Defeated Temptation Matt. 4:1-11
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· 13 viewsThose who trust in Jesus can have hope that our identity is in Christ and he has already crusted our tempter. Thererfore, not only can we relate to Jesus - because he has been tested every whay that we have but without sinning - but we can also be asured that God will lead us as we follow Jesus. This sermon is more pragmatic than theological. The group of students it is being preached to are not mature Christians. Furthermore, many of them have been through some major trials in their lives even though they are only teenagers. Some of them have been through more adversity, at the age of 15, than most adults. Furhtermore, many of them have a hard time seeing the Bible as a tool to pick up let alone relevent in their lives.
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1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again 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 I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Defeated Temptation
None the Text will intro itself.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again 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 I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
Text: (ESV)
Text:
Text:
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If [since] you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If [since] you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If [since] you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again 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 I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Defeated Temptation
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
Text:
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If [since] you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
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 I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
6 and said to him, “If [since] 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again 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 I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
6 and said to him, “If [since] 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
6 and said to him, “If [since] 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
The main point of this sermon is that Jesus Christ has defeated all the past, present, and future temptation for all who trust in him; therefore, we can follow in his footprints and trust that our temptations have been defeated.
These Temptations come at an important time in Jesus’ ministry (in between his baptism and the start of his ministry).
Before we get started into the text I want to point out that this principle is one that applies to us as well. Many times, in our lives right before God is about to do something amazing it seems like we go through some major trials and testing. It seems like the closer you get to Jesus the more the devil’s soldiers come and tempt you. I always say this is because the devil wants his soldier back. But be advised that, if you’re a Christian, your temptations have already been defeated. Jesus already crushed the devil’s head by living the life you couldn’t live, dying the death that you deserve and three days later was resurrected, so that all who trust in him may have eternal life. Furthermore, know that this passage clearly teaches that Jesus can relate to us during our temptations. ,
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
3 Observations about the text:
1. What you are led by matters. (v.1-4).
This whole temptation is a mirror image of Israel in the Old Testament, where they wondered around in the wilderness for forty years because they broke the commands of God. God guided them and was leading them to the promised land, but they continued to rebel and grumble about their lives, even though God was feeding them and taking care of them they were focused on food for their physical wants rather than their spiritual needs (although God was taking care of their physical wants as well). Therefore, where Israel failed Jesus prevailed.
And how did he do this? By relying on the Spirits lead not on his own physical needs. Notice, v. 2 says that Jesus “fasted for forty days and nights.” This is a supernatural reliance. The average person would die after about 21 days without food and about 3 days without water. But Jesus fully trusted the Spirits lead, and the Spirit supernaturally sustained Jesus.
Jesus wasn’t going to rely on food, he was trusting God the Father’s will and God the Spirits lead. Jesus didn’t need the stones to create bread he created the universe out of nothing. tells us,
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
6 and said to him, “If [since] 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, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Although Jesus is fully God, we’ve got to remember he is also fully man – he is the God-man. This means that although he is fully God, he humbled himself and submitted to the Spirits lead. And in this particular case, the Spirit was leading Jesus to be tempted by the devil.
But don’t hear me wrong, the Spirit of God is not tempting Jesus, He is leading Jesus to be tempted. There is a difference, and this difference is one that we need to grasp to understand what you are led by matters. This is the same kind of leading that the 23 Psalm powerfully talks about.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but…
This is a principle that we fall short on constantly. We will blame God and shake our fist at him for letting us go through a test when we don't let him lead. We will make excuses up and say, “I feel like God is leading me to date this girl even though I know she is not a Christian, and even though I know she has had sex with several guys. I think God is leading me to be salt and light to her by being a good Christian boyfriend.” NO, God is not leading you. And don’t you dare blame God when the Devil has you right where he wants you, because you were so conveniently not hearing God speak to you! You know the Word of God tells you in ,
14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
Who are you kidding, coming at me saying “I thought God wanted me to go to the party and be salt and light, how was I to know that I was going to get drunk off of 2 beers; then I wouldn’t be able to control myself, so I got high and had sex with that girl.” If God would have just called down from heaven I would have had a better understanding of where the Spirit was leading. So, it’s not my fault the Spirit tempted me this way.
