1. According to 2 Peter 3:18, growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important activity for the Lord's people. 2. However, to accomplish this growth we must go the right source for information. 3. Jesus revealed the proper source in John 5:39 -- the Scriptures. 4. In our lesson we are examining passages that teach us what we need to know about the occasion when "Jesus was tempted by Satan." 5. Let us begin our study by showing that . . . Discussion: I. JESUS WAS TEMPTED BY SATAN
A. An abbreviated account is given in Mark 1:12-13. 1. In the context we read about 3 important events that involved Jesus. a. Jesus was baptized (Mark 1:9-11). b. Jesus was tempted (Mark 1:12-13). c. Jesus began His ministry (Mark 1:14-15). 2. After He was baptized and before He began His ministry, Jesus was tempted. B. Additional details are given in: 1. Matthew 4:1-11 2. Luke 4:1-13. C. As we study the Lord's temptation we need to keep the details in mind. 1. Following His baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. 2. Jesus was led into the wilderness so He would be tempted. 3. This period of temptation lasted 40 days. 4. Jesus was alone, only accompanied by wild animals. D. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. THE TEMPTATIONS
A. According to Matthew 4:2-4, Satan first tempted Jesus to make bread from stones. 1. Jesus needed to eat because He had fasted 40 days. 2. Jesus certainly had the power to turn the stones into bread. a. Later, He fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:15-21). b. He also fed 4,000 men with 7 loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:32-38) 3. However, if Jesus had performed such a miracle, He would have been doing Satan's will. 4. Jesus applied the words found in Deuteronomy 8:3 to this situation. B. We learn from Matthew 4:5-7 that Satan next tempted Jesus to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. 1. As he challenged Jesus, Satan quoted Psalm 91:11-12. 2. Jesus responded by applying the words found in Deuteronomy 6:16 to this situation. C. Finally, we are shown in Matthew 4:8-10 how Satan tempted Jesus to worship him. 1. Satan promised to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. 2. Jesus applied the words found in Deuteronomy 6:13 to this situation. D. Following these temptations, Satan left Jesus "for a season" (Luke 4:13). Conclusion:
1. We learn from Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." 2. Later, we are taught in Hebrews 12:1-2 to keep our eyes focused on the Lord as we run the Christian race. 3. Let us follow the Lord's example by hiding God's Word in our hearts and applying it to the temptations we face. a. Psalm 119:11 b. Ephesians 6:10-17