The Duel

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Matthew 4:1 (NLT) 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. Mark 1:12 adds this: “At once the Spirit made him go into the desert”

The Greek word for “temptation” is “peirasmos” and means temptation or testing. It could be a testing for good or it could be a tempting for bad. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (GNT) 13 Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

It has been said: Your convictions are only as strong as they hold up under pressure.

How would you define the difference between testing from God and taking a step of faith in trust of God?

Look at your own life. When a test comes into your life, what does it prove? Is it vindicated as a test from God because you're proven righteous? Or does it come out to be a temptation from Satan in which you're enticed into sin?

2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

Matthew 26:41 (NLT) 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Matthew 4:3 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

Matthew 4:4 4 But Jesus told him, “No Matthew 4:4 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 8:3.

Lesson Learned: Know God’s Word—He Cares About Me Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Philippians 4:19 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs. In God's time, and in God's way.

Matthew 4:5-6 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

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Matthew 4:7 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 6:16.

Lesson Learned: Have faith in God Psalm 37:5 (NCV) 5 Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you. In God's time, and in God's way.

Matthew 4:8-9 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

Matthew 4:10-11 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him Matthew 4:10-11 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Did you notice that Jesus did not discuss the temptation with Satan Did you notice that Jesus did not discuss the temptation with Satan. We should follow His example and not debate the issue or prolong the temptation, as Eve did. Lesson learned: A fish will not be caught if it doesn’t open its mouth.

Jesus exposed Satan and his tactics, and He defeated Satan Jesus exposed Satan and his tactics, and He defeated Satan. Because of His victory, we, too, can have victory over the tempter. Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 2:18 (NLT) 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

References Led By The Spirit - Tempted By Satan-- Steve Shepherd When Jesus was Tempted--Dennis Davidson Temptation Is Only A Question - Your Response Is The Answer--Jeffrey Smead THE GOSPEL OF JESUS: Swordfight in the Desert--Jerry Shirley The Crisis of Temptation—John Macarthur