Putting Temptation in Its Place Luke 4.1-13

vv.1-4 Displacing God’s provision vv.5-8 Displacing God’s province vv.9-13 Displacing God’s protection

Satan’s Claims Authority to change the elements of creation – bread Authority to change the political control of humans Authority to change God’s defense of his people

Jesus’ Mission Statement The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 1 John 3.8

vv.1-4 Displacing God’s provision

Similarities between Israel and Jesus Just as Israel taken into the wilderness Just as Israel tested in the wilderness (See Dt.8.2) Just as Moses fasted for 40 days . . . . . . so Jesus was taken, tested and fasted.

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2.14-15, 17-18

God is the originator of all true spiritual laws, principles and structures. Satan can only copy, counterfeit, or pervert what God has created for his purposes.

No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11.14, No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11.14 “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2.9-10

What is the temptation for us? Displacing God as Provider He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8.3

vv.5-8 Displacing God’s province (domain)

Jesus’ Words About Satan Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. John 12.31 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, John 14.30 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16.11

The two dispensers of spiritual power, God and Satan, are not equal in power. Satan must get permission from God to go beyond his limits and boundaries. Satan can hinder God’s workings, but prayer aids God’s purposes. (Colossians 2.5, Job 1.9-12, Daniel 10.12-13)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10.13

Countering Satan’s Tactic Undermining our Identity in Christ Immediate counter- Affirming who you are in Christ “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5.13-14 Action Step: As salt and light in the world I will do ____________. Undermining our Purpose Immediate Counter – Stating your mission/purpose For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2.10 Action Step: As God’s handiwork I will do __________________

vv.9-13 Displacing God’s protection

"Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility "Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil’s reach as humility." Jonathan Edwards

Obedience during Temptation When we are obedient our direction and goal become clearer. our context is clarified. 3) our struggles become understandable or irrelevant. 4) our understanding of the work of the Spirit becomes more comprehensible. 5) our perseverance strengths us as well as others.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4.15-16

How then do we put temptation in its place? Affirm our dependence on God immediately Affirm our identity immediately Act on our purpose in life immediately Obey God’s Word immediately

Putting Temptation in Its Place Luke 4.1-13