The Tough Stuff of Temptation
Matthew 4:1-11 – 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do 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, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. (New Living Translation)
What Is the Nature of Temptation?
• Temptation comes at me from a __________________ nature
• Temptation comes at me from a __________________ nature
• Temptation come at me from a ___________________ nature
What Do I Do When Temptation Comes My Way?
1. Don’t be alarmed, ______________________________
2 Corinthians 2:11 – And we do this so that we may not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (New Revised Standard Version)
2. Don’t be blinded, _________________________________
3. Don’t be clever, __________________________________
James 4:7 – Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (New American Standard Bible)
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Hebrews 4:15-16 – We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it al – all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. (The Message)
