure. But when Adam was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing full vigor of mind and body. Surrounded with the glories of Eden, he was in daily communion with heavenly beings.

HLv 71.2

It was not thus with Jesus when He entered the wilderness to cope with Satan. For 4000 years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his degradation.

HLv 71.3

Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in Adam’s position, nor have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.

HLv 71.4

With Christ, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation. “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

HLv 71.5

These first words betrayed his character. “If Thou be the Son of God.” Here was the insinuation of distrust. If Jesus should do what Satan suggested, it would be an acceptance of the doubt. Satan sought to instill into the mind of Eve the thought that withholding such beautiful fruit was a contradiction of God’s love for man. So now the tempter sought to inspire Christ with his own sentiments. “If Thou be the Son of God.” In his voice was an expression of utter incredulity. Would God treat His own Son thus, leaving Him in the desert with wild beasts, without food, without companions, without comfort? He insinuated that God never meant His Son to be in such a state as this. “If Thou be the Son of God,” show Thy power. Command that this stone be made bread.

HLv 72.1

The words from heaven, “This is My beloved Son,” were still sounding in the ears of Satan. But he was determined to make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The word of God was Christ’s assurance of His divine mission; the word declared His connection with heaven. Satan purposed to cause Him to doubt that word. If Christ’s confidence in God could be shaken, Satan knew that he could overcome Jesus. He hoped that under the force of despondency and hunger, Christ would lose faith in His Father and work a miracle in His own behalf. Had He done this, the plan of salvation would have been broken.

HLv 72.2

Satan made the most of his supposed advantage. One of the most powerful of the angels, he said, had been banished from heaven. The appearance of Jesus indicated that He was that fallen angel, forsaken by God and deserted by man. A divine being would sustain his claim by working a miracle: “If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.” Such an act of creative power, urged the tempter, would be conclusive evidence of divinity. It would bring the controversy to an end.

HLv 72.3

But the Son of God was not to prove His divinity to Satan. Had Christ complied with the suggestion of the enemy, Satan would still have said, Show me a sign that I may believe you to be the Son of God. And Christ was not to exercise divine power for His own benefit. He had come to bear trial as we must, leaving us an example. His wonderful works were all for the good of others. Strengthened with the memory of the voice from heaven, Jesus rested in His Father’s love.

HLv 73.1

Jesus met Satan with Scripture. “It is written,” He said. The weapon of His warfare was the Word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance on a “Thus saith the Lord,” was a sign that could not be controverted. As Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

HLv 73.3

Christ said to the tempter, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” In the wilderness more than fourteen hundred years before, God sent His people a constant supply of manna from heaven. This was to teach them that while they trusted in God and walked in His ways He would not forsake them. By the word of God succor had been given to the Hebrew host, and by the same word it had been given to Jesus. He awaited God’s time to bring relief. He would not obtain food by following the suggestions of Satan. It is a less calamity to suffer whatever may befall than to depart in any manner from the will of God.

HLv 74.2

In all ages, temptations appealing to the physical nature have been most effectual in corrupting mankind. Through intemperance, Satan works to destroy the mental and moral powers. Thus it becomes impossible for men to appreciate things of eternal worth. Through sensual indulgence Satan seeks to blot from the soul every trace of likeness to God.

HLv 74.3

Christ declares that before His second coming the condition of the world will be as in the days before the Flood, and as in Sodom and Gomorrah. To us should come home the lesson of the Saviour’s fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish Christ endured can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence. Our only hope of eternal life is through bringing our appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God.

HLv 74.5

Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, “I thirst.” His victory is ours.

From Heaven With Love

Satan Determined to Prevail

HLv 70.5

At the Saviour’s baptism, Satan heard the voice of Jehovah testifying to the divinity of Jesus. Now that Jesus had come “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), the Father Himself spoke. He had before communicated with humanity through Christ; now He communicated with humanity in Christ. Now it was manifest that the connection between God and man had been restored.

From Heaven With Love

The Temptation to Doubt

HLv 73.2

In the time of greatest weakness Christ was assailed by the fiercest temptations. Thus Satan has taken advantage of the weakness of humanity. See Numbers 20:1-13; 1 Kings 19:1-14. When one is perplexed or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan is at hand to tempt, to attack our weak points of character, to shake our confidence in God. Often the tempter comes as he came to Christ, arraying before us our weakness. He hopes to discourage the soul and break our hold on God. But if we would meet him as Jesus did, we would escape many a defeat.

HLv 73.4

Often the follower of Christ is brought where it appears that obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support. Satan would make him believe he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions. But the only thing on which we can rely is the Word of God. See Matthew 6:33. When we learn the power of His Word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or save our lives. We shall obey God’s command and trust His promise.

HLv 74.1

In the last great conflict with Satan those loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. See Revelation 13:11-17. But to the obedient is given the promise, “He shall dwell on high: ... his bread shall be given him; his water shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, he shall be fed. See Psalm 37:19.

From Heaven With Love

Intemperance Corrupts Morals

HLv 74.4

In our own strength it is impossible to deny the clamors of our fallen nature. But by passing over the ground man must travel, our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. He would not have us intimidated and discouraged. “Be of good cheer,” He says; “I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

HLv 75.1

“The prince of this world cometh,” said Jesus, “and hath nothing in Me.” John 14:30. Nothing in Him responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold on the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.

HLv 75.2

How this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did Christ overcome Satan? By the Word of God. “It is written,” He said. And every promise in God’s Word is ours. See 2 Peter 1:4. When assailed by temptation, look to the power of the Word. All its strength is yours. See Psalms 119:11; 17:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 185, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 185, 1907, par. 1

Matthew 4:1-4. You see there He would not respond to that temptation, but He just kept on the affirmative.

22LtMs, Ms 185, 1907, par. 2

Verses 5-7. No one wants to place himself in a position of peril, then to expect the power of God in reference to himself.

22LtMs, Ms 185, 1907, par. 3

Verses 8-11. Now, here is Satan; at times he will come to us and tempt us in every way to be presumptuous. God does not want us to imperil our life at any time or in any place. He wants us to consider that we are the Lord’s property, and to place ourselves not in peril.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 147, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 23

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:1-4.]

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 25

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 27

“It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 28

“Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.” [Verses 8, 9.] Here the enemy reveals his real purpose.

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 29

“Then Jesus saith unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.]

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 31

“Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee: and leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” [Verses 11-16.]

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 34

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [Verses 17-19.]

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 35

Jesus desired these fishermen to learn of Him, to become fellow workers with Him in saving souls. So He calls each one of us today. Shall we respond as did these men? “They straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” [Verse 20.] Then Jesus called others, and they also responded without a question.

21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 36

“Going on from thence, He saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.” [Verses 21, 22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 95, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 3

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall, give His angels charge concerning Thee, and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-6.]

23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 5

Christ was not appointed to come into connection with Satan to oppose him by controversy. It was His work to take the affirmative of the Word of God. He said to the tempter, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 7

“Then the devil leaveth Him, and behold angels came, and ministered unto Him.” [Verses 8-11.] Christ was fainting under the pressure of temptation; but when it would seem that He was dying on the field of battle, angels came to His aid to strengthen Him. Thus Christ was sustained in the sufferings He endured.

23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 8

“Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people that sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” [Verses 12-16.]

23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 10

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me; and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.” [Verses 17-20.]

23LtMs, Ms 95, 1908, par. 11

Here were some whose minds were under the influence of Christ. At His call they came right to His side. “And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” [Verses 21, 22.]

Counsels on Health

A Broadening Work

CH 316.4

Christ Himself has given us an example of how we are to work. Read the fourth chapter of Matthew, and learn what methods Christ, the Prince of life, followed in His teaching. “Leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the seacoast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Matthew 4:13-16.

CH 317.1

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-22.

CH 317.3

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them.” Matthew 4:23, 24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 139, 1906

Oakland, California

July 24, 1906

Previously unpublished.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 1

Matthew 4:13-25 [Passage read.]