No, that’s not how it works. God doesn’t work like that he doesn’t tempt anyone. says,
7 Jesus said to him, “Again 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.
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
And this is what the Devil is trying to get you to do – bring forth death.
What you are led by matters!
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but if you are going through a test, because of a circumstance that you led yourself into, don’t blame God, but seek God.
By you blaming God for your sin rather than repenting of your sin; it will cause you to continue to be separated from God – which ultimately brings forth death.
(T.S) But how does the devil try to get you to bring forth death? By attacking your identity.
2. The Devil attacks your identity.
And according to this passage he does this in two ways.
The Devil attacks your identity by getting you to misuse your power. The Devil attacks your identity by causing doubt in who you are.
9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
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 I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Are there things in your life that God has given you the responsibility to do something, but you have not used this God given power in a way that is honoring to God? These things could take many different forms, and I am not going to point them out. But I am just going to remind you of the sermon series that we are in: Follow the footprints – Look in the Mirror because what you are led by matters!
Notice Matthew records the devil saying to Jesus “If you are the Son of God…v.3, 6” Although the devil knows that Jesus is God in the flesh (as I explained at the beginning of the message) he attacks Jesus with the purpose behind his mission. If the God-man used his divine power, rather than fully trusting the will of the Father and the Spirits lead, to overcome this temptation, Jesus would have failed the test.
But he didn’t, why because What you are led by matters!
This passage (v.3) explicitly shows how the devil was trying to get Jesus to misuse his power and with a little bit of study, you can see what it is that v. 6 referring.
The highest hope that the Jews had was that their Messiah was going to come and save them from the brokenness of this world. There are hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament. Now some of these prophecies the Jewish people did not quite understand but there was a traditional belief of them. And one of those beliefs was that the Messiah would just suddenly appear in the temple, just appear out of nowhere. This is derived from
1… the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight…
In other words, the devil was trying to get Jesus not to rely on the Father, not rely on the Spirit’s lead, but to rely on his own authority and power to suddenly appear to his people. To do things his own way.
Not only would this have been a sin, because it would have been a misuse of his power, but it would have also been a separation between the Godhead. Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and coeternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So, do you see what God risked by leading Jesus though this valley of the shadow of death. He risked everything to overcome our sin. He had no plan B. You see this was an attack on the very identity of God.
Now, this is a temptation that confronts us all the time – your identity. If you are a Christian “your life is hidden in Christ” (). But the tempter will try to take you through fiery trails of testing. He will try to blind you from seeing that your identity rest in Christ. This is especially true for those who God has chosen to be his people, who have not yet repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus. The devil’s soldiers will constantly be attacking our identity. There are two primary words used in the Bible when it comes to being tempted or tested. The one used in our passage is πειράσω “peirazo” it means to attempt to crush you, destroy you, burn you up. But the other word used for testing is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” which means to test in a positive way, to build you up.
If you let the negative things in your life lead you, they will destroy you, but if you look at the test in your life as a positive way of refining you they will strengthen you. And this is what James meant when he used word “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” In
2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”
9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Likewise, ,
6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Peter, expresses the importance of the texting of our faith and compares it to a fire hot enough to melt gold, and he calls our testing a fiery test. This is the type of testing that is meant to strengthen you – it is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion.” This reminds me of how a silversmith refines silver – that is, makes it pure and shiny.
(Illustration) Silver smith and burning of the impurities.
(Map) When you walk through the fiery trials of testing the only thing that gets burned off are the ties that bind you.
(T.S) So we’ve observed:
That the Devil attack your identity.
What you are led by matters.
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”
The final observation I want to make is just an application of what I have been saying:
What you are led by matters!
3. If Jesus relied on God’s word, what does that say about us?
Although I have not explicitly pointed them out, I am sure that you noticed there are three distinct temptations here and each one of these temptations deserve a sermon in themselves. But that is for another day. Right now, I just want to close by saying: What you are led by matters! Look at how Jesus replies to each of these temptations.
4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”
The main point of this sermon is that Jesus Christ has defeated all the past, present, and future temptation for all who trust in him; therefore, we can follow in his footprints and trust that our temptations have been defeated.
