7. Temptation and Truth

Introduction

General: A demonic little pony…

Personal: This passage is about spiritual warfare. What is spiritual warfare?

Spiritual warfare is often the temptation to get God’s promises without trusting God’s ways—to receive the benefits of the kingdom without giving allegiance to the King.

The Big Theological Idea: Jesus is our Champion who succeeds where all others have failed.

Adam // Israel // Humans in general…

Jesus succeeds in trusting God (it’s not just about self-control).

Body — Read Matt 4:1-11 (ESV)

Satan’s Tactics

Exposition

He comes WHEN you’re most vulnerable.

He comes WHERE you’re most vulnerable.

Appetites/Security — Provision without dependence (bread)

Identity/Pride — Power without trust (temple)

Allegiance — Glory without obedience (kingdoms)

His goal is not merely to make you sin, but to get you to stop trusting God.

Did God really say…? He wants you to doubt God’s word.

“If you are the Son of God…” (Matt 4:3, 6). // “it is written…” (Matt 4:6).

This is the same tactic he used with Eve in the garden (Gen 3:1).

Is God really good? He wants you to doubt God’s character.

“If you’re the Son of God, why are you hungry? If God is good, why did he allow this bad thing to happen to you? Why is God keeping good things away from you?”

Do you really believe? He wants you to doubt your faith. See Matt 4:6.

“If you really think God will keep his word, make him prove it. If you really have faith, why isn’t God responding?” He wants you to try to use faith to manipulate God.

“Everyone who obeys the devil throws himself down.”—Anonymous

This is like telling a child…

Do you want a shortcut? He wants to shift your allegiance away from God. See Matt 4:9.

“How is being a Christian working out for you?”

“Would you like to get the good things God promised without giving God control of your life?”

Illustration: Satan is not afraid of the Bible. He’s a master Biblical scholar who will take God’s Word out of context to bring confusion and make you question. Matthew 21:22…

Jesus’s Counterattack

Exposition: Four Declarations

“I trust God’s word.” See Matt 4:4.

God’s Word is what sustains me. It’s my food. It’s the truth that defines my reality. It’s the story that defines my identity.

I trust God’s Word more than I trust society // the evening news // my college professor // the President // my own desires and ambitions // I will follow God’s Word before I follow my heart (sorry, Disney).

Jesus didn’t just quote Scripture, he submitted to it. If we want victory in spiritual warfare, we must submit to the authority of God’s Word.

“I trust God’s character.” See Matt 4:7.

Jesus refuses to test God because he already knows God is faithful.

When good things happen, we often say, “Praise God!” But it’s really hard, when you’re sick, when a loved one dies, when you’ve had chronic pain, when you feel like your prayers are hitting a concrete ceiling… it’s really hard to say, “God is good,” in those moments.

Faith is trusting that God is good, even when you can’t see the good in your current situation.

“I live for God alone.” See Matt 4:10.

This is not just about devotion but allegiance. Whose kingdom do I belong to? Whose kingdom am I seeking?

God does not exist to serve me. I exist to serve him. // We cannot receive the benefits of the kingdom without giving allegiance to the King.

“Get out of my face, Liar!” See Matt 4:10.

Satan = Accuser. He is a liar, the father of lies, and lying is his native language.

When tempted or facing a spiritual battle: “I trust God’s Word. I trust God’s character. I live for God alone. So, in the name and authority of Jesus, my King, get out of my face, Liar!”

Illustration: Questioning God during a long season of sickness…

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

Truth > Lies… But you must know the truth to defeat the lies.

A Chinese story about a boy who wanted to learn about jade from a teacher…

Do you know God’s Word? Are you living, not by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God?

Before the truth can become a weapon in your hands, it must become a refuge for your soul.

Spiritual warfare is often the temptation to get God’s promises without trusting God’s ways. But Jesus won the battle for us — in the wilderness and on the cross.

Victory is only in Jesus. Will you trust him with your life?