SEPARATING THE SPIRITUAL FROM THE PHYSICAL
THE HIDDEN MEANING
INTRODUCTION
In these next scriptures, we at VAL-TE’ believe represents challenging situations in life that God uses to test and refine a person’s faith, character, and heart, ultimately purifying them and making them stronger. Then Immanuel was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Immanuel said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your god.’” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Immanuel said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4: 1-11 NKJV
Biblical Word
THE DESERT – In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Immanuel is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1: 6-9 NIV
Reference
Romans 5: 1-5 – Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Immanuel. He has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory! We boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.
Significance
A Life Changing Experience (A period of intense questioning, emotional struggle, or feeling alone and tested) – We at VAL’TE also believe represents a moment of intense pressure where one’s true nature is revealed and refined, often leading to personal growth and strength. Trials and hardships are seen as God’s refining process, much like fire removes impurities from metal. The process exposes and burns away impurities in a person’s character, leaving behind a purer, stronger version of their faith. The difficult experiences proves what parts of a person’s life and faith are genuine and which are not, leading to having unwavering trust and commitment, especially in the face of challenges. It is about firmly believing, staying determined, and not giving up, even when things are difficult or confusing. In practice, this involves standing firm in your beliefs, consistently acting on them, and relying on your faith for guidance and strength through life’s storms.