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 2

Now this was the first experience these disciples had of the ministry of Christ as the great Healer.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 3

Matthew 5:1, 2. Read and study the wonderful discourse found in Matthew 5.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 4

Matthew 8:1. There was a very large congregation in the open air, listening to His discourse.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 5

Matthew 7:28, 29.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 6

We are to have our senses quickened by the Holy Spirit that dwelt with Christ. We have to move out and improve our opportunities to reach the people where they are. Men and women can labor in their various capacities. In the home life, in visiting with our books and our publications, when opportunities shall present themselves, improve your chance to give the words of the greatest Teacher this world ever knew. God would have our printing establishments honored with men and with women who will realize they have characters to form after the divine similitude. Let the sanctification of the Holy Spirit take possession of voice, of mind, of strength, and use the gift of the voice to give utterance to words that are indited by the Holy Spirit.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 7

The words of Christ’s discourse from the Mount of Olives is your lesson to take in and impart to the people, high or low. And every sanctified heart and mind can become a channel of light to awaken an interest by taking the discourses and presenting them just as they are given in the Word, and then present them to the people as of the utmost importance, coming from the lips of the divine Teacher. How easy to be understood, how simple. If these discourses were dwelt upon in giving them the exact words, which the disciples did do, they realized that a divine power worked on human minds. If there were not another word often presented on different occasions in outdoor labor, these words would, if received and practiced, be to the saving souls.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 8

Why? Because the Holy Spirit is right beside the ones that are giving the lessons in the Scriptures, so that the right impression be made upon the human mind.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 9

We need in our life practice to preach the Word, to be instant in season, out of season, to have the armor of righteousness on and minister to the souls that need to be converted to Christ. Let every member of the church improve opportunities to speak the truth in love. Let men and women, sound in the faith, obtain acquaintance with that class who know not the truth, and introduce the truth of the Bible doctrine.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 10

We should not just assemble right among ourselves and cluster right among our own selves, but in kindness, in tenderness, in love, become acquainted with those who know not the truth. God wants you to be the salt of the earth. God wants you to be the light of the world.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 11

Let all gossip in the church be expelled from you individually.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 12

Individually, interest yourselves for the unconverted. This is your work. We have no time to gossip; we have no time to censure; we have no power given us of God to be censuring and to be discouraging. We want to encourage every one and sit down together and talk of the best ways to introduce the truth, and to obtain light, so that we shall let that light be reflected upon the pathway of every one that we come in association with.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 13

Stop your efforts to talk nothingness, things that are of no account at all. God wants us to come to our senses.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 14

Talk the truth, precious truth as it is in the Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings, as Christ charged His disciples just before His ascension, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” [Matthew 28:19.]

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 15

When you baptize them, and you see that they are in error in any respect, do you, any one of you that feel that you have a message from God, go to them kindly, and tell them, between them and you alone, where their trouble is, and where their difficulties will come in unless they change the course of their action? This is the work that is to rest upon us. And then what? Why, it says, “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” [Verse 19.] Three personalities; and these three personalities are the pledged power from God that His people shall have, if they have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Now there is no excuse for souls to be left in ignorance and weakness if they will be gospel believers, if they will carry out these principles, and know that the three great Worthies, the Powers in heaven, are pledged to the church of God that will work in harmony with Christ’s teachings.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 16

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Verse 20.]

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 17

That is what Christ was teaching in the very last lessons given to His disciples before He ascended up

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 18

Christ is our power of efficiency. Work under Christ, controlled by His Holy Spirit, and there will be efficiency and power. In your perplexity to understand the way to take up the work, you can say as did the disciples, “Lord, to whom shall we go but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life. We have advanced truth.” [See John 6:68.]

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 19

God means we shall advance continually. Some phases of the truth in the Word we do not take hold of, and those who do not understand it will come and ask us a question upon it. Then you bow down for a season of prayer, and ask the Lord that you may understand what is in His Word. I think you would have very much more praise to offer to God when you do that way than when you begin a conversation about how this one has done or that one has done, and begin to pick flaws. Had not we better stop right here, and make a vow before God?

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 20

Seeing that San Francisco is punished because they did not keep the commandments of God, how many have done their duty in San Francisco? How many have worked as living missionaries in San Francisco? That was the question that has been placed before me that I was to place before the people. How many have been blessed by your missionary effort, when there was a world right in San Francisco, a small world there? Who has done his duty? God help us to arouse ourselves, else there will be a repetition of the wrath of God on others besides those in San Francisco.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 21

There is where in your perplexity you can say, as did the disciples, “Lord, to whom shall we go, but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [Verse 68.]

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 22

Then suppose, as you cannot see Christ in your midst, that you get right down and see Him by faith, that you become humble enough to pray and ask God to give you the right instruction on how to win souls to Christ.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 23

“Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men” [Matthew 5:14, 16]—not just before your church, and tell them over and over something; tell them to let the world alone that is perishing in its sins. But let your light so shine before the world that they see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Now, if you shut yourself right in your churches, and preach over and over and over the same things, hadn’t you better stir up every member of the church and organize them and teach them how to become living missionaries, to present the truth to those that are ready to perish?

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 24

We have a truth which the nominal churches have not received. The grand truth of the Sabbath, the seventh day, in which the Lord rested after creating the world in six days. The Sabbath is the seventh day, and the holy beings in the heavenly courts observe the sacred hours God has specified should be the day of rest. The holy church in heaven assemble before the throne of God. They worship in the beauty of holiness, crying, Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And this divine assembly is looking upon the inhabitants of the earth, who honor God in keeping holy the seventh day, and are in different companies all over the world, who observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and let their light shine amid the moral darkness that follows the transgression of God’s law.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 25

Those who observe the Sabbath of the Lord have a special work to accomplish in our world, and they need to be aroused and baptized with the Holy Spirit, that they may teach the world. This is acknowledged in the heavenly courts as a sign of their allegiance to Jesus Christ who has bought them with the price of His own blood.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 26

There are societies all through the world who are observing the seventh day Sabbath. Thank God for these. It is given as “a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 17.] That sign is never to be removed.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 27

Then why are we so inefficient? You have no time to talk. You have no time to tell of wrongs. You have no time to pull down one another. You have a work to do for the Master; and you are to work for those that would have the blood of souls upon their garments, unless they do this work as God would have them do it. Observing the Sabbath day is doing the very thing that came from God after He had created the world in six days, and rested upon the seventh day, and sanctified the day of His rest. He did not take any other day for that sanctification of the day of His rest. It denominates those who observe the Sabbath as the people of God. These people have given themselves to observe the commandments of God, to teach them to their children, and to work efficiently in behalf of the world. What does it do? It tells the story to the whole world that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. And that day He sanctified.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 28

There is the testimony, the sign to be borne, that you are loyal, that you are true, if you will carry it out in character. Just your assenting to it does not amount to anything. It can only bring condemnation if you are not carrying out the principles of love for one another. Souls are perishing. We have no time to heap up treasure upon this earth. We want to extend a missionary influence from place to place.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 29

That is why I came from Australia. I felt that I must see the sanitariums established, the schools established, the educational centers in different parts of America. And we mean to do it. God is helping us, and bringing us into possession of properties for not more than one-fifth of what they cost, that we may have opportunity to work in all parts of the world.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 30

Observing the seventh day Sabbath, given to the world by our God, is His sign that we are His loyal subjects. And when these numbers who bear the sign of God assemble, let all bear in mind they are acknowledged in the heavenly courts; and all who keep the Sabbath, as God has enjoined the seventh day, they are in harmony with the angels in the heavenly courts. It is God’s distinguishing sign that they are loyal, and are preparing the people to become church members for uniting in the loftiest worship in the city of God. Can you take it in? I am awakened in the night with these things presented to me.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 31

These are the results of the missionary efforts to bring God’s holy law before those who are in the darkness of error, that they may keep God’s commandments and live.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 32

Now a little point. As the saints in the kingdom of God are accepted in the beloved, they hear: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] And then the golden harps are touched, and the music flows all through the heavenly host, and they fall down and worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And then what? What next did I see? One meets another; and they say, as they fall right upon their necks with their faces shining with the glory of God, “It was you, it was you that brought the truth to me, and I would not hear it at first, but, O I am so glad.” Now that will be acted all through the heavenly courts, thanksgiving and praise to God for those that have been the means of winning others to the truth, that they should come and have an interest for them, and then they are united among the saved. O what a meeting! what a meeting!

