Living In The Light

February 9, Christ Walked By Faith

“For the Lord God will help me;
Therefore I will not be disgraced;
Therefore I have set my face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.”
—Isaiah 50:7 LL 47.1

When we are tempted to question whether Christ resisted temptation as a human, we must search the Scriptures for the truth. As the substitute and surety of the human race, Christ was placed in the same position toward the Father as is the sinner. Christ had the privilege of depending on the Father for strength, and so have we. Because He laid hold of the hand of infinite power, and held it fast, He overcame; and we are taught to do the same. He met every temptation with, “It is written;” and so must we. The one who resists evil in His strength can say, in the words of Inspiration: “The Lord God will help me: therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? . . . Behold, the Lord God will help me: who is he that shall condemn me?” LL 47.2

The language of Christ on many occasions shows that He was placed in the same position that we are. He had to walk by faith, as we walk by faith; and when temptations came to Him with overwhelming power, He used the language that every child of earth must use. “The Son can do nothing of Himself” Christ declared, “but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” “I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” “When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” LL 47.3

Christ has wrestled with the powers of darkness. He has trodden the road over which every son and daughter of Adam must pass. He knows how fierce is the conflict, and He gives us the gracious words of instruction and encouragement: “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon His God.” LL 47.4

This trust in God He contrasts with trust in self.— TheYouth’s Instructor , December 28, 1899. LL 47.5

Further Reflection: What comfort do you find in the fact that you have access to the same power and support that Jesus had when He faced temptations and trials? LL 47.6