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
Big Idea:
The main point of this sermon is that Jesus Christ has defeated all the past, present, and future temptation for all who trust in him; therefore, we can follow in his footprints and trust that our temptations have been defeated.
The main point of this sermon is that Jesus Christ has defeated all the past, present, and future temptation for all who trust in him; therefore, we can follow in his footprints and trust that our temptations have been defeated.
These Temptations come at an important time in Jesus’ ministry (in between his baptism and the start of his ministry).
Before we get started into the text I want to point out that this principle is one that applies to us as well. Many times, in our lives right before God is about to do something amazing it seems like we go through some major trials and testing. It seems like the closer you get to Jesus the more the devil’s soldiers come and tempt you. I always say this is because the devil wants his soldier back. But be advised that, if you’re a Christian, your temptations have already been defeated. Jesus already crushed the devil’s head by living the life you couldn’t live, dying the death that you deserve and three days later was resurrected, so that all who trust in him may have eternal life. Furthermore, know that this passage clearly teaches that Jesus can relate to us during our temptations. ,
These Temptations come at an important time in Jesus’ ministry (in between his baptism and the start of his ministry).
3 Observations about the text:
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Before we get started into the text I want to point out that this principle is one that applies to us as well. Many times, in our lives right before God is about to do something amazing it seems like we go through some major trials and testing. It seems like the closer you get to Jesus the more the devil’s soldiers come and tempt you. I always say this is because the devil wants his soldier back. But be advised that, if you’re a Christian, your temptations have already been defeated. Jesus already crushed the devil’s head by living the life you couldn’t live, dying the death that you deserve and three days later was resurrected, so that all who trust in him may have eternal life. Furthermore, know that this passage clearly teaches that Jesus can relate to us during our temptations. ,
What you are led by matters. (v.1-4).
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
These Temptations come at an important time in Jesus’ ministry (in between his baptism and the start of his ministry).
3 Observations about the text:
Before we get started into the text I want to point out that this principle is one that applies to us as well. Many times, in our lives right before God is about to do something amazing it seems like we go through some major trials and testing. It seems like the closer you get to Jesus the more the devil’s soldiers come and tempt you. I always say this is because the devil wants his soldier back. But be advised that your temptations have already been defeated. Jesus already crushed the devil’s head and he lived the life you couldn’t live, died the death that you deserve and three days later was resurrected, so that all who trust in him may have eternal life. Furthermore, know that this passage clearly teaches that we Jesus can relate to us during our temptations. ,
1. What you are led by matters. (v.1-4).
3 Observations about the text:
This whole temptation is a mirror image of Israel in the Old Testament, where they wondered around in the wilderness for forty years because they broke the commands of God. God guided them and was leading them to the promised land, but they continued to rebel and grumble about their lives, even though God was feeding them and taking care of them they were focused on food for their physical wants rather than their spiritual needs (although God was taking care of their physical wants as well). Therefore, where Israel failed Jesus prevailed.
1. What you are led by matters.
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
This whole temptation is a mirror image of Israel in the Old Testament, where they wondered around in the wilderness for forty years because they broke the commands of God. God guided them and was leading them to the promised land, but they continued to rebel and grumble about their lives, even though God was feeding them and taking care of them they were focused on food their physical wants rather than their spiritual needs (although God was taking care of their physical wants as well). Therefore, where Israel failed Jesus prevailed.
This whole temptation is a mirror image of Israel in the Old Testament, where they wondered around in the wilderness for forty years because they broke the commands of God. God guided them and was leading them to the promised land, but they continued to rebel and grumble about their lives, even though God was feeding them and taking care of them they were focused on food for their physical wants rather than their spiritual needs (although God was taking care of their physical wants as well). Therefore, where Israel failed Jesus prevailed.
And how did he do this? By relying on the Spirits lead not on his own physical needs. Notice, v. 2 says that Jesus “fasted for forty days and nights.” This is a supernatural reliance. The average person would die after about 21 days without food and about 3 days without water. But Jesus fully trusted the Spirits lead, and the Spirit supernaturally sustained Jesus.