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 33

Exodus 31:13-16. No change takes place. It is not changed to Sunday; it is the very day that denominates you, that you keep to honor God who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and rested the seventh.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 34

Now sanctification without your having any burden or any weight for souls, it cannot be. God wants the burden to rest upon every soul to make straight paths for his feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way, and that you bring them to show them what the truth is. Wake up, brethren! Wake up, sisters!

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 35

Exodus 31:14-16, 18.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 36

Present before the people the strong proofs which Moses was commanded to repeat to the congregation of Israel.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 37

Now here is a great deal of light, that I have not time to go through.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 38

Deuteronomy 7:6-11.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 39

I do not know as I shall attempt to read all I have here. I want to talk a little.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 40

I want to say to each one that we have a solemn, sacred work to do. It is not for you to consider how you can bind about the work for fear it will cost something. I have found that when they did advance to present the truth before new companies, there is where my liberty is. There is where I have strength. They took me when I was unable to move any limb but just this arm, when I could not move without much suffering; they would take me in an easy carriage and carry me to the halls, and then carry me up in an armchair to stand before the people, and speak. Well, the blessing of God rested upon us. It was a severe tax for me, but here are able men and able women, keeping the Sabbath. What are you keeping it for? Do you understand it? If so, in simplicity present to others the truth; and if you want to have strength of influence and power before the people, for Christ’s sake make known the truth. Do not hide it; do not put it under a bushel, nor under a bed.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 41

Your light is to shine forth to all that are in the house, and to whoever you come in contact with. There will be many lost because they do not do this. How? For the very reason that they do not realize the importance of the truth as they might realize it; because everyone that works for God, if it is but one soul that they are working for, they introduce the angels of God; and the angels of God give those workers words to utter, words to speak, as they open the Scriptures. There they see them in a new light, because it is of importance to them to give the clear light to those that they are laboring for.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 42

There is a work to be done. Now, do not watch for fear we are branching out too much. We are not branching out one-hundredth part of what we ought to be. There are places where people never heard the truth, and we want to improve, every soul of us, our mind; we want to improve our intelligence; we want to search the Scriptures; and as we search them, the angels of God will give us a clear understanding of what these Scriptures mean.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 43

“Lo, I am with you, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] If you give to others the influence I have commanded you, that is the very work to be done. God wants His converting power to come to us in this meeting, and He wants us to humble our souls before Him.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 44

We have schools to be established. In Loma Linda, there should be a first-class school established there, near the sanitarium; and the sanitarium can help the school, and the school can help the sanitarium. I could read it all when I went there and saw the land, nearly one hundred acres of land. “O, this is just the place,” I said. “Now here is where the school can be established; and the sanitarium, the medical work, and the ministry can be worked here, so that it will be the one thing, the perfecting of the work in Jesus Christ, to carry this message to the world. That is our study now.”

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 45

Every penny you can save from dress, every penny you can save from any indulgence in your houses—in expensive indulgence—can be used for the simple cottages that shall be erected in the most simple, inexpensive way at once, right upon Loma Linda ground. There can be the higher school, and at the same time the primary class in another department, so there will be two classes of schools right upon the same ground. One is working with an influence upon the medical line, another an influence upon the ministry, and all is to blend. It is one work; it is a great work. And the foundation timbers are to be laid in different places. And we are to see the salvation of God.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 46

I prevailed on Brother Haskell and his wife to come to Loma Linda and labor. And they took up, not the easiest place, Redlands, but the most objectionable place. They went to work right there to see what they could do. They have been sowing the seed; they have been preparing for others to come in and to help to take that work and carry it forward in the right lines; and then they will return again from New England, and the Lord will work. He has wrought wonderfully, and I thank God Brother and Sister Haskell have gone there, and they are fitting up workers that shall go into the field to carry the work. And just as these workers will advance the work, they will see and understand, as their minds are growing stronger. Their intellect is improving. And they have an education by practice. That is what we believe in, an education by practice. And they can carry the work of God intelligently.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 47

Now there are advanced moves to be made in Loma Linda—these small houses to be established on the ground, so as to save the expense of a big building. And the Lord will help us. There are means that shall come from our people to carry on this very work, for just as soon as they are baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, you could no more keep them to put their means in the mechanical business lines of the world, the money-making schemes. You would see they will say, “This is the Lord’s money. He has let us have it, but every dollar of it is the Lord’s.” He says, “The gold and the silver is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” [Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10.] And therefore the Lord calls upon every one to bring a faithful tithe into His treasury, that the treasury should not be empty. He wants every one to wake up on this point; for when you read Malachi with the Spirit of the Lord resting upon you, you may understand that you have got a responsibility resting upon you, perhaps, that you have not realized before.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 48

If you have been robbing God in tithes and offerings, come right to your senses. God has given you all that you have. He has given you life, and He has given you what wealth you have that you have not destroyed by indulgence of appetite and liquor taking and tobacco-using. Those who destroy the physical and mental and the moral by a perverted appetite, they need to be converted, that the Spirit of God shall come upon them; and let every one of us stand as soldiers. How? With every piece of the armor on.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 49

We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. Do you think, when you are talking to this one, that, and the other, it is only just the person? The enemy is trying to divert every effort you may make. You must have the courage that you will not be diverted. You must have a faith that will not be blanketed, that will not be repulsed; and then you take right hold, and you say, “This is the property of Christ, and He has given His blood to purchase these men and these women; and now I must take right hold to impart with all the powers of my being, and I must do everything I can with the means God has given to me to establish the truth in different parts of the world.” And these you will find in the different parts where scarcely anything has been done—not very far off, right in America.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 50

The Lord would have us work intelligently, that we may have some means, that we may establish the work among the people that do not speak our language—in the islands of the sea, and the various missions in foreign countries—they are the ones that we are to work for. There is no end to the work, and God wants us to prepare a people, for the end of all things is at hand. The Lord is coming, and we have no time to lose, no time to waste. God help us that we may take right hold of His work, and that we may do it intelligently.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 51

Here are various things to be considered. Here is the work now at Loma Linda that is to be considered, and the preparations made, so that the school can commence at once, and there will be a place where they can go where there are not companies that are constantly working to undermine the confidence of those who come to the place that has seen the glory of God. But Satan thinks this a nice place for him, and he is working there through those who once stood firmly upon the truth. God wants us to prepare a place for those who shall receive their education, not only in book knowledge, but in agricultural lines, to till the soil; and as they are tilling the soil, they are getting their lessons all the time, how the soil of the Lord should be worked, how they should weed out the wrongs, how they should stir up the fallow ground of the heart, that the seeds of truth may find access to the soil.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 52

What we want is a full religion. What we want is the perfecting of Christian character day after day. And never stop nor hesitate until you can reflect the image of Jesus Christ and are prepared for the next world, which is the heaven above, where there entereth into it nothing that defileth or maketh a lie. Now here is the very work that God calls upon every one of us to do, to understandingly take hold of this work.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 53

We are not to compass ourselves in a little section by ourselves. No. It is the world. They tried to get Christ to stay in one place in His first ministry. “No,” He said, “I must go to other places.” And then He toiled on. What a light shone forth in this place where He went, and numbers were converted to the truth. This is the very work that we are to do. God help us to understand what it means to be converted. Your tongue is to be converted. Your mind is to be converted. There is to be no frivolity by any one that teaches the truth or that takes hold of the truth.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 54

The Lord would have us minutemen. Put on the whole armor of God, every piece of it; and the gospel shoes, be sure to put them on. If you have on the gospel shoes, you will not sit down in your house and do nothing. If you have the gospel shoes, you must go with these gospel shoes on to impart the truth to those that are in darkness. Travel on foot from place to place, and God will give the grace that is so much needed, and the whole heart will be rejoicing.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 55

Then Christ went to another place, and another place, and so He kept traveling. He let the light shine forth in these places that He went to, and I want to say, brethren and sisters, Never open your lips to tattle; never open your lips to condemn and find fault. You have got other business to do. You have got other business than to lay these things before the servants of God, and they have other business to do than to hear you. We want every one to work in his capacity and to do whatever he can do for the Master. My heart has bled as I have seen that there are hindrances, hindrances, hindrances to keep the work from going to perfection, where it should be perfected.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 56

