GOSPEL OF MATTEW - VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION

MATTHEW 4:1-11 VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION

Last week we dug into Matthew Chapter 3 and the call to repentance. We looked at how true repentance is Sincere, Timely, Continuous, and Just and then when we live out true repentance there is fruit, evidence of us living it out.

Today we look at the beginning of Chapter 4 and Jesus being tempted in the desert by satan and how we can have victory over temptation like Jesus did.

Temptation itself is not a sin, as we read in James 1. Rather, it’s our response to temptation that leads us into or away from sin.

Temptation is not a sin – Jesus was tempted. Unless Jesus was fully human, He could not have gone through temptation – God cannot be tempted. This mystery of being fully God while also being fully human is God’s Redemptive plan and why we are called to be more like Jesus every day. He endured everything we endure except sin – He was tired, hungry, thirsty, tempted to sin so we look to Him as to how we are to live and challenge ourselves to be more like Him. So as we begin let us Pray!

Victory Over Temptation

Scripture Text: Matthew 4:1-11 – Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 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.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 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.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

1. Temptation of Provision: Trusting God to Provide (Matthew 4:1-4)

Key Idea: Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical hunger. Jesus responded with Scripture, affirming that true life comes from God’s Word, not material provision.

It is not a coincidence that right after Jesus’ baptism that Satan comes to tempt Jesus

The more we do for God – the deeper we take our relationship – the bigger the target gets on our back – the more attacks and temptation comes our way

The Spirit that anointed Jesus now leads Him into the desert to be tempted – He does not tempt

James 1:13 – 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.

Greek word (v1)– diabolos – slanderer, false accuser – here satan accuses – if you really are the Son of God – if you really are a Christian …

Here is also the tempter (v3) peirazo – pi rad zo – to test maliciously – after being in the desert satan tempts the body – command these stones to turn to bread

Satan is not able to tempt or do more than is permitted – remember Job – satan is bound by only what God allows

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus."

James 1:12-15 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 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.

Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3 – every temptation – Jesus refutes satan with Scripture

Application Questions:

1. How do you respond when faced with the temptation to prioritize physical or material needs over spiritual dependence on God?

2. How can you incorporate God’s Word into your life to strengthen your trust in His provision?

2. Temptation of Protection: Trusting God Without Testing Him (Matthew 4:5-7)

Key Idea: Satan tempted Jesus to test God’s care by throwing Himself from the temple. Jesus refused to manipulate God’s promises, demonstrating faith in God’s protection without testing Him.

Satan knows Scripture – tempts Jesus with Psalm 91:11-12 – "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."

Satan twists God’s word – if you stumble

But here he tells Jesus to jump – just like in the garden he twists it – did God really say…surely you won't die…

Deuteronomy 6:16a – “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test,”

Application Questions:

1. Do you trust God’s protection, or do you find yourself demanding signs of His care?

2. How can you cultivate a deeper faith in God’s promises without seeking to test them?

3. Temptation of Power: Worshiping God Alone (Matthew 4:8-11)

Key Idea: Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus rejected the temptation, affirming that worship belongs to God alone.

Satan tries to seduce Jesus with power, glory, authority, wealth – all you have to do is serve him – satan’s promises come at a high price for us

God’s promises came at a high price to Jesus

Exodus 20:3 – "You shall have no other gods before me."

Deuteronomy 6:13-14 – It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you— for the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

When you rebuke him – he will leave – he may come back later or send one of his dominions later but they will leave when you rebuke them

Application Questions:

1. What worldly temptations compete for your devotion to God?

2. How can you realign your priorities to ensure that your worship and allegiance are directed solely to God?

Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaway: Jesus’ victory over temptation demonstrates the power of God’s Word and reliance on Him in the face of trials. By following His example, we too can overcome temptation.

Closing Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

What is His way out?

2 Corinthians 10:5 – We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

An easy way to take every thought captive is to follow the 4 R’s -

Recognize where the thought – temptation comes from - pay attention what the enemy places in your mind

Ruin the thought – that is not from God, that is no longer what I want etc.

Replace the thought – prayer, Scripture, a promise of God – Recite a memory verse, pray for someone you love, thank God for something you have

Rejoice – Worship God that He is there with you and provides a way out.

Mark Twain’s short story, “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,” helps illustrate the pervasive nature of temptation. Mark Twain writes of a town that was self-declared as “the most honest and upright town in all the region round about.” The town was so proud of its honesty, the people went out of their way to protect it. Absolutely no temptations would arise in their children’s lives, “so that their honesty could have every chance to harden and solidify, and become a part of their very bone.” The problem was that the town soon lost sight of what temptation looked like, and when a great temptation came to their town in the form of unclaimed riches, the people who prided themselves on their incorruptibility and honesty fell headlong into the trap set for them. The end result not only left the most celebrated members of the town completely humiliated in the eyes of the world, but it also forced the town to realize that although temptation cannot be fully avoided in life, it can be overcome (Mark Twain, “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,)

Challenge: This week, identify areas where you are most tempted and memorize specific Scriptures to combat those temptations. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s strength to stand firm in faith, utilize the 4 R’s and Scripture to take those thoughts captive.