And how did he do this? By relying on the Spirits lead not on his own physical needs. Notice, v. 2 says that Jesus “fasted for forty days and nights.” This is a supernatural reliance. The average person would die after about 21 days without food and about 3 days without water. But Jesus fully trusted the Spirits lead, and the Spirit supernaturally sustained Jesus.
Jesus wasn’t going to rely on food, he was trusting God the Father’s will and God the Spirits lead. Jesus didn’t need the stones to create bread he created the universe out of nothing. tells us,
And how did he do this? By relying on the Spirits lead not on his own physical needs. Notice, v. 2 says that Jesus “fasted for forty days and nights.” This is a supernatural reliance. The average person would die after about 21 days without food and about 3 days without water. But Jesus fully trusted the Spirits lead, and the Spirit supernaturally sustained Jesus.
Jesus wasn’t going to rely on food, he was trusting God the Father’s will and God the Spirits lead. Jesus didn’t need the stones to create bread he created the universe out of nothing. tells us,
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Jesus wasn’t going to rely on food, he was trusting God the Father’s will and God the Spirits lead. Jesus didn’t need the stones to create bread he created the universe out of nothing. tells us,
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Although Jesus is fully God, we’ve got to remember he is also fully man – he is the God-man. This means that although he is fully God, he humbled himself and submitted to the Spirits lead. And in this particular case, the Spirit was leading Jesus to be tempted by the devil.
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Although Jesus is fully God, we’ve got to remember he is also fully man – he is the God-man. This means that although he is fully God, he humbled himself and submitted to the Spirits lead. And in this particular case, the Spirit was leading Jesus to be tempted by the devil.
But don’t hear me wrong, the Spirit of God is not tempting Jesus, He is leading Jesus to be tempted. There is a difference, and this difference is one that we need to grasp to understand what you are led by matters. This is the same kind of leading that the 23 Psalm powerfully talks about.
Although Jesus is fully God, we’ve got to remember he is also fully man – he is the God-man. This means that although he is fully God, he humbled himself and submitted to the Spirits lead. And in this particular case, the Spirit was leading Jesus to be tempted by the devil.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
But don’t hear me wrong, the Spirit of God is not tempting Jesus, He is leading Jesus to be tempted. There is a difference, and this difference is one that we need to grasp to understand what you are led by matters. This is the same kind of leading that the 23 Psalm powerfully talks about.
But don’t hear me wrong, the Spirit of God is not tempting Jesus, He is leading Jesus to be tempted. There is a difference, and this difference is one that we need to grasp to understand what you are led by matters. This is the same kind of leading that the 23 Psalm powerfully talks about.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but…
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but…
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but…
This is a principle that we fall short on constantly. We will blame God and shake our fist at him for letting us go through a test when we don't let him lead. We will make excuses up and say, “I feel like God is leading me to date this girl even though I know she is not a Christian, and even though I know she has had sex with several guys. I think God is leading me to be salt and light to her by being a good Christian boyfriend.” NO, God is not leading you. And don’t you dare blame God when the Devil has you right where he wants you, because you were so conveniently not hearing God speak to you! You know the Word of God tells you in ,
This is a principle that we fall short on constantly. We will blame God and shake our fist at him for letting us go through a test when we don't let him lead. We will make excuses up and say, “I feel like God is leading me to date this girl even though I know she is not a Christian, and even though I know she has had sex with several guys. I think God is leading me to be salt and light to her by being a good Christian boyfriend.” NO, God is not leading you. And don’t you dare blame God when the Devil has you right where he wants you, because you were so conveniently not hearing God speak to you! You know the Word of God tells you in ,
This is a principle that we fall short on constantly. We will blame God and shake our fist at him for letting us go through a test when we don't let him lead. We will make excuses up and say, “I feel like God is leading me to date this girl even though I know she is not a Christian, and even though I know she has had sex with several guys. I think God is leading me to be salt and light to her by being a good Christian boyfriend.” NO, God is not leading you. And don’t you dare blame God when the Devil has you right where he wants you, because you were so conveniently not hearing God speak to you! You know the Word of God tells you in ,
14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
Who are you kidding, coming at me saying “I thought God wanted me to go to the party and be salt and light, how was I to know that I was going to get drunk off of 2 beers; then I wouldn’t be able to control myself, so I got high and had sex with that girl.” If God would have just called down from heaven I would have had a better understanding of where the Spirit was leading. So, it’s not my fault the Spirit tempted me this way.
