When we think or talk about lent, we normally see this as a time of giving up one thing or the other. In today’s study we would look at Luke 4:1-13

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he gave up food for 40 days. At the end of the 40 days He was tempted by the devil and it is His reply that begins to show what is gained during a period of fasting.

1. Purpose
2. Knowledge of the word and power
3. Wisdom on how to use power
4. He  knew who He was and did not have to proof himself to no one.
5. A knowledge of the word of God, and detailed when some tries to bend God’s word t their personal advantages
6. Jesus came into the world to reconcile the world back to God. When the devil tried to deceive Him that there was a short cut. The devil could not reconcile the human race to God in the first place. So what he was offering Jesus was a lie. He wanted Jesus to give what should be only given to God . Worship.
7. The period of fasting brings a clarity of what needs to be done and the path that needs to be taken. The path to worship God alone and not look for short  cuts.
8. An assurance of who you are. An assurance of who God has called you to be. Do not try to proof that to anyone. Jesus did not need proof this to the devil, or anyone. He knew who He was. And the evidence we see in scripture was His obedience to the calling of God, His Actions. Our obedience to God is our assurance.

When we weigh the things given up to the thing gained. We can begin to look at the time of lent as not a time of giving things up rather a time where we cultivate a deeper relationship with God. And a clearer path to take.