The Temptation of Christ January 25

Think About It … What are some common food cravings? Jesus was tempted by more than food – even though He had been without for 40 days.  Today we look at basic types of temptation which Satan used on Him and on us.

Listen for why Jesus might be easily tempted. Luke 4:1-4 (NIV) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, [2] where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. [3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." [4] Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"

Temptation to Ignore God’s Provision What physical conditions do you see that might make Jesus susceptible to temptation? What are some other physical or family situations we experience that would make us vulnerable to Satan’s temptation? What are some different names that people (or Scripture) use to refer to Satan?

Temptation to Ignore God’s Provision Consider the following facts about Satan a spiritual being causes evil in the world tempts people to do evil the enemy of God and humans a liar the accuser of the brethren

Temptation to Ignore God’s Provision Let’s look at how Jesus dealt with Satan. How did Jesus reply when the devil urged Him to turn a stone into bread? Where would Jesus have gotten the answers He gave the devil? What kinds of situations are there when physical needs take you dangerously away from God’s Word?

Temptation to Reject Worship of God In what kinds of situations do you most desire to have control over events in your life? Why might a person in one of these situations be tempted to neglect worshiping God in order to gain control, gain power, or get ahead? Listen for how the Devil tempted Jesus about worship.

Listen for how the Devil tempted Jesus about worship Luke 4:5-8 (NIV) The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

Temptation to Reject Worship of God What did the devil offer Jesus in exchange for His worship? Why might this offer be appealing to some people (people not the Messiah)? Why would Satan have thought this would be appealing to Christ?

Temptation to Reject Worship of God You probably wouldn’t fall down in worship before the Devil. But … what things other than God do people worship today?  These are more subtle, but can be just as spiritually defeating.

Temptation to Forsake God’s Wisdom What are some situations when people bargain with God? Suppose you do make a promise to do something if God will do what you want … then it doesn’t happen … He doesn’t do what you want. What does that mean? Listen for how Satan tried to use messianic prophecy to make a deal with Jesus.

Listen for how Satan tried to use messianic prophecy to make a deal with Jesus. Luke 4:9-13 (NIV) The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. [10] For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;

Listen for how Satan tried to use messianic prophecy to make a deal with Jesus. [11] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " [12] Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" [13] When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Temptation to Forsake God’s Wisdom What promises from the Old Testament did Satan quote? Why wasn’t the devil successful in enticing Jesus to jump off the temple? What is the difference between testing God and claiming His promises? Satan quoted Ps 91:11-12. Look up the passage determine how he misused the verses

Temptation to Forsake God’s Wisdom How did Jesus and the devil use the Bible differently? How can a person become skillful at using the Bible as Jesus did? Since the Bible can be misused, how can we learn to use the Bible the right way? Satan's use of Scripture Jesus' use of Scripture

Application Consider what God might be trying to teach you through temptations that occur. God’s strength is more powerful than the temptation You need to depend on God, not your own self You are not strong enough to resist temptations

Application Note what Jesus proved in the way he resisted the devil’s temptations Possible to reject the temptation Temptation does not mean we must fall to it Use of Scripture is a good way to confront it and come out victoriously

Application Jesus used Scripture to refute the devil and resist temptation. Consider some of these helps to memorize The Scripture Memory Connection http://www.memoryverses.org/ Scripture Memory Challenge http://www.scripturememorychallenge.org/ Bible Memory Challenge http://www.biblememory.org/ BibleMemory.us http://www.biblememory.us/

The Temptation of Christ January 25