PastorTeacherEvangelistVisionary Dr. Janice Gilbert Senior Pastor Sermon Title “Temptation Under Pressure” Matthew 4:4 - 10

Jesus answered, " it is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” The devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the son of God,” he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up with their hands, so that you not strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. `All this I will give you, " he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ "

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin.

PastorTeacherEvangelistVisionary Dr. Janice Gilbert Senior Pastor Sermon Title “Temptation Under Pressure” Matthew 4:4 - 10

Good Morning we are gathered again to praise our Lord and Savior! We have gathered to straw strength, gain comfort from one another and to hear what the Spirit of the Lord wants to say and in and among us today. We all know the story about Jesus being tempted by the devil in the desert.

We also know that Jesus not only withstood Satan's tactics and antics, he demonstrated for us how we are to withstand these same attempts on our life. Remember it was the Spirit that led him and he followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. Essentially, we must always allow the Holy Spirit to lead and to carry us through in and every encounter whether good or bad. My friend with all of life's situations we will always be tempted to function outside of the parameters of God.

We will also be tempted to go against what the word of God says for our life, what feels good, times of discouragement, loneliness, and yes even in times of our own perceived power. I am reminded of an old TV sitcom with Flip Wilson, we all remember his famous line, "the devil made me do it" We must remember that it is not always the devil that makes us do anything. It is often our ignorance of God's word, desires

along with doubting God in that situation. Let's look at how we might get better at handling temptation under pressure. Dr. Janice Gilbert, Senior Pastor McKinney UMC

Temptation is often the combination of a real need and a possible doubt (in God) which creates an opportunity for the wicked forces. We must remember that our convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure. Temptation is often the combination of a real need and a possible doubt (in God) which creates an opportunity for the wicked forces. We must remember that our convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure.

Jesus demonstrates how we can handle the pressure when tempted: 1. When does temptation often occur? 2.What are the areas of real needs that Satan use as the basis for temptation: a. Physical b. Emotional Stress c. Our Own Perceived Power and Strength

3. How does Jesus example help us handle the temptation in our own lives?

We are all tempted on every hand! However we have the greater one on the inside of us making it possible to have more victories than defeat. Understanding that it is not just being able to quote scriptures nor is it about knowing every scripture. It is about having the word written on the table of your heart, knowing that the word is not just the logos (written word).

But the power of the spoken word. Jesus temptation was necessary not only to demonstrate how but to redeem a lost world. Copyright 2012