Tempted and Tried

I read a lot of books. Sometimes I think I have too many--my wife would agree! But there are certain books you read that not only impact you from an intellectual level but from an emotional and spiritually one too. Professor and pastor Russell D. Moore's book Tempted and Tried is that kind of book. I recently finished this book and was convicted, encouraged and pointed toward the cross. Moore write about how temptation is a dangerous aspect of the Christian life that Satan loves to use as he used it against Christ. Moore uses the interaction of Jesus and Satan in Matthew 4:1-11, to illustrate how we have a Savior who knows what it is to be tempted and to triumph over them. (See Hebrews 4:15)

For example Moore says of the three temptations that Satan uses on Jesus:

"Satan in all three temptations is assuming the role of a father--first in provision, then in protection, and now in the granting of an inheritance. Satan didn't just want to be Jesus' lord; he wanted to be his father."

Moore uses great illustrations and funny stories (even at his own expense) to make his points and questions clear: Why does temptation matter? Why do we pursue sin rather than take joy in the comfort of our Father? Why we'd rather be right than rescued? (All chapter titles).

There is a ton of biblical passages used but the book doesn't have a theological or technical feel. It is very well written and anyone who reads this will benefit from it. This book is great for those who are struggling with sin, are in a spiritual drought, are feeling defeated, who need encouragement in regards to struggles or struggling, and for those who want to understand what exactly Christ experienced and how it relates to us as His children.

I strongly recommend this book. You can find it here at Amazon.

Be Blessed.