Learning from the Temptations of Jesus Matt 4

Learning from the Temptations of Jesus – Matt. 4: 1 -11 • We have the same adversary − Jesus was tempted by: • The devil (4: 1) – diabolos – slanderer, accuser • The tempter (4: 3) – tester, enticer, try-er • Satan (4: 10) – adversary − And, so are we • The devil – Eph. 6: 11; 1 Pet. 5: 8 -9; Rev. 12: 9 • The tempter – 1 Thess. 3: 5 • Satan – 2 Cor. 11: 14 -15; 1 Tim. 5: 15 − We must not treat him lightly! • The conflict is real! – Eph. 6: 10 -18 • The enemy is relentless! – Matt. 4: 5, 8; Luke 4: 13

Learning from the Temptations of Jesus – Matt. 4: 1 -11 • We have the same (similar) temptations – Heb. 4: 15 − Satan plants seeds of doubt – “IF” (Matt. 4: 3, 6, 9) − Satan draws and entices with the lusts of the flesh (Matt. 4: 3; 1 John 2: 16) − Satan draws and entices with the pride of life (Matt. 4: 5 -6; 1 John 2: 16) − Satan draws and entices with the lust of the eyes (Matt. 4: 8 -9; 1 John 2: 16)

Learning from the Temptations of Jesus – Matt. 4: 1 -11 • We have the same tools to overcome − Jesus appealed to the word of God • IT IS WRITTEN – Matt. 4: 4 (Deut. 8: 3) • IT IS WRITTEN – 4: 7 (Deut. 6: 16) • IT IS WRITTEN – 4: 10 (Deut. 6: 13) − And, so can we • IT IS WRITTEN for our learning – Rom. 15: 4; 2 Tim. 3: 16 • IT IS WRITTEN for our defense – Eph. 6: 17; 1 Pet. 3: 15; Jude 3 • IT IS WRITTEN for our approval to God – 2 Tim. 2: 15; 1 Tim. 5: 14 -15

Learning from the Temptations of Jesus – Matt. 4: 1 -11 • We have the same tools to overcome − Jesus had faith in the plan of God (cf. 1 Cor. 10: 13)…And, so should we: • We can extinguish every fiery dart of the devil by holding the shield of faith – Eph. 6: 16 • We must not give up or give in but endure – Heb. 10: 35, 39; Jas. 1: 12 − Jesus undoubtedly prayed (cf. Luke 5: 16; 11: 1; 22: 42)…And, so should we: • “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. ” – Matt. 26: 41 • “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. ” – Matt. 6: 13 • “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. ” – Eph. 6: 18 − The devil has no chance against these tools: • The Word of God • Faith • Prayer

Learning from the Temptations of Jesus – Matt. 4: 1 -11 • We have similar blessings when we overcome − Jesus was ministered to by angels – Matt. 4: 11 • Angels minister to us and will carry us home – Heb. 1: 14; Luke 16: 22 − Jesus received wonderful blessings when He ultimately overcame and ascended to heaven, and He has promised similar blessings for us • “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ” – Rev. 2: 10 • “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. ” – 3: 21

Temptation Can Be Overcome – 1 Cor. 10: 13 • Remember: We are not the only ones being tempted – 1 Cor. 10: 13; Heb. 4: 15 • Remember: God promises to aid us in our temptations – Heb. 2: 18; 2 Pet. 2: 9 • Remember: God will make a way of escape – 1 Cor. 10: 13 − − − − − Learn from the experiences of others Sometimes we must flee – 2 Tim. 2: 22 Sometimes we must stand fight – James 4: 7 All times we must pray and ask God for help – Matt. 6: 13; 26: 41 Live in constant awareness of own vulnerability/weaknesses Take heed lest we fall – 1 Cor. 10: 12 Learn from our previous failures Remember the punishment which sin brings “Resist the devil and…draw near to God” – James 4: 7 -8

The Lessons for Us to Learn • • • Temptation in and of itself is not sin No person, not even Christ or a Christian, is immune Jesus is our High Priest, able to sympathize with us – Heb. 4: 15 Do not rely on your own strength – 1 John 4: 4; 5: 4 The devil might flee but he will return – Luke 4: 13 Fortify your faith in God – 2 Thess. 3: 2 -5; Jas. 4: 7 -8 Determine to keep yourself pure – 1 Tim. 5: 22 Store up God’s Word in your heart – Psa. 119: 11 If/When you fall, don’t despair – 2 Cor. 4: 16 -18 − There is forgiveness for the penitent heart – 1 John 1: 7 -10 − Jesus makes intercession for us – Heb. 7: 25