Temptation and combat

Meaning

Christ's threefold contest in the wilderness becomes an example for baptized believers whose confession brings opposition. The later explanation specifies three temptations. First, suffering is used to induce doubt of God's Word and gracious promise. Second, the tempter urges trust beyond what God has actually promised, exemplified by the proposed leap from the Temple. Third, wealth is offered as a reason to abandon God and become idolatrous. Presumption is thus a temptation alongside distrust and greed, not a higher form of faith.

The contest-language names resistance to these enticements, not permission for bodily violence. Satan remains the tempting agent, while God is said to permit trials for growth in faith, hope, and patience. Believers' failures and their training are both retained; baptism does not make them automatically invulnerable.