Jesus is Tempted and Tested

ME - Daily Temptations

Temptations we give into when no one is watching are the most dangerous

It's when we're alone that temptation is greatest and our defenses weakest

WE - Temptations When No One Is Looking

We face temptations daily—small and large

We have conversations with ourselves (or the devil) trying to bend God's rules

Sin starts small but advances—like too much salt in pizza dough, it ruins everything

GOD - Jesus in the Wilderness

The Setting: Jesus was alone for 40 days, hungry and weak, fully human, tempted in every way.

The Devil’s Tempting and Test:We see three of the many temptations the devil gives Jesus while he's alone in the wilderness:

God can't want his beloved son to be famished with hunger, can he?

If God wants Jesus to become sovereign over the world, why not go for it in one easy stride?

If Jesus is Israel's Messiah, why not prove it by spectacular displays of power?

Twisting of Truth: These sound familiar, don't they? "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'" The devil is good at his temptations. He takes things that sound good at face value, things you could even picture God speaking, and uses them against us.

Jesus responded with Scripture—specifically Deuteronomy

Israel failed their wilderness tests; Jesus succeeded where they failed

Deuteronomy was the book of covenant renewal. Jesus fulfills the promises of rest and shalom.

Jesus lived a sinless life where we cannot; his victory becomes ours

YOU - Rest in Jesus' Grace While Fighting Temptation

Grace doesn't mean keep sinning—it spurs us to good works

Jesus knew Scripture before temptation came; we need to prepare now

Two challenges:

Identify your wilderness: name your hidden temptation before God.

Find and memorize a Scripture that speaks to that struggle.

When you fail, run back to Christ, don’t let the devil use your shame against you.

WE - We Live Not by Our Own Works, but by Jesus' Grace

Christ is there when we fail; we don't fight alone

The devil wants isolation; God designed us for community

Be honest with someone you trust; be someone others can be honest with

We live not by our own works, but by Jesus' grace.