Tempted In Every Way

“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…