Matthew Chapter 4 TEMPTATION – THE DEVIL’S HANDIWORK I.Introduction A.John the Baptist was the principal character.
1. Ministry of repentance. 2. “As unto the Lord”. a)He didn’t apologize for it. b)Strange in his appearance! B.Repentance = not just saying “I’m sorry.”
1.True repentance is changing our conduct! a)Changing our course! (1)John asking for commitment. (2)The “fit” and the “counterfeit”. (a)Most “fit” was Jesus.
2.We closed with Jesus’ baptism. II.Matthew 4:1 A.James 1: Translates “tempted”. a)Jesus cannot be “tempted” by evil.
b)How He handles “temptations” are important! III.Matthew 4:2-4 A.Satan will attack on physical level first! 1.Did same with Eve.
a)Jesus was hungry! (1)1John 2:15-16 (2)“Lust of the flesh” (a)satan doesn’t go any further. (b)If their flesh wants something it gets it. (i)Jesus has control.
(ii)Satan goes to plan b. IV.Matthew 4:5-7 A.Jesus picked it up to the spiritual level. 1.He quotes Psalm 91:11-12 incorrectly.
a)Psalm 91:11-12 b)he left out “to guard you in all your ways”? (1)Some of the truth but not all. (2)The Devil knows the bible! (a) Deuteronomy 6:16 c) “boastful pride of life.”
(1)Eve desired to be “wise”. (a)What can satan use against us? (b)Philippians 4:11b (c)Hebrews 13:5 (i)If not content– prime targets for temptation.
B.3 rd test is psychological. V.Matthew 4:8-11 A.Trying to get inside of Jesus’ head! 1.Offers Him power! a)Eve desired to be “like God”.
b)Get the full impact - look at the cross! (1) satan providing Him a way out! 2.Jesus put him in his place. a)Almost feel the contempt!
(1) How would we do? (a)If we are not content we will not fare as well. (i)“We need to be focused.” (a)satan left and the angles came!
(ii)Our enemy will be successful. VI.CONCLUSION A.Matthew 4: John is arrested. a)Jesus begins his ministry.
(1)He begins to recruit disciples. (2)We begin to see the power of God!