…

Lessons Aimed At Helping Saints Define, Describe, & Defeat Sin

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation  The Scripture declares temptation can be “endured” (overcome) Jas 1:12  There are several things believers can do to prevent themselves from yielding to temptation’s “solicitation”

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation Ê Fill ourselves with God’s word  Believers are encouraged to “internalize” the Scripture Psa 119:11 Col 3:16a 1 Jn 2:1a  Jesus provides such an example to overcome temptation Mt 4:4, 7, 10

Jesus’ Temptations Mt 4:1-11 Temptation #1 (vv. 2-4)  Turning stones into bread  Temptation was not about using miraculous power to provide food…if so, how would we harmonize Mt. 14:18-21?  Nor was it about abusing miraculous power  The temptation was about emphasizing material things over spiritual responsibilities

Jesus’ Temptations Mt 4:1-11 Temptation #1 (vv. 2-4)  Turning stones into bread  The Lord quoted Deut 8:3  Context = provision of manna  Man’s existence isn’t dependent upon food… it is entirely dependent upon living by what God has said

Jesus’ Temptations Mt 4:1-11 Temptation #2 (vv. 5-7)  Testing God  Temptation appeared to be an appeal for Jesus to do the spectacular  “If You really want men to follow You…get their attention & jump off this temple”  Satan even quoted Scripture to bolster his claim Psa 91:11-12

Jesus’ Temptations Mt 4:1-11 Temptation #2 (vv. 5-7)  Testing God  The devil appealed to vain glory & pride in tempting Jesus in this way  The Lord quoted Deut 6:16  Context = Israel’s faithfulness in Canaan  Man shouldn’t test God re: what He will do if he is disobedient

Jesus’ Temptations Mt 4:1-11 Temptation #3 (vv. 8-11)  Worshiping Satan  The last one appeared to be a “shortcut”  All kingdoms (men) would belong to Jesus if He would bow down & worship the devil  The Lord was to have the nations for His inheritance Psa 2:7-8  Satan Ù “You can have them w/o the cross”

Jesus’ Temptations Mt 4:1-11 Temptation #3 (vv. 8-11)  Worshiping Satan  The Lord quoted Deut 6:13 (same context as previous quotation)  There are no “shortcuts” to serving God… He demands our total allegiance  Satan can’t deliver what he promises…it is “fool’s gold”

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation Ê Fill ourselves with God’s word  Luke’s account of Jesus’ temptations reminds us of Satan’s persistence  Even if we endure temptation, the devil won’t quit Lk 4:13

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation Ë Limit our exposure to sin  We can help thwart temptation’s power by not placing ourselves in harm’s way (compromising situations)  Our choices will either lead us toward or away from temptation & sin

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation Ë Limit our exposure to sin  Illustrated by Lot’s story  His “criteria” for choosing his land was based solely on material concerns Gen 13:10-13  It adversely affected him 2 Pet 2:6-8

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation Ë Limit our exposure to sin  If Lot knew about Sodom before moving there, that was a bad decision  If he didn’t know before, it was a bad decision to stay there once he learned… a spiritual danger to him and his family

Lesson 3 – Temptation To Sin Overcoming Temptation Ì Get our feet moving – flee!!  Some situations just need to be fled 1 Cor 6:18  Hanging around too long allows Satan to make the enticement appealing…we’ll eventually yield to the temptation

…