Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness: Sharing Christ's Victory

During his years as a seminary professor for the Reformed Church of France, Adolphe Monod (1802--1856) gave three messages on temptation in the seminary chapel.  As was often his custom, he took his lessons primarily from the earthly life of his Savior, in this case from Jesus tempted in the wilderness.  Material uniquely applicable to the seminary students was removed when the messages were preached in the Paris pulpit but was reinstated when the book was first published.
    
We will all be tempted at some point---no, at many points---and the temptations are often most severe as we begin a new work for the Lord.  This was Monod's conviction as he addressed his seminary students, and it is the common experience of Christians today.  Monod's burden was to warn us all, pastors and laity alike, to be on our guard and to be wise in knowing how to counter the temptations as well as confident of gaining a firm victory---the victory Jesus won for us.  By carefully studying how Jesus faced the devil's temptations in the wilderness, every serious and fruitful Christian will be better equipped for his own spiritual battles.