1. Luke began the book of Acts by referring to his Gospel in which he wrote about "all that Jesus began both to do and teach." 2. This morning we based our lesson on the Lord's instruction for His followers to pray, "and lead us not into temptation" (Matthew 6:13). 3. Before Jesus taught His followers how to face temptation, He practiced the instructions we covered. 4. This evening we are examining passages that teach us about "Satan's temptation of Jesus." 5. Let us begin our study by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I. SATAN TEMPTED JESUS
A. Satan's temptation of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; and Luke 4:1-13. B. Preliminary details: 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. C. The temptations: 1. Satan first tempted Jesus to make bread from stones (Matthew 4:2-4). a. Jesus needed to eat because He had fasted 40 days. b. Jesus had the power to turn the stones into bread -- He fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:15-21). c. However, if Jesus had performed such a miracle, He would have been doing Satan's will. d. Jesus applied Deuteronomy 8:3 to this situation. 2. Second, Satan tempted Jesus to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matthew 4:5-7). a. Satan quoted Psalm 91:11-12 as he challenged Jesus. b. Jesus applied Deuteronomy 6:16 to this situation. 3. Third, Satan tempted Jesus to worship him (Matthew 4:8-10). a. Satan promised to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. b. Jesus applied Deuteronomy 6:13 to this situation. D. Following these temptations, Satan left Jesus "for a season" (Luke 4:13).
II. APPLICATION
A. Satan is our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). B. He must be resisted (1 Peter 5:9; James 4:7). C. Relying upon God's Word is a key to overcoming temptation (Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 6:11-17). D. According to 1 John 2:16, temptations can be grouped into 3 general categories, including "the lust of the flesh,""the lust of the eyes," and "the pride of life." E. Jesus' temptations qualify Him to serve as our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16).
Conclusion:
1. Jesus reinforced His teaching by practicing what He preached. 2. He certainly practiced what He preached concerning temptation. 3. Let us do our very best to follow His instructions -- they work.
