“Tempted In Every Way”
Text: Luke 4:1-13
Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
You must pass the test to be advanced to the next grade
God committed to your graduation!
Testing by Trials & Temptations
Arranged or Allowed by God
Romans 8:28 -- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
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FIRST: The Leading of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 7:13-14 -- “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Hymn: “Where He leads me I will follow…”
We like 23rd Psalm - … “He leadeth me beside still waters…”
But… Also “Through the valley…”
(v1-2) -- Spirit leads into the wilderness
Mark 1:12 -- Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.
Define Wilderness: Wild, open, uncultivated and un-populated area. Alone. Undone.
FULNESS OF HOLY SPIRIT TRULY EVIDENCED BY HIS LEADING.
WHEN WE’RE SUBMITTED, FILLED, WE SIMPLY OBEY
CANNOT BE FILLED IF WE DO NOT / WILL NOT OBEY
Are you really ready to be filled? Filling not for a “buzz”. Filling for POWER.
But… POWER to be used as DIRECTED by Holy Spirit
SECOND: Sifted to be Shifted
Two analogies.
First: Shift Gears -- (illus learning to SHIFT) -- NO Automatic Transmissions in the Christian life!
Second: Sifting removes and makes useful. (ex. = flour)
Luke 22:31-32 – And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Jesus’ life in process of being shifted into “High Gear”.
Sifting is a part of the process
Note: He fasted and prayed
Focused upon the Father
Probably weakened in the flesh… perhaps even in the soul
The road to Calvary clearly unfolded (if indeed hadn’t been before)
Comment on Humanity of Christ and His Deity
THIRD: The devil is always watching
Hebrews 4:15 -- For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Remember: Not a SIN to be Tempted.
But… Not a TEMPTATION unless we WANT TO!
“But Jesus didn’t want to…”
Remember: No sin-nature, but human. Adam had no sin nature. Adam had human desires.
Let’s look –
Temptation #1 – A loaf of good, fresh, hot, fragrant bread would really be nice about now…
Temptation #2 – Kingdoms for the King
Temptation #3 – A fail-proof kick-start for the ministry
Closer Look –
(#1) -- v2 – “He was hungry”
Christ had the power
He was vulnerable in His humanity at the moment
He would use Spiritual Power to feed the hungry.
Note two things….
One… Satan said “if”…
No miracles yet. “I wonder if this will work?”
Faith can only be built upon the Word… Not upon the NEED.
Temptation to show the devil a thing or two
Defeated: By the Word
Life itself comes through faith built upon the Word (GET IT???)
(#2) He indeed was the King of kings
Worship -- it is what Satan was cast out for -- he wanted to experience it
Now he had what Jesus would have to die for…
(Note: devil didn’t understand ways of Kingdom of God… underestimated ultimate goal… hence: crucifixion)
But… was Jesus tempted?
Gethsemane’s prayer. Asked the Father for another way.
Again: “It is written” -- Never underestimate the written Word .. Victory / Healing / Salvation / Provision
Read it. Store it. SPEAK IT. PRAY IT.
(#3) – OK, if you want to do it that way… at least start it right.
Angels all around. Devil knew it. Could see them.
Note: devil not without supernatural power. NOT divine.
But…
Hebrews 2:9 -- But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of god, might taste death for everyone.
Right in Jerusalem
Right at the Temple
Float down in hands of angels… instant audience. (think of Pentecost)
Home Run…
“Let me help you with some practical advice… no charge… I won’t even be involved… just you and God”
Except… Tempting God. One: If He doesn’t tell you to, don’t. Two: Direct word to Satan
Round one, ended.
Note: Jesus had been tempted before. Flesh, World, Devil…
But… this time… Satan himself
Big Leagues
Messiah had been brought to center stage at baptism
FOURTH: Our turn
Temptations always come – shortcuts to things we desire
A lie works when it sounds like the truth
Father of Lies
Yielding to temptation is making a decision without all the facts thought through
NEVER FORGET: We’re tempted to SIN
Real Temptation goes for our Self-centeredness – Selfishness – OURS / MINE / YOURS
Bible warns
James 1:14 – But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
Luke 21:34a – “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighted down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life…”
He gives us hope
2 Peter 2:9 - …then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
He gives us a promise
1 Cor. 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
He gave us the example
Matthew 4:11 - Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