But we want now the Holy Spirit of God to come in. And the Lord will help us. The blessing of the Lord will rest upon us, and I ask you, every one, Pray, pray, pray for the ministers. Do not stop to find fault. Pray for the Holy Ghost to come upon the ministers. There is a world to save.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 57

Look at San Francisco. How many might have been saved in San Francisco if you had put on the whole armor and the gospel shoes and the lamp of salvation? And if you had kept at work for them, there might have been many souls won to the truth. God help us to take hold of the truth here. We know not how soon Oakland may be visited—there is great wickedness in Oakland. There is a truth for them to take hold of. We want Oakland to know that those that are transgressing the Sabbath commandment, and are keeping the first day of the week, are trampling on and disregarding the positive commandments of God. And yet they expect to enter in through the gates into the city. They would create a second rebellion there. No, it never can be so. God help us that we may take up this work.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 58

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. Confess your sins one to another. This is the work of God. Confess your sins one to another. This is the Word of God. Confess your sins and forsake your sins. Humble your souls before God. If you do this, just as surely as you make room so that the Holy Spirit of God shall come right into your midst, before you know it, you will find, when the truth is presented in the congregation, you can no more sit and not open your lips. You will say, Praise God, Amen, Good is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and you will find that there will be open lips; and the mind will be absorbing the truth, and that truth sanctifying the heart of the believer. What we want is pure and undefiled religion.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 59

As I was aroused very early this morning to write out some matters that I have not read to you—I will read it before I leave—I felt such a burning desire to create some kind of a spirit of advancement, to create an earnestness, to create a zeal, to create a proficiency here. Because we are keeping the commandments of God, and He says, It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever. Now, we want to be in touch with Jehovah, we want to be in perfect harmony with the Lord God of heaven who created the world.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 60

I want to tell you, God lives, and Christ is making intercession for us; and when He sees you backsliding, He places His hands before God, saying, “Give them another opportunity. I have graven them upon the palms of My hands. They have forsaken Me, they have gone away from Me. I want to exert an influence over My people, that they shall be brought back again.” Now that is the work that the Lord has presented to me to be done. God help us every one to be wide-awake.

*****

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 61

Brother Kellogg wants me to bring in a word here. Do not any one think that the establishment of the Loma Linda school interferes with the school at Healdsburg one particle. It is to educate medical missionaries to go to all parts of the world, and to carry the truth. It is to bring them up to a high standard in the medical missionary work. And then the only school they have besides that is for the young children that are in Loma Linda that come and settle there. It does not interfere with any school anywhere, or in Healdsburg.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 62

I am glad if they will start the school in Healdsburg and carry it right through on the highest line possible. I am glad if they will take it, and may God put courage into their hearts. But the Loma Linda work has no more bearing on this work at Healdsburg at all. It does not have any bearing. It is to take those that shall go forth in ministry of healing, to act in various places where they have no representation, and there they are to educate, to come in and teach them how to preserve healthful habits and leave off all liquor.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 63

That makes me think, I want someone to bring to me pledges, just the best pledges that you can get, and bring them here so that we can handle them. What we want is that the appetites and passions shall be brought under control to God. We eat these things and we partake of these things; the dead animal creation, you partake of these things, and you act out the animal; and your children will act it out. You are composed of what you eat, and we want the fruits and grains; and the simple fruits and grains, will be all that will satisfy us. The counsel of God has been given, that if I would come to the position on fruits and grains, (and that was many, many years ago), I should overcome the difficulty of the heart that I was suffering under and fainting away every little while.

21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 64

Well I have; I have overcome it. I came right down to the strictest diet, the simplest diet. I let the meat diet go, as the Lord said; it was not good for me, and it was establishing a weakness in my constitution, so that I could not carry His work. Now I want to say to every one of you that will come right to the fruits and grains and let meat alone, you will not be the disposition of that animal of which you now partake. God wants us to bring heaven into our homes, for we are preparing for the heaven above. We want our children there, and we want to be there ourselves. God help us to work to the point.

The Spirit of Sacrifice

Chapter 13—The Example of Christ

SpTB19 38.2

Christ Himself has given us an example of how we are to work. Read the fourth chapter of Matthew, and learn what methods Christ, the Prince of life, followed in His teaching. “Leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the seacoast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”

The Review and Herald

July 23, 1914

RH July 23, 1914, par. 4

Christ himself has given us an example of how we are to work. Read the fourth chapter of Matthew, and learn what methods Christ, the Prince of life, followed in his teaching. “Leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the seacoast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 113, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 2

Read carefully the first eleven verses of the fourth chapter of Matthew. It is the story of the battle between Christ and Satan. Christ came to this world as a man, to prove to angels and to men that man may overcome, that in every emergency he may know that the powers of heaven are ready to help him. He took the nature of man, with all its possibilities. We have nothing to endure that He has not endured.

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 10

“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3.] Here is the insinuation of distrust. In the tones of the tempter’s voice is an expression of utter incredulity. Would God treat His own Son thus? Would He leave Him in the desert with wild beasts, without food, without companions, without comfort? He insinuates that God never meant His Son to be in such a state as this. “If thou be the Son of God,” he said, “show thy power by relieving thyself of this pressing hunger.” “Command that this stone be made bread.”

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 11

In His reply, Christ made no reference to the doubt. He was not to prove His divinity to Satan, to explain the reason of His humiliation. “It is written,” He said, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.] He met Satan with the words of Scripture. In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the Word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as the sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance on a “thus saith the Lord,” was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 13

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” [Matthew 4:5, 6.]

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 15

Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.] These words were spoken to the children of Israel when they thirsted in the desert and demanded that Moses should give them water, exclaiming, “is the Lord among us, or not?” [Exodus 17:7.] God had wrought marvellously for them, yet in trouble they doubted Him and demanded evidence that He was with them. In their unbelief they sought to put Him to the test. And Satan was urging Christ to do the same thing. God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be putting God’s word to the test—tempting Him. And the same would be true of asking for that which God had not promised. It would be to manifest distrust, and would be really proving or tempting Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfil His word, but because He will fulfil it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]

17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 16

“Again the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.” [Matthew 4:8, 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 138, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 138, 1908, par. 4

Show them that our mission and work is to prepare a people in all parts of the world to stand before God, the great Giver of all talents of means. We have neglected a most important work in not appealing directly to those to whom He has entrusted His goods. The Lord has instructed me to give the words of warning to those in the highways, and this means to us [that] we have a special message to bring directly before the men to whom the means have been entrusted. The largest numbers who have wealth, and can do a good work in helping with the various necessities in giving the gospel to all the nationalities, have not felt amenable to the Lord to use the means that is in their possession to advance the truth of the Word by bearing a message to the very men who have the earthly treasure. Read Matthew, chapter 4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 86, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 86, 1908, par. 7

Study the conflicts and victories of Christ and the character of His teaching as found in Matthew four and five:

23LtMs, Lt 86, 1908, par. 9

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord Thy God.” [Matthew 4:1-7.] Satan in quoting this Scripture left out the words, “And shall keep Thee in all Thy ways.” [Psalm 91:11.] He was tempting the Son of God to walk in ways that were not appointed by the Father.

23LtMs, Lt 86, 1908, par. 10

“Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.” [Matthew 4:8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 129, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 129, 1903, par. 5

Christ Himself has given us an example of how we are to work. Read the fourth chapter of Matthew, and learn what methods Christ, the Prince of life, followed in His teaching. “Leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the seacoast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nepthalim; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nepthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” [Verses 13-16.]

18LtMs, Lt 129, 1903, par. 6

“And Jesus, walking by the sea, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, He saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship, and their father, and followed Him.” [Verses 18-22.]

18LtMs, Lt 129, 1903, par. 8

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and He healed them. And there followed Him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. And seeing the multitude, He went up into a mountain; and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him; and He opened His mouth, and taught them.” [Matthew 4:23-5:2.] He gave what is known as the sermon on the mount—a discourse full of precious instruction for all who claim to be His disciples. His deeds of sympathy in restoring the sick to health had aroused a deep interest in His work and had prepared the people to listen to His words.

