Sermon Tone Analysis

From Triumph to Temptation, to Triumph

On the heels of the glory of heaven being revealed in the baptism immediately comes the temptation of Jesus leading to the ministry of Jesus.

(Mk1:9-11, 14-15)

and then comes the ministry

Mark is abbreviated in his version compared to Mt(4:1-11) and Luke (4:1-13).

Mark gives some details that the others do not, as they give many details Mark does not, so we will look at some of each today as we look at the temptation and triumph of Jesus here in our passage.

Even though it is abbreviated we can learn much because of the temptations Jesus faced.

Blessings we can know from His temptations:

Able to come to the aid of the people (Heb2:18)

Heb2:18

Able to be sympathetic and give mercy and grace (Heb4:14-16)

It reminds us that Jesus can understand our temptations

It reveals to us that we too can have victory in overcoming temptation.

Having these things in mind now we can look at the passage with two points to look at today.

The Temptation of Jesus

The temptation and our application today

I.

The Temptation of Jesus

As we look at the temptation we will look at the setting, the climax and the end of it.

What do you see, what do you notice, what sticks out to you?

The setting we can see that the Spirit initiated this (v.12)

Just as the Spirit came upon Him like a dove (v.10)

We don’t know exactly what wilderness, it does not say, but we may assume since he is in Judea that it is there.

We can know that he was there for 40 days (v.13)

From Mt4:1-2 we can know he fasted like Moses

Here is the Moses passage

We can know He was tempted by Satan (v.12)

Satan: Adversary

Matthew and Luke use “devil:” accuser, slanderer

Interesting fact, only Mark makes mention of wild beasts (v.13) - beasts common in the wilderness of Judea, lions, tigers and bears, oh my.

no hold on it is really lions, panthers, hyenas and jackals.

So the setting is wilderness where Jesus is in desolation, deprivation and temptation.

The climax

Mark gives little detail except angels ministered to Him (v.13)

Matthew and Luke give more information; we will look at Mt4:3-10)

We can see the appeal to lust of the flesh (vv.3-4)

Mt4:3-4

We can see the appeal to the pride of life (vv.5-7)

We can see the appeal to the lust of the eyes (vv.8-10)

As Jesus responded to each temptation we too can do the same, with the word of God.

Jesus said “it is written” (vv.4,

7 and 10).

The end of the temptation

We can know angels ministered to Him (v.13)

exactly how they ministered we do not know, it is not state

In looking at (Lk4:13) we can know that this is not the last time Satan would tempt Jesus

This is not the last time angels ministered to Jesus either (Lk22:43)

So after 40 days of temptation, Jesus is ready to start, begin His ministry work.

Sometimes we may have times of trials, tribulations, even temptations that are in preparation for ministry work we are to do.

II.

Temptation and our application

There are some similarities we have and can learn from the temptation of Jesus and some application we can glean from it too.

Jesus adversary is the same one along with his pinions (1Pt5:8-9)

The devil, often through his pinions, directs his, their attention towards the disciples of Christ

Don’t take Satan and his pinions lightly, for the battle is real (Eph6:12)

We have similar temptations

Lust of the flesh

Immorality and the like, especially when we are young

Lust of the eyes

Materialism and the like, especially when we are middle-age

Boastful pride of life

Pride and arrogance especially when old and looking back at our own thoughts of our accomplishments in life

Overcoming these similar temptations are vital (1Jn2:15-16)

We have similar tools to overcome temptations

Jesus appealed to the Word of God, so can we (Eph6:17; Heb4:12)

that sword is powerful

Jesus had faith in the Father and the Fathers plan and will (look at Eph6:16, Heb10:35-39)

So should we it is by grace, through faith in which we are saved.

It is by faith that we walk today and gives us assurance in our victory!

We should have similar faith

SO let us not throw away our confidence (our faith); do not shrink back (turn from God back to the world) pure to persevere by faith which will preserve our soul!

Jesus prayer and taught about prayer to overcome temptation (Mt26:41)

So the Word o God, faith and prayer will give us the continued victory over satan his little pinions that have not power unless we give it to them.

We have similar blessings when we overcome temptations

Jesus was ministered to by angels, we too can be ministered to by angels, and angels will carry us home (Heb1:14; Lk16:22)

Think about that for just a minute, angels ministering to those who will inherit salvation!

THAT IS YOU!

You as you walk in the Light!

As Jesus received the blessings of heaven, we too will receive the same promise (Rev3:21)

How about a few little take aways today?

We cannot live on bread alone as Jesus showed we need the spiritual food the Word of God too.

So eat up!

Don’t let our trust of the Lord be flippant and don;t test the Lord and act foolish.

It didn’t work out well for Satan did it?

Scripture can be misused or misapplied and abused as well as used, so be careful (see 2Pt3:14-16)

2Pt3:14-15

Finally, the way to glory is not quick, it is not easy, but we know it will be worth it (Act14:22)

(Use below only if time is permitting)

We have an awesome God and a wonderful Savior and because he came from heaven and was tempted with all things he can be our merciful and faithful high priest as noted in Heb2:17, and can aid us in our temptation (Heb2:18) and can be sympathetic, merciful and give abounding grace in our time o need (Heb4:15-16)

So, in our temptations, look to Jesus.

(invite you to check out Heb2:17-18 4:15-16, 12:2-3)

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

Heb12:2-3