15What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
15What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
Who are you kidding, coming at me saying “I thought God wanted me to go to the keg party and be salt and light, how was I to know that I was going to get drunk off of 2 beers; then I wouldn’t be able to control myself, so I got high and had sex with that girl.” If he would have just called down from heaven I would have had a better understanding of where the Spirit was leading, So, it’s not my fault the Spirit tempted me this way.
No, that’s not how it works. God doesn’t work like that he doesn’t tempt anyone. says,
Who are you kidding, coming at me saying “I thought God wanted me to go to the party and be salt and light, how was I to know that I was going to get drunk off of 2 beers; then I wouldn’t be able to control myself, so I got high and had sex with that girl.” If God would have just called down from heaven I would have had a better understanding of where the Spirit was leading. So, it’s not my fault the Spirit tempted me this way.
No, that’s not how it works. God doesn’t work like that he doesn’t tempt anyone. says,
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
No, that’s not how it works. God doesn’t work like that he doesn’t tempt anyone. says,
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
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14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
And this is what the Devil is trying to get you to do – bring forth death.
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
What you are led by matters!
And this is what the Devil is trying to get you to do – bring forth death.
And this is what the Devil is trying to get you to do – bring forth death.
What you are led by matters!
What you are led by matters!
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but if you are going through a test, because of a circumstance that you led yourself into, don’t blame God, but seek God.
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but if you are going through a test, because of a circumstance that you led yourself into, don’t blame God, but seek God.
When you are being led by the Spirit of God through a test in life it is meant to strengthen you; but If you are going through a test, because of a circumstance that you led yourself into, don’t blame God, but seek God.
By you blaming God for your sin rather than repenting of your sin; it will cause you to continue to be separated from God – which ultimately brings forth death.
(T.S) But how does the devil try to get you to bring forth death? By attacking your identity.
By you blaming God for your sin rather than repenting of your sin; it will cause you to continue to be separated from God – which ultimately brings forth death.
By you blaming God for your sin rather than repenting of your sin; it will cause you to continue to be separated from God – which ultimately brings forth death.
(T.S) But how does the devil try to get you to bring forth death? By attacking your identity.
2. The Devil attacks your identity.
(T.S) But how does the devil try to get you to bring forth death? By attacking your identity.
And according to this passage he does this in two ways.
2. The Devil attacks your identity.
The Devil attacks your identity.
The Devil attacks your identity by getting you to misuse your power. The Devil attacks your identity by causing doubt in who you are.
And according to this passage he does this in two ways.
And according to this passage he does this in two ways.
The Devil attacks your identity by getting you to misuse your power. The Devil attacks your identity by causing doubt in who you are.
Are there things in your life that God has given you the responsibility to do something, but you have not used this God given power in a way that is honoring to God? These things could take many different forms, and I am not going to point them out. But I am just going to remind you of the sermon series that we are in: Follow the footprints – Look in the Mirror because what you are led by matters!
The Devil attacks your identity by getting you to misuse your power. The Devil attacks your identity by causing doubt in who you are.
Notice Matthew records the devil saying to Jesus “If you are the Son of God…v.3, 6” Although the devil knows that Jesus is God in the flesh (as I explained at the beginning of the message) he attacks Jesus with the purpose behind his mission. If the God-man used his divine power, rather than fully trusting the will of the Father and the Spirits lead, to overcome this temptation, Jesus would have failed the test.
Notice Matthew records the devil saying to Jesus “If you are the Son of God…v.3, 6” Although the devil knows that Jesus is God in the flesh (as I explained at the beginning of the message) he attacks Jesus with the purpose behind his mission. If the God-man used his divine power, rather than fully trusting the will of the Father and the Spirits lead, to overcome this temptation, Jesus would have failed the test.
Are there things in your life that God has given you the responsibility to do something, but you have not used this God given power in a way that is honoring to God? These things could take many different forms, and I am not going to point them out. But I am just going to remind you of the sermon series that we are in: Follow the footprints – Look in the Mirror because what you are led by matters!