18LtMs, Lt 129, 1903, par. 9

In every sense of the word Christ was a medical missionary. He came to this world to preach the gospel and to heal the sick. He came as a healer of the bodies as well as the souls of human beings. His message was that obedience to the laws of the kingdom of God would bring men and women health and prosperity. “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” was the word that He bore. [Matthew 4:17.] His kingdom of grace was now to be recognized as surpassing in glory all the kingdoms of the earth. The gospel is the charter of this kingdom. It contains the king’s coronation oath, by which He pledges Himself to pardon all who believe in Him, and who come to Him confessing their sins. He pledges Himself to protect and save the loyal subjects of His kingdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 318, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 318, 1908, par. 14

The fourth chapter of Matthew is very important. Beginning with the thirteenth verse, we read, “And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

23LtMs, Lt 318, 1908, par. 15

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Verses 13-17.] He chose as His missionary field places which others did not discern as being a special advantage.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 141, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 141, 1909, par. 1

... those who take up this work in a humble way to study the third and fourth chapters of Matthew—the record of Christ’s anointing for His mission, and His temptation in the wilderness. After His long fast and severe conflict, Christ lay like one dying on the field of battle. It was then that angels came and ministered to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 8, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 8, 1910, par. 4

Many precious and important lessons are found in the words of Christ, as recorded in the gospel of Matthew, chapters four to seven.

25LtMs, Lt 8, 1910, par. 6

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [Matthew 4:12-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 36, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 36, 1911, par. 5

I have been shown that deceptions like those we were called to meet in the early experiences of the message would be repeated and that we shall have to meet them again in the closing days of the work. At this time we are required to bring all our powers under the control of God, exercising our faculties in accordance with the light He has given. Read the fourth and fifth chapters of Matthew. Study Matthew 4:8-10; also chapter 5:13. Meditate upon the sacred work that was carried forward by Christ. It is thus that the principles of the Word of God are to be brought into our labors.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Prince of Life, October 16

JNN 305.2

Upon all who are engaged in the Lord’s work rests the responsibility of fulfilling the commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20).

JNN 305.3

Christ Himself has given us an example of how we are to work. Read the fourth chapter of Matthew, and learn what methods Christ, the Prince of life, followed in His teaching. “Leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the seacoast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:13-16).

JNN 305.4

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him” (Matthew 4:18-22).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 115, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 14

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Verses 16, 17; 4:1-3.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 16

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 18

“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 20

“If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” [Verse 6.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 22

“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 25

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan.” He lets him know that He is acquainted with his character. “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verses 8-10.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 27

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 29

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 30

This means that when they come to Christ, that they are to demonstrate their faith in the profession that they have made, and have been baptized in the profession, and have been numbered as the children of the living God. And now here, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 31

“Then the devil leaveth him: and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” [Verse 11.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 32

Forty days and forty nights without food and then He had to meet the wily foe that supposed he could get the victory. “Then the devil leaveth him and behold angels came and ministered unto him.” [Verse 11.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 38

“Then the devil leaveth him; and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” [Matthew 4:11.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 41

“Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of the death light is sprung up.” [Verses 12-16.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 42

Now here is what we want you to understand. And it seems we act as though we had not sufficient victories to gain. It is everything to us to gain victories every day over that temptation of the enemy. “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” [Verse 16.] Yes, from the very light that Christ had brought them.

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 43

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, And Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [Verses 18, 19.] Well, they don’t stop and reason and bring up things why they cannot comply with the conditions.

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 44

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their net, and followed him.” [Verses 19, 20.] And many would straightway leave if they could only understand the virtue of believing in, and walking in the footsteps of Christ Jesus.

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 45

“And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” [Verses 21, 22.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 47

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people.” [Verse 23.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 48

“And his fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” [Verse 24.]

24LtMs, Ms 115, 1909, par. 51

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.” [Verse 25; 5:1.]

Selected Messages Book 3

Christ Descended to the Level of Fallen Humanity

3SM 128.3

From the Jordan, Jesus was led into the wilderness of temptation. “And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:2, 3).

3SM 128.4

Christ was suffering the keenest pangs of hunger, and this temptation was a severe one. But He must begin the work of redemption just where the ruin began. Adam had failed on the point of appetite, and Christ must conquer here. The power that rested upon Him came directly from the Father, and He must not exercise it in His own behalf. With that long fast there was woven into His experience a strength and power that God alone could give. He met and resisted the enemy in the strength of a “Thus saith the Lord.” “Man shall not live by bread alone,” He said, “but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Verse 4).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 99a, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 4

We are to be partakers of knowledge. As I have seen pictures representing Satan coming to Christ in the wilderness of temptation in the form of a hideous monster, I have thought, How little such ones know of the Bible. Before his fall, Satan was next to Christ, the highest angel in heaven. How foolish then to suppose that he approached Christ in the wilderness in any such form as is given him in the illustration “The Game of Life.” Some here have seen that picture. After the Saviour had fasted forty days and forty nights, “He was afterward an hungered.” Then it was that Satan appeared to Him. He came as a beautiful angel from heaven, claiming that he had a commission from God to declare the Saviour’s fast at an end. “If Thou be the Son of God,” he said to Christ, “command that these stones be made bread.” But in Satan’s insinuation of distrust, Christ recognized the enemy whose power He had come to the earth to resist. He would not accept the challenge, nor be moved by the temptation. He stood firmly to the affirmative, “Man shall not live by bread alone,” He said, “but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:2-4.]

Christ Triumphant

Christ Proved That We Can Keep the Commandments, July 4

CTr 192.1

If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Matthew 4:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 38, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 38, 1890, par. 16

It is harder to endure suffering than to obey a commandment. Sufferings are greater trials than actions. “Do something,” the enemy says, “even if it is not the best thing. Get relief some way.” Thus he tempted Christ. “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Matthew 4:3. But Christ resisted him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 107, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 107, 1903, par. 11

The tempter claimed to have Christ’s honor in view. Evil never seeks entrance to the heart as evil, but as goodness and truth. Satan presented himself to Christ in the wilderness as one in deep sympathy with His sufferings, pitying Him because He was so ill-used by the heavenly universe and even by God Himself. He came as one desiring Him to have the food that, he declared, was being cruelly withheld. Would the Son of God allow His life to be sacrificed to starvation, when by the exercise of His power He could turn stones into bread? His life must be maintained. “Command therefore that these stones be made bread,” the tempter said. [Matthew 4:3.] “Thus your life will be saved.”

18LtMs, Lt 107, 1903, par. 12

Jesus did not enter into any argument. He took His stand on Bible ground, saying, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.] His answer was a recognition of God as His Father, a declaration that every appointment and arrangement of God is wise and loving.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 159, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 159, 1903, par. 9

Christ is in the wilderness, the wild beasts His only companions and everything around Him tending to make Him realize His humanity. Suddenly an angel appears before Him, apparently one of the angels that He saw not long since, and addresses Him in the words, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3.] “If Thou be the Son of God.” Here is the insinuation of distrust. The words rankle with bitterness in his mind. In the tones of his voice is an expression of utter incredulity. He ridiculed the idea of Christ’s, the Majesty of heaven’s being left in the wilderness to suffer from hunger. Would God treat His own Son thus? Would He leave Him in the desert with wild beasts, without food, without companions, without comfort? He insinuates that God never meant His Son to be in such a state as this. “If Thou be the Son of God,” he says, “show Thy power by relieving Thyself of this pressing hunger. Command that this stone be made bread.”

18LtMs, Lt 159, 1903, par. 11

And Christ, the Son of God, answering said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.] Christ had been warned not to enter into argument with Satan. And though He recognized him from the beginning, He was not provoked to enter into controversy with him. Strengthened with the memory of the voice from heaven, He rested in His Father’s love. He would not parley with temptation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 22, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 10

There came to the Saviour, as if in answer to His prayers, one in the guise of an angel of light, and this was the message that he bore, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3.]

20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 11

Jesus met Satan with the words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.] In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the Word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a “thus saith the Lord,” was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 29—Christ Our Only Hope

1SM 228.1

There came to the Saviour, as if in answer to His prayers, one in the guise of an angel of light, and this was the message that he bore: “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:3).

