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Introduction:
Food, self-image, money, lust, substances, social media, procrastination, worry, laziness, and the list goes on! We all struggle with temptation that is competing to pull us away from worshipping God. However, there is a way to resist temptation. It is not a sin to be tempted, but how you handle temptation sets the course for your true worship of God. God wants you to resist and win over temptation. He has provided ways for you to escape it.
“Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. 16Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.” —James 1:12-16
“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13
Text: Matthew 4:1-11 (New Testament, CSB)
Today’s Takeaway: Jesus showed us how to resist temptation.
RESIST WEEK #1: Resisting Temptation Like Jesus
Jesus faced the temptation to sin like us, but He
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” —Hebrews 4:15
FOUR INSIGHTS FROM THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS
I.
THE TEMPTER (4:1c)
A.
“No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone.” —James 1:13
B.
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.” —I Peter 5:8-9
This is called “spiritual warfare.”
II.
THE TIMING OF TEMPTATION (4:1a, 2)
A. It occurred during a time of being in the
“Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” —Luke 4:1
B. It occurred during a time of
“Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” —Matthew 26:41
III.
THE DEVIL’S TACTICS (4:3-10)
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions — is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” —1 John 2:15-17
A. We face
B. We face
C. We face
Note: Satan’s temptations of
IV.
TEMPTATION LIKE JESUS DID (4:11)
THE DEVIL STAYS AS LONG AS YOU WANT HIM THERE.
“God knows we are not
A. Jesus escaped temptation through the
“I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.” —Galatians 5:16
B. Jesus escaped temptation though
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” —Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
C. Jesus escaped temptation through the
“You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” —John 15:3
D. Jesus escaped temptation through
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.
2Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:1-2
CONCLUSION: Will you resist temptation like Jesus?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
- Review the difference between “testing” and “temptation”. Identify times in your life when you have faced with both. How did you handle it?
- What are you most susceptible to when you are at your weakest?
- Satan’s tactics don’t change. Why do you think people still fall for his tricks and schemes?
- Which of Jesus’ strategies is a strength for you? Which one is a weakness? What can you do to implement these strategies this week?