Matthew Chapter 4:1-11

Watch out

• After every great victory there comes the greatest trial.

• Temptation is common to all of us, victory is not so common.

• This passage is designed for us to take our eyes off the temptation, focus them on the Master – The secret of victory over temptations.

• The great enemy of the believer is spiritual unpreparedness, lack of vigilance.

Temptations

• 1 Corinthians 10:12,13

• Hebrews 4:15

• Hebrews 2:18

• Mark 14:38

Testing Temptation “Peirasmos”

T1: Grab satisfaction

• Genuine need.

• How long to wait ?

• You have a right to it !

V1: Grab His will

• The truth, “We can only produce bread but only God can produce life”.

• The principle then, the governing motive of my life is to do the will of God and believe Him for all the benefits. (Matthew 6:33)

• Satisfaction @ God’s time.

T2: Test God

• Reverse of T1

• Asking God to prove Himself by putting yourself in a dangerous situation and expecting Him to rescue.

• Looking for signs and sensations

V2: Trust God

• Faith which depends on signs and sensations isn't faith, it's doubt looking for proof.

• Trust God’s promises – Know them.

• Trust God’s nature – Know Him.

T3: Compromise

• Why suffer ? Why pain ?

• Do it my way, I'll give you the same stuff.

• Just go the worlds way. Little adjustment.

• Fulfill your ambitions for yourself.

• Worship Satan – No Cross – You have a hell to deal with.

V3: Refute

• Receive all blessings on God's terms.

• Embrace cross – Live with an eternal hope.

• Christian life is not about you and me but it is all about Jesus Christ – Him we worship and serve

Temptation from Satan

• Exalts self - will

• Self - satisfaction

• Self - glorification

• Self - focus

• Self - centered

Testing from God

• Exalts God’s will

• Pleases God

• God focused

• Glorifies God

• God centered