1SM 228.2

Jesus met Satan with the words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the Word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a “Thus saith the Lord” was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 49, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 6

What victories should we gain in this lifetime if Christ had not overcome point after point for us in the wilderness of temptation? Here the enemy met Him with the three great leading temptations wherewith man is beset. One of the greatest temptations is on the point of appetite. Christ knew what it was to be hungry. The long fast of about six weeks left the Redeemer of the world in a state of feebleness, because humanity was upon Him; and while He was struggling against the enemy to resist him, he comes and says, “Here, just come. If thou be the Son of God, command that this stone be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3.] If, if! Why Christ had instituted and framed the plan Himself that, with humanity upon Him, He was to bear every temptation wherewith man is beset.

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 7

He was not to work a miracle so as to avoid suffering Himself, but He was to stand the test upon every point of appetite that could be brought to the human family. And thus He said to Satan, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.] If Adam had depended on the words of God in the place of the words of a stranger, he would not have transgressed the law of Jehovah. Temptation will come to every one of us as it came to Jesus Christ, and what is our hope? We may be pressed sore with temptations, but we may overcome, because Christ has brought moral power within the reach of man.

Sons and Daughters of God

In Gaining Victory Over Appetite, May 14

SD 141.1

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:3, 4.

The Upward Look

Heaven Gave Its Most Costly Treasure, August 29

UL 255.2

After the Saviour had fasted forty days and forty nights, “he was afterward an hungered.” Then it was that Satan appeared to Him. He came as a beautiful angel from heaven, claiming that he had a commission from God to declare the Saviour’s fast at an end. “If thou be the Son of God,” he said to Christ, “command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:3). But in Satan’s insinuation of distrust, Christ recognized the enemy whose power He had come to earth to resist. He would not accept the challenge, nor be moved by the temptation. He stood firmly to the affirmative. “Man shall not live by bread alone,” He said, “but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (verse 4).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 192, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 192, 1907, par. 10

When Christ commenced His mission upon the earth after He had withstood the temptations in the wilderness, it was then that angels from heaven came to minister unto Him, and gave Him food. He had not eaten for a long time. He had fasted. And now the angel saw Him faint under the strain. He resisted the enemy who was tempting Him to make bread out of the stones that were before Him. “If thou be the Son of God.” It might be possible that He was not. Then Christ said, “Man shall not live by bread alone ... of God.” [Matthew 4:3, 4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 222, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 222, 1908, par. 4

Let us reverently consider the great plan of salvation that has been laid and carried out for us. The only begotten Son of God clothed His divinity with humanity, and in our world was tempted by every temptation that man must meet. Therefore He is able to teach us how to meet and overcome the foe. In His human experience Christ met and conquered Satan. When attacked by the enemy in His weak condition, after having fasted for forty days and forty nights, He did not waver or compromise. Every word spoken was right to the point. “If Thou be the Son of God,” Satan said, “command that these stones be made bread.” Christ replied, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:3, 4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 132, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 132, 1910, par. 12

“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:40.] “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Luke 23:35.] In the wilderness of temptation, Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. [Matthew 4:3, 6.] And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 12, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 12, 1911, par. 14

“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:40.] “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” [Luke 23:35.] In the wilderness of temptation, Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. [Matthew 4:3, 6.] And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 78—Calvary

DA 746.4

“If Thou be the Son of God,” they said, “come down from the cross.” “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God.” In the wilderness of temptation Satan had declared, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down” from the pinnacle of the temple. Matthew 4:3, 6. And Satan with his angels, in human form, was present at the cross. The archfiend and his hosts were co-operating with the priests and rulers. The teachers of the people had stimulated the ignorant mob to pronounce judgment against One upon whom many of them had never looked, until urged to bear testimony against Him. Priests, rulers, Pharisees, and the hardened rabble were confederated together in a satanic frenzy. Religious rulers united with Satan and his angels. They were doing his bidding.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 52, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 15

The taunting words of mockery rose up to heaven from the religious teachers of the people. They were the ones who instigated the mixed multitude to ask for the release of Barabbas, and to cry out against Christ, “Crucify him; crucify him.” [Luke 23:21.] “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” [Matthew 27:39, 40.] Who was it that spake these words? Who was it said, “If thou be the Son of God, make these stones bread;” “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from the pinnacle of the temple;” “If thou wilt worship me, all shall be thine?” [Matthew 4:3, 6; Luke 4:7.] It was the covering cherub, once the exalted angel in the heavenly Courts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 155, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 23

The first temptation was on the point of appetite. There came to the Saviour, as if in answer to His prayers, one in the guise of an angel from heaven. He claimed to have a commission from God to declare that Christ’s fast was at an end. The Saviour was faint from hunger, He was craving for food, when Satan came suddenly upon Him. Pointing to the stones which strewed the desert, and which had the appearance of loaves, the tempter said, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 25

Not without a struggle could Jesus listen in silence to the arch-deceiver. But the Son of God was not to prove His divinity to Satan. He met the tempter with the words of Scripture. “It is written,” He said, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.] In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the Word of God.

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 28

The second temptation was on the point of presumption. “The devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written—He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, Lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]

17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 29

Satan now suppose that he has met Jesus on His own ground. The wily foe himself presents words that proceeded from the mouth of God. He makes it evident that he is acquainted with the Scriptures. But when he quoted the promise, “He shall give His angels charge over Thee,” he omitted the words, “to keep Thee in all Thy ways;” that is, in all the ways of God’s choosing. [Psalm 91:11.] Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience. He would not force Providence to come to His rescue, and thus fail of giving man an example of trust and submission. Never did He work a miracle in His own behalf. His wonderful works were all for the good of others. Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.] God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience; but to depart from it is to venture on Satan’s ground. There we are sure to fall. The Saviour has bidden us, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.]

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 8—The Temptation

SJ 47.6

“Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:3-10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 122, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 15

Christ went into the wilderness to be tempted forty days and forty nights, and after His temptation the enemy began to throw his coil, and try to get it into His heart, but He did not repeat the words of Satan at all. No, He said, “Thus saith the Lord.” Now whenever you begin to reason with an unbeliever, and they will begin to bring their objections, don’t try to take up their objections, and try to explain them, because you are losing your chance. Christ did not do that. Satan said, “Command that these stones be made bread, why do you go hungry? Command that it be made bread to satisfy your hunger.” [See Matthew 4:3.]

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 16

What were the words of Christ? “It is written.” Now you hear what is written, “Man shall not live, etc.” [Verse 4.] The word Satan was giving was not proceeding out of the mouth of God to tell Him to satisfy His hunger. No, that was the last temptation that He was to have in that way.

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 17

But then he took Him and placed Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and he said to Him, “It is written that he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee, that he should not fall.” But he did not add, “In all thy ways,”—in the ways that God has marked out for Him. Christ declares, “It is written, Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Verses 6, 7; Psalm 91:11.]

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 18

Then Satan carries Him to a mountain and opens before Him the kingdoms of the whole world. “All these will I give thee, for it is given unto me, if thou will fall down and worship me.” Now Christ speaks out, “Get thee hence, Satan, It is written, etc.” [Matthew 4:9, 10; Luke 4:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 188, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 32

Of course we will have difficulties and trials; but our Saviour passed over the ground before us. Forty days and forty nights He stood in the wilderness of temptation, not in beautiful Eden, as Adam did, but all seared by the powers of darkness. Satan clothed himself as an angel of light, and so pressed his temptations. But Christ did not heed his temptations. He answered him, and did not even venture in His own words, [but answered,] “It is written,” when Satan said, “Command these stones that they be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3, 4.]

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 33

Now with the whole life of Christ, He was not to work a miracle in His own behalf, to deliver Himself from any emergency that He should be in. But angels of God took the oversight of Him. Jesus passed forty days, and Satan says now, You [do not] look like being the Redeemer of the world and the Son of God. Does He want you to represent Him in this matter? Command these stones that they may be bread, if Thou be the Son of God. If, if, if—would He take that dare? No, He would not take that presumptuous dare. “It is written ... by every word ... the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.]

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 34

Satan knew that the door was closed there. He took Him, and stood Him on the very pinnacle of the temple. Cast Thyself down now; show the people what You are. “It is written, The angels shall bear Thee up lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 36

Jesus stands at the head of humanity, taking humanity upon Himself; He stands in all respects as a human being, and yet just what man may be as a partaker of the divine nature. Divinity and humanity combined. He has not violated one precept, one word, or in a single instance was the blot of stain upon His character. Well, what did Christ answer him there? “It is written, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.] That was not in the way of the Lord.

