The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13) - 2/12/23

INTRO

• Spirits leading in the “wilderness”

• Battle with good and evil (Jesus and Satan)

• Importance of the Word

• Jesus is in the wilderness… The Exodus. They failed but Jesus did not. Jesus is the TRUE ISRAEL

• Jesus demonstrated His Lordship, and we can learn from Him!

• God does not temp people only Satan

  • Lures to do evil

• People can test God

  • Our sinful desires to do that which is against the things of God

  • Daring God to prove Himself

The Devil

• Diablo – Accuser (in the court room)

  • God is not. Jesus is not

• Tempting Jesus to act apart (independently) from God

• Offering shortcuts to living a faithful life of trust and obedience.

• The devil will use the same tactics to tempt us.

• Notice what Satan brings into question when he tempts Christ, just as he will tempt us to sin against God.

Our Needs – vv. 3-4

• If you are the son of God

  • Questioning who Jesus is

• Putting immediate needs over eternal purposes

• My needs or God’s will

• Physical nourishment/Spiritual nourishment

Our Worship – vv. 5-8

If you, then, will worship me

• Giving to Satan what belongs to God.

• Our allegiance, worship

• We glorify Him as we live under His LORDSHIP

Our Faith – vv. 9-13

• If you are the Son of God

• Satan twists Scripture to test God.

• Not trusting in the truth and promises of God’s Word

Truths to Consider

Temptation is not sin.

Temptation will come to everyone.

We must learn to resist.

• We do not rebuke, but RESIST (just say NO)

• Ephesians 6:13

• James 4:7

• 1 Peter5:8-9

We utilize spiritual weapons (Follow the example of Jesus).

• Prayer – Luke 3:21

• God’s love – Luke 3:22

• Power and presence of the Spirit – Luke 4:1