Deuteonomy Jesus Vs. Satan Look At The Book! Deuteonomy Jesus Vs. Satan

Background On Deuteronomy Name from the Septuagint Means Second Law – a second telling of the Law of Moses Jesus is found in the book, especially as the Rock, and as the Prophet like Moses. Today want to look at Jesus in the wilderness doing battle against Satan’s temptations Jesus quotes three times from Deuteronomy

Popularity of Deuteronomy Is the most often quoted book in the Bible by other Bible writers, prophets. Quoted 365 times in the Old Testament Quoted 190 times in the New Testament Quoted by Jesus more than any other book of the Bible.

Matthew 4: Contest In The Desert Matthew 4 relates a classic contest between Jesus and Satan. It begins with Jesus 40 days in the wilderness fasting. Satan tempts Jesus and Jesus responds with Scripture. All three rebuttals offered by Jesus come from the book of Deuteronomy. All three temptations focus on bringing doubt about God’s provision, and appeals to one of three major types of temptations.

Temptation #1: Matthew 4:3-4 “And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Primary temptation: Lust of the flesh

Satan’s Bag Of Tricks 1 John 2:16 – “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” Satan will use these three temptations in various combinations again and again.

Jesus Became Hungry After 40 days without eating Jesus was hungry. Satan tempts Jesus to fill His belly with miraculous bread. IF – casts doubt on Jesus’ origins. “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” What’s wrong with that?

Deuteronomy 8:3 Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy in a chapter dedicated to reminding the people to humbly trust in God. “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.” Jesus makes immediate application to His present condition: Humble trust in God.

Temptation #2: Matthew 4:5-7 “Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

When Satan Quotes Scripture Primary Temptation: Lustful Pride of Life Satan quotes Psalm 91:11- 12 The psalm relates the safety of the one who dwells in the shadow of God. Interestingly enough, verse 13 says, “…the serpent you will trample down.”

Jesus Quotes Deuteronomy 6:16 “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.” Massah is a reference to when the people grumbled against God for food and water. The promise is that if one does what God commands, God will treat him graciously. This contest demonstrates the value of having the word of God stored in your heart. Satan quotes out of context. We must be more informed.

Temptation #3: Matthew 4:8-10 “Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’”

Is Satan For Real Here? Primary Temptation: Lust of the eyes Satan’s promise: Is this an outright lie? Or could Satan really do this? John 8:44 – “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Satan The Prince? Ephesians 2:2 – “…in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 – “…in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving….”

Jesus Has Exact Knowledge of God Psalm 2:8 – “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.” Jesus knows that God has already promised Him all the nations. Satan’s promise is empty and twisted. So – Jesus quotes from both a direct statement from Deuteronomy, and also a lasting principle from Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 6:13 “You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.” Also: Deuteronomy 8:19 – If you ever forget God you will perish 10:12, 20: Fear God, walk in His ways, serve only Him with all your heart and soul. Serve and cling to Him. 10:16 – Circumcise your heart…. 13:4 – Follow the Lord, fear Him, cling to Him.