18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 37

That was not in the way that He was to obtain His supremacy, that He was to demonstrate to mankind what God would be to them if they would resist the temptations of the enemy. Well, then, he had to take Him and carry Him down again, and put Him where? Where he could present as in a panoramic view the kingdoms of the whole world before Him. Now, I will give You—I am the prince of the world, I am the king of the world—I will give you all this, if you will fall down and worship me. Then it was that divinity flashed through humanity. He Satan found out who He Christ was. He knew who he was handling. Said He, “Get thee hence, Satan. It is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 15, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 15, 1908, par. 4

Coming to the Son of God, the great deceiver claimed to be commissioned by the Father with a message to the Saviour. He need no longer hunger. “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” [Matthew 4:3.] But by such an act as this, Christ would have broken His promise that He would never exercise His divine power in order to escape any difficulty or suffering that man in his humanity must meet. “It is written,” He replied to the tempter, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Verse 4.]

23LtMs, Ms 15, 1908, par. 7

“Then the devil taketh Him unto the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.]

23LtMs, Ms 15, 1908, par. 8

Again the temptation is prefaced with the insinuation of distrust, “If Thou be the Son of God.” Christ was tempted to answer the “if”; but He refrained from the slightest acceptance of the doubt. He would not imperil His life in order to give evidence to Satan. “It is written,” He declared, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Verse 7.]

23LtMs, Ms 15, 1908, par. 10

Placing Jesus on a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of the world in all their glory to pass in a panoramic view before Him. The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile fields, and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eye of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter’s voice was heard: “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me: and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine.” [Verses 8, 9.]

23LtMs, Ms 15, 1908, par. 12

Christ declared to the tempter, “Get thee behind Me, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.] Satan had questioned whether Jesus were the Son of God. In his summary dismissal, he had proof that he could not gainsay. Divinity flashed through suffering humanity. Satan had no power to resist the command. Writhing with humiliation and rage, he was forced to withdraw from the presence of the world’s Redeemer. Christ’s victory was as complete as had been Adam’s failure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 17, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 8

Then Satan leads Him into the wilderness. After His long fast Satan tempts Him and said, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” “But he answered and said, It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:3, 4.] Satan failed there. Why do we not use “It is written”? Why do we not preach Jesus Christ instead of lauding some great man? See Matthew 4:5, 6. Why did he not repeat, “To keep thee in all thy ways”? [Psalm 91:11.] Christ was to work no miracle in His own behalf. His work was to relieve the suffering; why humanity came here to touch humanity.

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 9

God shows us that when it is necessary, He will work in our behalf. Christ passed over the ground where Adam fell. Satan had to carry Christ back. Jesus would not place Himself in peril to please the devil. But how many today can stand a dare? When God says not to do a thing, you had better not do it. Ambition is taking [the] world captive. We read in the papers of robbery, and almost every conceivable crime because of ambition to excel. Matthew 4:8, 9. Divinity flashed through humanity, and Jesus says to Satan, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.] Just so it will be with us.

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 10

I have tested, and I know whereof I speak. For eleven months I could not sleep nights. I prayed to be relieved. Relief did not come but I had light in the Lord by night and by day. I know wherein my strength lies. I thought of Christ a great deal in this time. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.] Do we do it? Where is the line between the loyal and true, and the disloyal and untrue? We cannot afford to heed the assertions of men as did the Jews.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 52, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 52, 1907, par. 14

“Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.” [Matthew 4:3-6.]

22LtMs, Lt 52, 1907, par. 15

In quoting this Scripture from the ninety-first Psalm, the wily tempter left out the words, “In all Thy ways.” [Verse 11.] Many today are tempted in a similar manner to believe that they may experience the blessing of God, and receive the promises, without complying with the necessary conditions. There is no promise of protection to one who needlessly places himself in danger. Christ is our perfect pattern. We can successfully overcome temptation, as He overcame temptation, by the Word of God. “Get thee hence, Satan,” He replied, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7, 10.] They who trust in God, following His way, will continually be under the guardianship of holy angels; and they will receive strength for the performance of every duty that God requires of them. But they who follow their own way cannot claim the promises of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 147, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 21

Christ took humanity upon His divine soul, and in the wilderness of temptation He overcame in behalf of humanity. For forty days and forty nights He was tempted of the enemy. He travelled the path which every one of us must travel. The question for us to solve is whether we will be overcomers or be overcome. Christ was an overcomer. He met the devil with, “It is written.” He entered into no argument. When Satan tempted Him to make the stones bread, He said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:3, 4.] Then Christ was tempted in regard to ambition. Satan placed Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, saying, “Cast thyself down.” He could tell what was written. “It is written,” He said, “He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” [Verses 5, 6.] But Satan did not tell the whole. He left out the words, “To keep thee in all thy ways.” [Psalm 91:11.] There was a way in which Christ was to do His work, but not in a presumptuous manner. He was to be an example to humanity. He was not to show His glory by throwing Himself from a dizzy height. “It is written,” He said, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 22

Then Satan took the Saviour to the top of a high mountain, and presented to Him all the glory of the world. “All this,” he said, “will I give thee. It is mine. I will give it to thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Christ had come to a point then where divinity must flash through humanity, even in His starving condition. What did He say?—“It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. ... Get thee hence.” [Verses 8-10.] Satan could not stand after the “Get thee hence” had come. A power superior to the power of darkness was revealed. Christ gained the victory, even in His weakness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 49, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 18

The Lord has inspired men to write the very things that are essential for this time in regard to the special attention we must give to the care of the body. We are the Lord’s property. Christ has paid a sum for the ransom of man that in no way can be computed. He gave Himself a living offering to God. He bore the sins of the transgressor that God might be just, and yet be the justifier of the repenting, believing sinner. In the wilderness of temptation He overcame every temptation on the point of appetite. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and in His weak condition Satan assailed Him. But He answered not with His own words, for Satan was ready to enter into controversy had He done this. And yet His answer was His own words, traced by human pen under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. He met Satan with “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.] The insinuating temptation was presented, “If thou be the Son of God, command that this stone (in appearance exactly like bread) be made bread.” [Verse 3.] But the “if” of unbelief was not accepted, and there was no ground left for controversy.

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 19

When the temptation was presented to Christ that the whole world should be given to Him if He would fall down and worship Satan, divinity flashed through humanity, and with a voice that Satan understood perfectly, He said, “Get thee hence, Satan; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Verse 10.] Thus Christ resisted every temptation.

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 23

“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” [Verse 11.] Thus will angels minister to every soul who under temptation will resist Satan. Angels are appointed, “sent forth to minister to them that shall be heirs of salvation,” [to] minister unto them as they ministered unto Christ who was the Substitute and Surety of all who will receive Him. [Hebrews 1:14.] “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] They occupy no middle ground. They are the subjects of faith and repentance, and are embraced in the promise, entitled through grace to come into relation with God as those whom he has addressed. “And let him take hold of my strength and make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 153, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 5

Satan came to the Saviour with the words, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” As he tempted Adam on the point of appetite, so he tempted Christ. He knew that if he conquered here, he could gain the victory in any temptation he might bring up. Pointing to the stones lying around them, which resembled loaves of bread, he said, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” Christ answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:3, 4.]

14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 11

“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee; and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” [Matthew 4:5, 6.]

14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 14

This temptation also Jesus firmly resisted. “It is written again,” He said, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.]

14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 21

“Again the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” [Matthew 4:8, 9.]

14LtMs, Ms 153, 1899, par. 26

Christ had gained the victory. Passing over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, He had not yielded in a single point. The conflict was ended, and He was a conqueror. But the strain had been great, and He lay as one dying. “And, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” [Matthew 4:11.] Not only was food supplied to Him; supernatural restoration came. God sent His approval and commendation to revive His Son. How much the Saviour enjoyed the comfort brought to Him by the angels! His time of victory had come. He could accept the companionship and service of the angels, since they came unbidden by Himself, sent direct from the Father, whom He had honored by enduring the test under circumstances such as no human being will ever pass through. He had been given the chance of taking sides with the apostate foe of God, but He repulsed every temptation with the words, “It is written.” [Verses 4, 7, 10.] Well might a voice from heaven declare, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.]

