Worldly Temptation vs. Spiritual Kingdom: Can They Coexist?
In this article, you will learn how Matthew 4:8 contradicts John 18:36, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15, Matthew 6:19, Romans 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 7:31. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents us with a profound narrative of temptation and spiritual focus, encapsulated in the experience of Jesus during His forty days in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:8, the devil tempts Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms and riches of the world from a high mountain. This offer of worldly power and grandeur stands in stark contrast to several other biblical teachings, challenging believers to reflect on where their true allegiances lie.
In John 18:36, Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world," challenging the notion that the kingdoms of the earth have ultimate significance for Him or His followers. Similarly, James 4:4 warns that "friendship with the world is enmity with God," suggesting an inherent conflict between worldly allure and divine devotion.
Furthermore, 1 John 2:15 advises believers to "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world," opposing the temptation narrative in Matthew. This sentiment echoes in Matthew 6:19, where Jesus instructs His followers to "lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," emphasizing the transient nature of earthly wealth.
Romans 12:2 encourages believers to "be not conformed to this world" but be transformed by renewing their minds. This contrast between earthly pleasures and spiritual renewal resonates through 1 Corinthians 7:31, which asserts, "the fashion of this world passeth away," highlighting the ephemeral nature of worldly allure.
The juxtaposition of these teachings calls into question the very nature of power and success. If Jesus Himself rejected the offer of earthly kingdoms, shouldn't His followers do the same? The Bible challenges believers to re-evaluate their priorities, prompting a deeper understanding of what it means to seek God's kingdom rather than succumbing to the fleeting lures of worldly temptation. This contradiction serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal versus the temporal and urges a re-focus on spiritual, rather than material, fulfillment.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Matthew 4:8 | 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; |
| 2. | John 18:36 | Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. |
| 3. | James 4:4 | Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. |
| 4. | 1 John 2:15 | Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. |
| 5. | Matthew 6:19 | Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: |
| 6. | Romans 12:2 | And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. |
| 7. | 1 Corinthians 7:31 | And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away. |