Introduction:

When was the last time you were seriously tempted?
How did it go?

Truth:
• we are all tempted, and we all still sin
• temptation is not sin (Hebrews 4:15)
• some people are more successful at resisting temptation
• you can prepare for the hour of temptation (Matthew 26:41)
• you can escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• the cost of yielding is immeasurably high

Recap & Outlook:

The King is coming… (John the Baptist)
You are not ready!

The King is a merciful King… (Matthew 9)
Repent! (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 1 John 1:9)

The King is your advocate and your propitiating sacrifice… (Hebrews 2:17-18; 1 John 2:1-2)
Resist Temptation in His strength!

Good News:

1 John 2:1-2
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Forgiveness - Propitiation (1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 2:17-18)
Advocacy - Intercession
Substitution - Sacrifice
Rescue - Escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The Truth about Temptation:

James 1:12-15
Desire - Sin - Death

From God’s perspective: Testing - to reveal the truth of our loyalty and love.
From Satan’s perspective: Tempting - to entice us to evil and sin.

Stages of Temptation: (from Tim Lane)
• Discontent - Resentment
• Pondering - Entertaining the Idea
• Arguing - “I deserve it…”
• Convincing - “Just this once…”
• Sin - Action

The Fall:

Genesis 3:1-6
• v.1 - Satan is very crafty
• v.1+4 - Satan undermines the truth of God’s word
• v.4+5 - Satan attacks God’s character and intentions
• v.5 - Satan promises something he cannot deliver
• v.6 - Satan uses others to entice us

The Temptation of Jesus:

Temptation 1: Doubt God’s love and provision (Greed) - Trust the Father
Temptation 2: Doubt God’s Word (Unbelief) - Trust His promises
Temptation 3: Have your way (Pride) - Trust His way and timing

The final temptation has an overt demand - “Fall down and worship me.”
However, keep in mind that all sin ultimately deals with the issue of worship. All temptation is ultimately an invitation to worship something or someone other than God.

Application:

Remember -
• Satan’s price is always immeasurably greater than he leads us to believe.
• Satan’s prize is always immeasurably less than he promises.
• Jesus understands! (Hebrews 4:14-16)
• Jesus promises and provides an escape! (1 Corinthians 10:13)

CG QUESTIONS:

1. Discuss Matthew 4:1-11. What stood out, and what questions does this create in your mind?
2. Do you have a plan for when you are tempted? Are you making preparation for the day of temptation?
If not, you may find yourself at the losing end of the confrontation with your enemy.
3. What strategies can you think of to help you stand firm in the hour of temptations? What strategies have helped you in the past not to yield?