But he didn’t, why because What you are led by matters!
This passage (v.3) explicitly shows how the devil was trying to get Jesus to misuse his power and with a little bit of study, you can see what it is that v. 6 referring.
Notice Matthew records the devil saying to Jesus “If you are the Son of God…v.3, 6” Although the devil knows that Jesus is God in the flesh (as I explained at the beginning of the message) he attacks Jesus with the purpose behind his mission. If the God-man used his divine power, rather than fully trusting the will of the Father and the Spirits lead, to overcome this temptation, Jesus would have failed the test.
The highest hope that the Jews had was that their Messiah was going to come and save them from the brokenness of this world. There are hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament. Now some of these prophecies the Jewish people did not quite understand but there was a traditional belief of them. And one of those beliefs was that the Messiah would just suddenly appear in the temple, just appear out of nowhere. This is derived from
But he didn’t, why because What you are led by matters!
This passage (v.3) explicitly shows how the devil was trying to get Jesus to misuse his power and with a little bit of study, you can see what it is that v. 6 referring.
The highest hope that the Jews had was that their Messiah was going to come and save them from the brokenness of this world. There are hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament. Now some of these prophecies the Jewish people did not quite understand but there was a traditional belief of them. And one of those beliefs was that the Messiah would just suddenly appear in the temple, just appear out of nowhere. This is derived from
1… the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight…
This passage (v.3) explicitly shows how the devil was trying to get Jesus to misuse his power and with a little bit of study, you can see what it is that v. 6 referring.
The highest hope that the Jews had was that their Messiah was going to come and save them from the brokenness of this world. There are hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah in the Old Testament. Now some of these prophecies the Jewish people did not quite understand but there was a traditional belief of them. And one of those beliefs was that the Messiah would just suddenly appear in the temple, just appear out of nowhere. This is derived from
1… the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight…
In other words, the devil was trying to get Jesus not to rely on the Father, not rely on the Spirit’s lead, but to rely on his own authority and power to suddenly appear to his people. To do things his own way.
In other words, the devil was trying to get Jesus not to rely on the Father, not rely on the Spirit’s lead, but to rely on his own authority and power to suddenly appear to his people. To do things his own way.
1… the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight…
Not only would this have been a sin, because it would have been a misuse of his power, but it would have also been a separation between the Godhead. Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and coeternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So, do you see what God risked by leading Jesus though this valley of the shadow of death. He risked everything to overcome our sin. He had no plan B. You see this was an attack on the very identity of God.
Now, this is a temptation that confronts us all the time – your identity. If you are a Christian “your life is hidden in Christ” (). But the tempter will try to take you through fiery trails of testing. He will try to blind you from seeing that your identity rest in Christ. This is especially true for those who God has chosen to be his people, who have not yet repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus. The devil’s soldiers will constantly be attacking our identity. There are two primary words used in the Bible when it comes to being tempted or tested. The one used in our passage is πειράσω “peirazo” it means to attempt to crush you, destroy you, burn you up. But the other word used for testing is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” which means to test in a positive way, to build you up.
In other words, the devil was trying to get Jesus not to rely on the Father, not rely on the Spirit’s lead, but to rely on his own authority and power to suddenly appear to his people. To do things his own way.
Not only would this have been a sin, because it would have been a misuse of his power, but it would have also been a separation between the Godhead. Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and coeternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So, do you see what God risked by leading Jesus though this valley of the shadow of death. He risked everything to overcome our sin. He had no plan B. You see this was an attack on the very identity of God.
If you let the negative things in your life lead you, they will destroy you, but if you look at the test in your life as a positive way of refining you they will strengthen you. And this is what James meant when he used word “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” In
Now, this is a temptation that confronts us all the time – your identity. If you are a Christian “your life is hidden in Christ” (). But the tempter will try to take you through fiery trails of testing. He will try to blind you from seeing that your identity rest in Christ. This is especially true for those who God has chosen to be his people, who have not yet repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus. The devil’s soldiers will constantly be attacking our identity. There are two primary words used in the Bible when it comes to being tempted or tested. The one used in our passage is πειράσω “peirazo” it means to attempt to crush you, destroy you, burn you up. But the other word used for testing is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” which means to test in a positive way, to build you up.
