Temptation

Temptations. Luke 4:1 – 13.

Temptation + Opportunity = Trouble.

Example: Krispy Kreme’s Hot and Now sign.

I love Krispy Kreme Donuts. My town doesn’t have one but a neighboring one does. When I want a donut I have the temptation, but if I am at home I do not have the opportunity. When I go to the next town I can go and not have the temptation. However, when I see the “Hot Now” sign is on Their is both the temptation and the opportunity, which often leads to trouble for me.

Alcohol, sex, lusts, cursing, or any vice/sin applies.

Everybody faces temptation. It is very personal.

Temptation is not sin but it is the seed of sin.

Jesus was tempted but did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 – 16).

Everybody faces temptation.

Moral – right and good according to customary rules were accepted standards.

Ethical – agreement with principles of right and wrong.

Physical – lust of the flesh, the physical or sensual thrill.

Emotional – control of the situation by using emotions. (Example – guilt trips, insults, or verbal abuse).

No matter what temptation we face, we all face the same enemy.

Satan – the liar, deceiver, and tempter.

His tricks of not changed since they were first successful on Adam and Eve in Genesis 3.

Satan does not care if you are young or old, rich or poor, famous or infamous, a lost sinner or Christian, Adam or the Son of God. (Satan fears no one)

Satan’s temptation of Jesus prove that he is out to get anyone that will listen and trip up anyone to fall.

Today were going to look at Satan’s temptation of Jesus and see how he still uses the same tricks on us.

Three times, specifically Satan efforts are mentioned.

Jesus has already been tempted for 40 days before Satan brought out these three attempts.

Isn’t that just like our enemy – chip away – chip away –then pound you with his best artillery.

Luke 4:1 – 13.

3 Temptations of Jesus.

1) (3) “If you are the son of God, command the stone that it may be bread.”

Jesus was hungry after 40 days and Satan thought it the right time to go for broke. In the wilderness with no one around and no witnesses.

I have never been tempted to turn stones into bread.

I don’t have that authority.

I have however been tempted to do something on my own and not trust God for strength and provision.

I have however been tempted to satisfy my physical desires when I thought God wasn’t listening.

This is very similar to the first temptation of man with food (“good for food.”).

It is in reality a temptation dealing with the lust of the flesh – “what I want”.

Example – Buyers Remorse – new car, new home, new anything – new debt that keeps me from enjoying God’s blessings. Anything that changes my dependency.

Our physical needs are important but we must trust God to provide and trust in his word/promise.

Jesus replied (4) “It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God.” (Deut. 8. Moses reminds the people of Gods provision.)

Jesus did not fall for Satan’s trick and try to provide for himself, but instead trusted God for his provision.

Jesus used the word of God to overcome temptation.

That is why Jesus could say with confidence to his disciples “I am the bread of life”. (John 6) I am the sustaining source/provision that meets our need.

Not Satan, not stones, but Jesus!

(Luke 12:22 – 31) (22) “Don’t worry about your life, what you eat; or about the body… (31) “But seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” (34) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

2) (5 – 7) “All this power will I give thee and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and whosoever I will, I will give it. If thou therefore will worship me, all shall be thine.” From the mountain top

This is very similar to the second temptation of man – lust of the eyes – “it was pleasant to the eyes”.

I’ve never been tempted with the chance to rule the world or to be worshiped by this world. I am unworthy.

I have however been tempted to take the easy way out or the path of least resistance.

I have been tempted by the lust of the eyes to want what I see even though I know it’s wrong.

There are no shortcuts – don’t fall for instant gratification on eternal matters.

Credit cards- Satan loves to offer us stuff the easy way. 2018 stats- average credit card debt is $6000.00 plus and average rate is 17%.