TEMPTATION OF JESUS

 

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 

1.      Jesus was led by the Sprit into the wilderness place.  In these places it becomes a place of separation.  You are alone with God and clarity.  You do not have all the noise, business and distractions that come with everyday life.  It is a place of quietness, peace, serenity, and closeness to creation.  It can be a place where you can recharge and rethink. 

2.      It is a place of preparation.  Jesus had to face the enemy because He was about to begin his public ministry.  Jesus cleanse His soul.  Spent time with His Father to know the will, plan and purpose for His life.  Jesus was getting prepare during those forty days for His mission.  He knew He needed God’s strength and help.

3.      It was a place of Revelation.  It is in the wilderness that we can get to know God and ourselves.  When you combine these times with prayer, the word and fasting it really brings clarity.

4.      After forty days and night of fasting Jesus was hungry that is one time where the text is an understatement.  It is when we are weak in an area the tempter comes.  Temptation is a test.  Jesus was being tested and we will be as well.  This is one of the three ways satan attacks.  The other two are deception and accusation.  Temptation is only a test and they are not punishments.  Now they have a purpose.  They show us our weaknesses.  Fear, greed, riches, pride, pleasure, or suffering

5.      Satan always by creating doubt.  He did this with Eve.  “If you are the Son of God”  Satan attacks our identity and also the things we say or did not say.  This is also one of the biggest arguments critics of Christianity.  Jesus did speak about this or that. 

6.      He then says, Jesus, turn these stones into bread.”  He was tempting Jesus to use His power for His own preservation or use His power in a foolish way.

 

 

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

 

1.      Jesus used the Word of God against the devil.  The Bible is our final authority of faith and practice.  It is God’s infallible word or His love letter to man.  God’s honors His word above His name.  Jesus made it clear that the Bible is the word that comes from the mouth of God. 

2.      The Word gives us a clear plan and way to defeat the enemy.  It s the way, truth and life to defeat the enemy.  Jesus saw the use and so must we.  That is why Bible Graham always quoted the Word when interviewed.

 

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “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.”

 

1.      Satan saw Jesus’ plan of attack, so he changed tactics.  He takes Jesus up to the highest point in the temple some 500 in the air. He still attacked Jesus’ identity and claims.  He was still using, temptation, accusation, and deception.  He likes to wear down his victims.  He then used his second tool in arsenal of attack.  He distorts what is said in the B

2.      He used Psalm 91, but changed the meaning, context, and application.  He says the Bible says and then applies a whole different meaning.  False teachers and cults do this.  That is why you need to be born again and have the Holy Spirit to teach you.  That is also why you need to study to show yourself approved of God who rightly divides the word of truth.  That is also why you need to read and study the Bible from cover to cover.  Smith Wigglesworth said a person is never fully dressed until they have on their person the Bible.

 

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

 

1.      Jesus said to the devil.  Hey, you got it wrong.  I like what it says in the amplified Bible.  Don’t put the Lord to a foolish test to prove Himself to you.  Jesus wasn’t play that game.  Jesus was not going to let the devil’s distortion of the Bible change His view, relationship and fellowship with God.

2.      Jesus also practiced the sixfold plan of wisdom.  He knew the information which gave Him knowledge, it created understanding, brought insight, enabled discernment which delivered wisdom to know what to do.

 

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 

1.      Satan then bring out is ultimate card and best trick.  He takes Jesus up to a high mountain.  shows him all the kingdoms of this world and their splendor.  He then offers it to Jesus.  Jesus never disputed him.  Satan took dominion from man when we fell.  Paul calls him the god of this world.  He is the author and source of all evil. 

2.      He gives it to whoever he wills.  Popularity, wealth, fame, significance, and power.  The world of music, movies, business, etc are littered with his victims.   

3.      He then reveals what he really wants.  He wants, craves, and demands worship.  It was his pride and thirst for worship that caused his fall, change and judgment.  All demonic entities wants this.  It feeds them.  This worship of satan drives every religion. 

 

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.

 

1.      Jesus demonstrated James 4:7, he was submitted to God.  He resisted the devil.  He said, “Get away satan.  It is written worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.  Jesus knew the first commandment.  He knew satan’s agenda.  It was all revealed in this incident.  You want to know how the devil works.  It is all here in black and white. 

2.      Jesus resisted, used the word of God, and stated what a relationship with God looked like.  Worship and work.  The practical expression of worship is service.  You worship by what you do.

 

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

 

1.       The devil left Him and that is what the devil does which you submit to God, resist him and he will flee. 

2.      Jesus gives a textbook example of to deal with temptation.  Satan will always hit you where you are weakest.  Use the word of God.  Walk with wisdom because the enemy will always change tactics.  Always be aware he will use pride, pleasure and possession as main attack. Remember satan ultimate goal is to get your worship that is reserved for God alone. 

3.      Remember, submit yourself to God, resist the enemy and he will flee from you.