Power To Overcome Temptation Series

Text: Matthew 4:1-11

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

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POWER TO OVERCOME  

Matthew 4:1-11

Introduction

When our spiritual batteries are low - we find ourselves in need of a recharge - to POWER UP! Last week we looked at the baptism of Jesus as a means to CONNECT to the Power! As powerful an experience as that is - we shouldn’t think it is the end of the journey - but the beginning. Matthew 4 begins with some disturbing words:

“Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it.” (Matthew 4:1, MSG)

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness reminds us that we need God’s power to overcome temptation. The truth is that we have an Enemy who does not want to see us succeed in living a life of faith.  The presence of the Satan is found throughout the Scriptures. In the garden suggesting to Eve that God is a liar. In the life of Job, bringing pain to attempt to force him to abandon God. In the life of Judas, entering his heart and helping him become a betrayer of Jesus. In the Revelation, being overcome by the power of the blood of Jesus.  In our text today we see him in direct contact with the Son of God, freshly baptized, but not free from temptation. 

Temptation is a common experience of all human beings. It has an inward origin:

James 1:14-15 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

It has an outward resource

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We need the power to overcome temptation and Jesus is our example!

1. Temptation Is A Spiritual Reality

There is a spiritual world. The spiritual world is real, the devil is real and he is active. Platt: “Scripture teaches that there are vast numbers of angels, both good and bad, and that these spirits exist all around us.”

We are in a spiritual war. 

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The kingdoms of light and darkness are in conflict.  Ultimate victory is assured by the resurrection of Jesus.

Our enemy in this spiritual war is formidable.

-He seeks to devour.  1 Peter 5:8 NLT says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

-He uses deception.  2 Corinthians 11:14 “...Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

-His work is counter to Jesus.  Luke 22:31, 32 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Our involvement in this spiritual war is personal.  How are we being tempted right now in ways that could destroy our lives?

2. What Jesus Teaches Us About Overcoming Temptation

Use the Power of the Word

Matthew 4:1-4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”