What is Satan’s strategy behind temptations? What can be our strategy following Jesus who remained sinless throughout His life? The temptations of Jesus symbolize basic temptations we all face. His response guides us as to how we can face temptation.
Presentation Overview
Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1.12-13; Lk 4:1-13
Theme verse
Objectives
First temptation
Second temptation
Third temptation
Application
Conclusion
Discussion
Objectives
To understand how:
- Satan uses temptation to divert us from our purpose
- Jesus withstood temptation
- We have the same power to overcome that he had
Theme Verse
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it
1 Corinthians 10:13
Context
Matt 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.
Why was Jesus led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil? (read Deut 8:1-6)
Deut 8:2 You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
Introduction - Temptations of Jesus
1.Satisfaction without God(Matthew 4:2-4)
2.Wealth without God (Matthew 4:5-7)
3.Power without God (Matthew 4:8-10)
First temptation –
Matt 4:3
“If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
FIrst Temptation - Jewish History
Deut 8:2 You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. 5 The LORD your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son. 6 Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.”
First Temptation - Satisfaction without God
Jesus knew that God wanted him to
- Fast and pray.
- Believe he would provide for him.
- Trust in him for everything.
- Replicate the wilderness experience of Israelites
- Understand God’s discipline
- Keep God’s commandments.
First Temptation - Satan's strategy
Satan tempted Jesus to use His power as the Son of God
- to provide his own food
- Act in his own ability
Jesus quotes the very verse given to the Israelites when instructed to follow God’s commands.
Second Temptation - Wealth without God
Matt 4:5,6
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
‘He will command his angels concerning you,
And they will lift you up in their hands,’
So that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Christ's response
Matthew 4:7
Jesus answered him, ‘’It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’
- “Testing God” never draws people to God
- Neither do miraculous signs
- Genuine understanding and love ignites a genuine relationship with God
Third Temptation - Power without God
Matt 4:8 Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.
Third Temptation - Christ's Response
Matt 4:8 Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.
Power without God
- Satan is ready to give the world to anyone who worships him.
- God gives Satan authority to tempt people because he wants us to choose obedience.
- He did not create robots
Final outcome
Matt 4:11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
Jesus overcame temptation by:
- Trusting God
- Submitting to God
- Quoting the scripture.
- Obeying God.
How do we overcome temptation?
By storing the Word in our hearts.(Psalm 119:11)
By living a lifestyle pleasing God.(Colossians 1:10)
Complete surrender. (Romans 12:1)
Conclusion
Because Jesus submitted to the will of God and resisted the devil, the devil ran away from him
James 4:7 says, “submit yourself, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”
Complete obedience.(John 14:23)
Discussion
1.What is the objective of temptation?
2.What was the strategy of Jesus?
3.How do we apply this strategy in our daily life?
4.What do we learn from this lesson?