Battle Plan October 8

Think about it … Why do different people struggle with different types of temptations? Though temptations may be different for different people … We all have temptations, spiritual attacks Today we look at how to follow Jesus’ example in defeating spiritual attacks.

Listen for Scripture quoted. Matthew 4:1-4 (NIV1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Physical Temptation Who led Jesus into the wilderness? Why? What made Jesus weak at this time? So, what was the first temptation presented to Jesus? Why did Satan preface his temptation with “If you are the Son of God …”? What are some synonyms for “temptation”?

Physical Temptation This temptation was in the physical realm. What are some ways we face temptation through our physical appetites? How did Jesus respond to this temptation? Consider temptation … why is being tempted not a sin? How can we be preparing to face physical temptations?

Listen for someone else’s use of scripture. Matthew 4:5-7 (NIV) Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

Listen for someone else’s use of scripture. "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Tempted to Test God Where did the devil take Jesus for the second temptation? What tempting offer was made to Christ at the highest point of the temple? What would have been appealing to Christ about the devil’s second temptation?

Tempted to Test God How did Jesus answer the second temptation? How can we avoid being deceived by things because they appear to be religious or have scriptural support?

Listen for a rebuke. Matthew 4:8-10 (NIV) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Temptation to Worship Other than God What did the devil show Jesus from a very high mountain?  What did the devil promise Jesus in exchange for worship? How did the devil modify his approach in this temptation? How did Jesus react to the third temptation?

Temptation to Worship Other than God What are we often tempted to worship in place of God? What would have been appealing to Christ about the offer of all the kingdoms of the world? What can we learn from Jesus’ example about overcoming temptation?

Temptation to Worship Other than God How can memorizing Scripture help us combat temptation? What role does the Word of God play in resisting temptation? How is our ability to resist sin’s temptations related to our confidence in Jesus?

Application Look to Jesus. Pray and keep your focus on Christ. Lean on Him for strength to stand, knowing He understands. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb. 2:18).

Application Stay clear. What people, places, or circumstances fuel your vulnerability to temptation and spiritual attack? Resolve to avoid those things.

Application Memorize Scripture. Make Scripture memory a weekly discipline and habit. Begin with memorizing verses that address areas where you often feel tempted or under attack.

Battle Plan October 8