Christ Triumphant

Christ Met Temptation With Scripture, July 5

CTr 193.1

It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4, NRSV.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 39—First Temptation of Christ

1SM 277.1

Although Christ was suffering the keenest pangs of hunger, He withstood the temptations. He repulsed Satan with scripture, the same He had given Moses in the wilderness to repeat to rebellious Israel when their diet was restricted, and they were clamoring for flesh meats, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In this declaration, and also by His example, Christ would show man that hunger for temporal food was not the greatest calamity that could befall him. Satan flattered our first parents that eating of the fruit of the tree of life [The tree here referred to is obviously the tree of knowledge and not the tree of life. The phrase “of life” is patently a printer’s error. It is not found in the first appearance of this article, in The Signs of the Times, July 9, 1874, nor in the reprint in pamphlet form, titled Redemption; or the Temptation of Christ in The Wilderness, 42.—Compilers.] of which God had forbidden them would bring to them great good, and would ensure them against death, the very opposite of the truth which God had declared to them. “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17). If Adam had been obedient, he would never have known want, sorrow, or death.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee

DA 390.3

The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea, and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power. Like their Master, they were to live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

DA 677.1

“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, the benevolence, the compassion, of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. “If ye abide in Me,” He says, “and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.

The Faith I Live By

Food for My Soul, January 14

FLB 20.7

The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) shall man live. The mind, the soul, is built up by that upon which it feeds; and it rests with us to determine upon what it shall be fed. It is within the power of every one to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts and shape the character.57Education, 126, 127.

This Day With God

Are You Building on the Rock? July 25

TDG 215.4

Had Adam and Eve heeded the words that God spoke to them in the beginning, they would not have fallen from their first estate. Our Saviour met temptation in a stronger, fiercer form than it was presented to Adam, and His only weapon was one that is within the reach of all—the Word of God. When Satan came to Christ in His weakness, and told Him to satisfy His hunger by turning the stones into bread, and thus prove Himself to be the Son of God, Christ answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)....

Ye Shall Receive Power

Following the Pattern, December 27

YRP 370.2

In all our afflictions Jesus was afflicted, and the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. In this life we shall be proved to see whether or not we shall be able to bear the test of God. Satan’s temptations will come upon us, and we shall be tried, but the question of most importance to us is Shall we be overcome? or shall we be overcomers? ... Like our great Example, we may be able to meet Satan with the weapon of God’s Word, saying to him as he tempts us to do evil, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4).

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 19—Distressing Experiences of 1888

1888 180.3

Brethren, why are we not more diligent, not only in hearing but in doing the words of Christ? “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. It is because there is such inattention in hearing the lessons Christ has given to us, and such negligence in doing His words, that there is so great want of spiritual health and vital spiritual life in our midst. The Spirit of the Lord is grieved with our disregard of the words of the heavenly Teacher, and we do not have peace, joy, and heavenly discernment. If there were less combating and more praying for the mind that was in Christ Jesus and for divine grace to win souls, there would be altogether a different atmosphere in these meetings.

Counsels on Health

Need of Opportunity for Christian Culture

CH 422.2

Those who, from whatever cause, are obliged to work on the Sabbath, are always in peril; they feel the loss, and from doing works of necessity they fall into the habit of doing things on the Sabbath that are not necessary. The sense of its sacredness is lost, and the holy commandment is of no effect. A special effort should be made to bring about a reform in regard to Sabbath observance. The workers in the sanitarium do not always do for themselves what is their privilege and duty. Often they feel so weary that they become demoralized. This should not be. The soul can be rich in grace only as it shall abide in the presence of God. God is the great proprietor of the sanitarium, of the Review and Herald office, of the Pacific Press, of our colleges. In all these institutions the managers must receive their directions from above. And wherever the temptations that come through association with the ungodly are strongest, there the greatest care must be exercised to place the workers in close connection with Christ and the influences proceeding from Him. His word must be our guide in all things; and if poverty comes because we abide by a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” we must abide by it, even at the loss of all things else. Better have poverty in temporal things, and abide in Christ and be nourished by His word, which is spirit and life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The world may smile as we repeat this to them, but it is the word of the Son of God. He says, “Whoso eateth My flesh [the word that Christ speaks to us] ... hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54.

From the Heart

Biblical Foundation for the Sabbath, December 11

FH 357.1

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

Homeward Bound

Creative Energy, January 11

HB 26.3

The life thus imparted is in like manner sustained. “By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) shall man live.

Homeward Bound

Death of the Earthly Nature, January 12

HB 27.2

The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea, and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power. Like their Master, they were to live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4.) . . .

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 27, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 27, 1886, par. 4

Those who hear and obey the words of Christ are building upon the rock, and when the tempest comes, their house will not be overthrown. They will through faith in Christ Jesus gain eternal life. Those who are hearers, but not doers of His words, are building upon a foundation of uncertainty which is sand, and calamity will overtake them. Had Adam and Eve heeded the words that God spoke to them in the beginning, they would not have fallen from their first estate. Our Saviour met temptation in a stronger, fiercer form than it was presented to Adam, and His only weapon was one that is within the reach of all—the Word of God. When Satan came to Christ in His weakness, and told him to satisfy His hunger by turning the stones into bread, and thus prove Himself to be the Son of God, Christ answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 52, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 52, 1886, par. 4

The man of sin is Satan’s agent. He sets his inventive powers to work, and Satan plans, and the followers of Jesus must prepare for a life-and-death struggle. The authority of the church, combined with the authorities of the nation, set themselves to work to cripple the consciences—to be themselves conscience for all men. For men to differ, and stand in opposition to these great men of the world in their religious faith and worship, would raise endless questions, and they could not keep this light to themselves. The more they pondered the question, the more they saw was involved in turning from old traditions to the Word of God. But they must face the conflict, harness for battle, rise above human littleness, and not have thoughts of self-preservation detain them in the prospect of unmeasurable danger and peril. The world’s Redeemer had given them in His life an example of what they must do and what they must be in order to win eternal life. This Jesus was a man of sorrows. He had suffered hunger and thirst and met the temptations of Satan with “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.] Jesus had told His followers that they must be ready to lose their lives if necessary for the truth’s sake.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 60, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 60, 1886, par. 10

After the baptism of Christ, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, eating and drinking nothing for forty days, and Satan tested Him on three leading temptations. The first was on the point of appetite, but in this Christ came off conqueror. He met Satan with the Word of God, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. Satan knew also how to quote Scripture, and he knows how to lead into temptation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 16, 1886, par. 4

Satan comes with his temptation upon the point of appetite, the same point upon which Adam stumbled and fell. Christ fasted forty days and forty nights. The race had degenerated and had been growing weaker and weaker. The Son of God saw it was impossible for man to overcome in his own behalf, and therefore He comes to our world and gives man divine power that he might obtain the victory. Here we see that Satan’s first attempt was upon the point of appetite, and he seeks to overcome Him. But Christ was to pass over the ground where Adam fell and redeem his disgraceful fall. He met Satan every time with, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.] If human beings for whom Christ has died would take these words to heart and live them out in their lives, we would see a different state of things in our world today. There would be less selfishness, less love of the world, and more love for God. He has entrusted man with talents that he might carry the knowledge of the truth and of Christ to all nations in our land. If Adam and Eve had lived by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God, they never would have fallen, never lost the right to the tree of life. All who will live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God now will be brought back to the Eden home.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 10, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 10, 1888, par. 17

You may say that there are many Sabbathkeepers who dress just like the world. This has always been so and always will be so. Christ said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. Are you not set as a shepherd to watch for souls as one who must give an account?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 21, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 21, 1888, par. 17

Brethren, why are we not more diligent, not only in hearing but in doing the words of Christ? “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. It is because there is such inattention in hearing the lessons Christ has given to us and such negligence in doing His words that there is so great want of spiritual health and vital spiritual life in our midst. The Spirit of the Lord is grieved with our disregard of the words of the heavenly Teacher, and we do not have peace, joy, and heavenly discernment. If there were less combating and more praying for the mind that was in Christ Jesus and for divine grace to win souls, there would be altogether a different atmosphere in these meetings.