Jesus’ Temptation: Overcoming All, Matthew 4:1–11

Jesus’ Temptation: Overcoming All, Matthew 4:1–11

(Matthew 4:1–11) Faith—Proof—Evidence—Corruption: Jesus Christ was tempted three times by the devil.

In discussing temptation, it is important to remember that God does not tempt man (James 1:13). God allows man to be tempted for the same reasons He led Christ to be tempted. God allows man to be tempted …

1. To prove and demonstrate his faith.

2. To strengthen and prepare him for heavier responsibility.

3. To demonstrate the mercy, grace, and power of God in a human life.

Thought 1. There are special times when communion with God is essential:

(1) after a mountaintop experience (Christ’s baptism).

(2) before a great trial or time of temptation. Note that Jesus spent forty days alone with God before the tempter came to Him.

(3) periods of great service for God. It is a great mistake to go before the public or to return from the public without spending a long time alone with God. The public, at least some of the public, will lay accolades at the feet of God’s servant. Temptation lies just ahead. Preparation is essential.

Thought 2. The devil attacks anywhere and everywhere, in the wilderness and in the city when surrounded by others. But temptation is especially strong at certain points.

(1) Right after a mountaintop experience.

(2) Right before the launching of a new work.

(3) During severe moments of weakness: physical and mental.

Thought 3. Note three facts about the person who really knows God and is set on serving God.

(1) The more a person seeks to serve God, the more he can expect to be tempted. Note how heavy and intense the temptation was against Christ.

(2) The more a person seeks to serve God, the more he needs communion with God. Time alone with God is essential. A quiet time in God’s Word—meditating, communing, and worshipping—is an absolute essential for the believer.

(3) Spiritual strength and maturity do not exempt a person from temptation. Everyone is tempted, even the Son of God Himself. No one is exempt (1 Cor. 10:13).

Thought 4. Christ met temptation by doing three things.

(1) He spent time alone with God.

(2) He made sure He was led by the Spirit.

(3) He relied upon the Scripture.

Thought 5. The devil is the tempter. He is the one who tempted Jesus Christ. He was the spiritual power who attempted to destroy the purpose of Christ (Heb. 2:14–15). The believer must prepare for the combat.

Thought 6. What should the believer learn about fasting from the Lord’s experience? Jesus fasted for forty days. He was facing an important and critical moment in His life; the weight was pressing in upon Him. He needed special preparation. Therefore, He separated Himself from the world; He got alone with God. He was so sincere and intense that He even separated Himself from food.

How often do believers miss out because they are not sincere and intense enough to put time with God before all else, even before food? How much more could be done if believers sought God with the same intensity? How much more growth and ministry could be gained?