The Temptations of Christ Matthew 4:1-11

Puzzling to Some  How could Satan tempt God? (James 1:12) Are the temptations real? Are the temptations real? Does it matter if they were real? Does it matter if they were real?  Real importance of this occasion Crucial point in His life Crucial point in His life Would He overcome as God? Man? Would He overcome as God? Man?

Preliminary Considerations  Don’t miss the point as some do Wrong because it was Satan idea? Wrong because it was Satan idea? Wrong to show off? Wrong to show off? Wrong to seek after glory? Wrong to seek after glory? Just a commentary on the avenues of temptations? (1 John 2:15-17) Just a commentary on the avenues of temptations? (1 John 2:15-17)

Preliminary Considerations  Key to understanding A great struggle (Matthew 16:21-23) A great struggle (Matthew 16:21-23) Jesus’ announcement of His death Jesus’ announcement of His death Peter’s rebuke Peter’s rebuke The Lord’s reply The Lord’s reply This is what it is all about This is what it is all about

Preliminary Considerations WWWWhat was the temptation? Sin by abandoning His mission On His mind (Matthew 26:39) Would not compromise

First Temptation (vv. 1-4)  What was wrong with it? Yielding means He would not be our example (Hebrews 4:15) Yielding means He would not be our example (Hebrews 4:15) Imitate Him (1 Peter 2:21; 4:1) Imitate Him (1 Peter 2:21; 4:1) Physical suffering makes us vulnerable Physical suffering makes us vulnerable

First Temptation (vv. 1-4)  Jesus never yielded Sinless sacrifice required (1 Peter 1:14-19) Sinless sacrifice required (1 Peter 1:14-19) Satan knew this Satan knew this He had become a man (John 1:14) He had become a man (John 1:14)

First Temptation (vv. 1-4) AAAApplication Don’t yield (Philippians 2:14-16) Not to sin (1 John 2:1, 2) Satan is vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)

Second Temptation (vv. 5-7) WWWWhat was wrong with it? Just an attempt to show off? If so, it is not mentioned

 Related to His mission Had to triumph over sin as we do (Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15, 16) Had to triumph over sin as we do (Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15, 16) He lived by faith (Hebrews 2:10-13; 1 Peter 2:23) He lived by faith (Hebrews 2:10-13; 1 Peter 2:23) Communicated through prayer (Hebrews 5:7) Communicated through prayer (Hebrews 5:7)

Second Temptation (vv. 5-7)  Application Satan wants us to walk by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) Satan wants us to walk by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) Testing produces endurance (James 1:2, 3, 12) Testing produces endurance (James 1:2, 3, 12)

Third Temptation (vv. 8-11)  What was wrong with it? Wasn’t He going to receive the kingdoms of the world anyway? Wasn’t He going to receive the kingdoms of the world anyway? What does it matter- now or later? What does it matter- now or later?

Third Temptation (vv. 8-11)  Satan’s purpose clear in this one Offering Jesus a “shortcut” Offering Jesus a “shortcut” To receive dominion after death To receive dominion after death Jesus’ death would end Satan’s reign of terror (Hebrews 5:8, 9) Jesus’ death would end Satan’s reign of terror (Hebrews 5:8, 9)

Third Temptation (vv. 8-11) AAAApplication Shortcuts through false doctrine Must overcome as He overcame (Hebrews 3:12) Reward (Revelation 2:10, 11, 17, 26) Strength through Christ (Philippians 4:13)

Conclusion  Satan accuses God to man (Eden)  Satan accuses man to God (Job)  No shortcuts  Look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1, 2)