Not only would this have been a sin, because it would have been a misuse of his power, but it would have also been a separation between the Godhead. Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and coeternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So, do you see what God risked by leading Jesus though this valley of the shadow of death. He risked everything to overcome our sin. He had no plan B. You see this was an attack on the very identity of God.
If you let the negative things in your life lead you, they will destroy you, but if you look at the test in your life as a positive way of refining you they will strengthen you. And this is what James meant when he used word “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” In
2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Now, this is a temptation that confronts us all the time – your identity. If you are a Christian “your life is hidden in Christ” (). But the tempter will try to take you through fiery trails of testing. He will try to blind you from seeing that your identity rest in Christ. This is especially true for those who God has chosen to be his people, who have not yet repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus. The devil’s soldiers will constantly be attacking our identity. There are two primary words used in the Bible when it comes to being tempted or tested. The one used in our passage is πειράσω “peirazo” it means to attempt to crush you, destroy you, burn you up. But the other word used for testing is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” which means to test in a positive way, to build you up.
If you let the negative things in your life lead you, they will destroy you, but if you look at the test in your life as a positive way of refining you they will strengthen you. And this is what James meant when he used word “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion,” In
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Likewise, ,
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Likewise, ,
7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
Likewise, ,
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
Peter, expresses the importance of the texting of our faith and compares it to a fire hot enough to melt gold, and he calls our testing a fiery test. This is the type of testing that is meant to strengthen you – it is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion.” This reminds me of how a silversmith refines silver – that is, makes it pure and shiny.
7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Peter, expresses the importance of the texting of our faith and compares it to a fire hot enough to melt gold, and he calls our testing a fiery test. This is the type of testing that is meant to strengthen you – it is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion.” This reminds me of how a silversmith refines silver – that is, makes it pure and shiny.
(Illustration) Silver smith and burning of the impurities.
7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
(Illustration) Silver smith and burning of the impurities.
Peter, expresses the importance of the texting of our faith and compares it to a fire hot enough to melt gold, and he calls our testing a fiery test. This is the type of testing that is meant to strengthen you – it is “δοκίμιον ‘dokimion.” This reminds me of how a silversmith refines silver – that is, makes it pure and shiny.
(Map) When you walk through the fiery trials of testing the only thing that gets burned off are the ties that bind you.
(Illustration) Silver smith and burning of the impurities.
(T.S) So we’ve observed:
(Map) When you walk through the fiery trials of testing the only thing that gets burned off are the ties that bind you.
That the Devil attack your identity.
(Map) When you walk through the fiery trials of testing the only thing that gets burned off are the ties that bind you.
(T.S) So we’ve observed:
That the Devil attack your identity.
What you are led by matters.
(T.S) So we’ve observed:
What you are led by matters.
The final observation I want to make is really just an application of what I have been saying: What you are led by matters!
That the Devil attack your identity.
What you are led by matters.
The final observation I want to make is just an application of what I have been saying:
If Jesus relied on God’s word, what does that say about us?
Although I have not explicitly pointed them out, I am sure that you noticed there are three distinct temptations here and each one of these temptations deserve a sermon in themselves. But that is for another day. Right now, I just want to close by saying: What you are led by matters! Look at how Jesus replies to each of these temptations.
The final observation I want to make is an application of what I have been saying:
What you are led by matters!
Although I have not explicitly pointed them out, I am sure that you noticed there are three distinct temptations here and each one of these temptations deserve a sermon in themselves. But that is for another day. Right now, I just want to close by saying: What you are led by matters! Look at how Jesus replies to each of these temptations.
But he answered, “It is written,
“ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
But he answered, “It is written,
“ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”
3. If Jesus relied on God’s word, what does that say about us?
What you are led by matters!
4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Although I have not explicitly pointed them out, I am sure that you noticed there are three distinct temptations here and each one of these temptations deserve a sermon in themselves. But that is for another day. Right now, I just want to close by saying: What you are led by matters! Look at how Jesus replies to each of these temptations.
3. If Jesus relied on the Word of God, what does that say about us?
What you are led by matters!
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”