Lessons Learned in the Temptation of Jesus

Key passage: Matthew 4:1-11

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 3:14-17 | 1 Corinthians 10:13

Introduction

Because we live in a fallen world, temptation is an unavoidable part of life.

Sermon Points

Jesus was tempted by the devil, as planned by God in His divine purpose, in order to prepare Him for ministry.

Temptation is an enticement to act contrary to God’s will, which is what Satan was attempting with Jesus and what he continually tries to do with us.

The tempter, Satan, is an intelligent being who is completely evil and is directly involved in perpetrating evil in the world.

The timing of one particular episode in Jesus’ life is significant. Satan waited to tempt Christ until He was weak with hunger after 40 days of fasting.

The limits of our temptations are set by the Lord who has established boundaries over which Satan cannot cross.

The plan of defense against temptation is reliance upon the Word of God.

First Satan tempted Jesus to use His divine, supernatural power to satisfy His hunger.
Then the devil suggested that Jesus jump off the pinnacle of the temple and miraculously land on His feet in order to attract a crowd.
Finally, Satan took Jesus to a high mountain to show Him all the kingdoms of the world. He offered to hand them all over to Christ if He would bow down and worship him.

We have no power to beat the devil at his game of temptation apart from the Word of God. This is the ammunition the Lord has given us to defend ourselves.

Summary

Our sinful natures developed as a consequence of the sin of Adam and Eve. However, as believers in Christ, we don’t have to yield to temptation. If we’ll go to the One who successfully conquered temptation every time, we can learn lessons from His example.

Copy Sermon Outline

Matthew 4:1-11

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.

3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

4 But He answered and said, It is written, `MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"

5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,

6 and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, `HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU'; and `ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.'"

7 Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written, `YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'"

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."

10 Then Jesus said to him, Go, Satan! For it is written, `YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'"

11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

Matthew 3:14-17

14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"

15 But Jesus answering said to him, Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him.

16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him,

17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."

1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Aired On 23 Oct 2015

Lessons Learned in the Temptation of Jesus

We live in a corrupt world where temptation is a part of everyday life. In this sermon, Dr. Stanley explains that although everyone deals with temptation differently, Jesus offers us—through His own trials on earth—the best defense possible.