The Temptation of (Matthew 4:1-11) January 14, 2015

Text: Matthew 4:1-11.

Main Idea—Through Christ and constantly focusing on Christ alone, every believer can walk in victory over temptation until we get to glory. That’s what we’re going to do in studying this Memory Verse: 1 Cor. 10:13

Warren Wiersbe—From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus was led into the wilderness for testing. Jesus was not tempted so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. He exposed and his tactics, and He defeated Satan. Because of His victory, we can have victory over the tempter.

OUR ENEMY THE (Matthew 4:3). Our terrible enemy has many different names that describe him. He is called Satan (adversary), because he is an enemy of God. He is called the murderer and Father of lies (Jn.8:44), an of light (2 Cor.11:13-15), the “god of this age” (2 Cor.4:4 NIV), the prince of demons (Lk.11:15), and the prince of the power of the air (Eph.2:2). Ezek.28:14 refers to him as “an anointed guardian cherub.” He is a created being whom the pictures opposing God’s work (Zech.3:1), perverting God’s word (Matt.4:6), hindering servants (1 Thess.2:18), hindering the (2 Cor.4:4), snaring the righteous (1 Tim. 3:7), and holding the world under deceptive power (1 Jn.5:19). Matthew uses the following two names to describe our enemy: the tempter (Matt.4:3), and the devil (accuser-Matt.4:5; Rev.12:9).

*Although God Himself tempts no one (James 1:13), our temptations are included in His sovereign plan for our good. If we overcome, we are strengthened; if we succumb, we recognize more clearly our need for further sanctification and grace. God allows testing to prove His grace and strengthen our faith (Abraham-Gen.22:1). James 1:13-15

*Temptation - an examination with the express purpose of producing (or proving) a fault in the examinee. The temptations appeal to common motivations: physical drives, pride, and the desire for possessions (1 :16).

SATAN’S THREE TEMPTATIONS AND JESUS’ VICTORY OVER THEM (Read 4:2-4; Matt. 4:2-10)— The temptation of Jesus parallels the testing of Israel in the wilderness. The forty days correspond to the forty years of wandering (Num. 14:34). This event recalls Deut. 8:1–5, used by Jesus in response to one of the temptations. The experience of Israel in the wilderness was the type or shadow of Jesus’ temptation in the “wilderness” after His baptism.

Each temptation was an attempt by “the Father of Lies” to directly or indirectly attack God’s word of blessing and affirmation given during Jesus’ baptism by John (See Matt.3:17). Temptation #1 (Matt.4:2-4)-“If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread… (Matt. 4:3).” Satan tempted Jesus to prove He was God’s Son by using His power to satisfy His own desires rather than trusting in God to supply all that He needed during this temptation. Israel failed to trust in God’s promise and provision in the wilderness, so they sinned by complaining against God. John 14:30-31; John 4:34

Temptation #2 (Matt.4:5-7)-“If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down… (Matt. 4:6).” Since Jesus quoted Scripture, the devil also quoted scripture. Yet Satan quoted it incorrectly telling Jesus to prove His deity by jumping off of the temple and God would send His to rescue Him. This would be a spectacular miracle and launch Jesus’ ministry into instant popularity. Ps.91:11-12

Temptation #3 (Matt.4:8-10)-“All these things I will give you…if you fall down and worship me… (Matt.4:9).” The third temptation offers Jesus a path to kingship that avoids the Cross. He wanted Jesus to take a shortcut to a form of glory by bowing down and worshipping the enemy (a violation of the 1st commandment-Ex.20:3). Ps. 2:7-8; Rev. 11:15

*Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are (Heb. 4:15), but He did not sin. He represents us before God as a “merciful and faithful high priest” (Heb. 2:17) because He knows through His human nature what it is to endure temptation. Heb.4:15-16

OUR BATTLE AND OUR WINNING WEAPONS–Our strength, spiritual weapons, and victory are successful only through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Every believer faces the same battle, has the same choice to trust God, and has the same victory through King Jesus.

Puritan William Gurnall (1617-1679) gives 6 instances when the enemy attacks: 1. When the Christian is a new convert. 2. When the Christian is afflicted. 3. When the Christian has achieved some notable success. 4. When the Christian is idle. 5. When the Christian is isolated from others who share his faith. 6. When the Christian is dying.

*We face the same battle (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:10-18). We too must overcome the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life by trusting in God’s word and provision.

*We have the same the choice. Will I trust God and HIS promises or believe the lies of the world and the devil? Are we going to fight with the weapons God has given us and defeat our enemy?

*We can have the same victory. Battling through the Word (1 Cor.10:13); Battle through Prayer (Matt.26:41). Pray through the Armor and put it on by faith. Walk in the Spirit (Eph.5:18-21; Gal.5:16-17, 24-25). Satan is the adversary and accuser of God’s people, yet the Lord is our righteousness. He rebukes our adversary and gives us His victory (Zechariah 3:1-5)!

The key to overcoming temptation is by continually focusing on Christ (James 4:7; 1 Cor.15:57; 2 Cor.2:14)!