The Temptation of Jesus 1: Tempted and Tried

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November 11, 2001, Matthew 4:1

Open It

  1. What are some common food cravings?
  2. Why are some temptations harder to resist than others?
  3. Why do different people struggle with different types of temptations?

Explore It

  1. Who led Jesus into the wilderness? Why? (4:1)
  2. Where was Jesus led? By whom? (4:1)
  3. For what purpose was Jesus led into the desert? (4:1)

Get It

  1. How would you define temptation?
  2. Besides physical appetite, what are some other sins of the flesh?
  3. How can memorizing Scripture help us combat temptation?
  4. What happens when a Christian consistently resists temptation?
  5. What situations make us especially vulnerable to temptation?
  6. In what ways can we make temptation more difficult to resist?
  7. What can we do to make temptation more manageable?
  8. What temptations are inevitable for most people?
  9. What temptations are inevitable for you?

Apply It

  1. In what specific area of your life is temptation the strongest these days?
  2. What steps can you take this week to resist the temptations you are facing now?

Notes Matthew 4:1 (1)

4:1 This time of testing showed that Jesus really was the Son of God, able to overcome the devil and his temptations. A person has not shown true obedience if he or she has never had an opportunity to disobey. We too will be tested. Because we know that testing will come, we should be alert and ready for it. Remember, your convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure!

4:1 The devil, also called Satan, tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and here he tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a fallen angel. He is real, not symbolic, and is constantly fighting against those who follow and obey God. Satan's temptations are real, and he is always trying to get us to live his way or our way rather than God's way. Jesus will one day reign over all creation, but Satan tried to force his hand and get him to declare his kingship prematurely. If Jesus had given in, his mission on earth--to die for our sins and give us the opportunity to have eternal life--would have been lost. When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God's purposes for your life or for someone else's life.

4:1 This temptation by the devil shows us that Jesus was human, and it gave Jesus the opportunity to reaffirm God's plan for his ministry. It also gives us an example to follow when we are tempted. Jesus' temptation was an important demonstration of his sinlessness. He would face temptation and not give in.

4:1 Jesus was tempted by the devil, but he never sinned! Although we may feel dirty after being tempted, we should remember that temptation itself is not sin. We sin when we give in and disobey God. Remembering this will help us turn away from the temptation.

4:1 Jesus wasn't tempted inside the temple or at his baptism but in the desert where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable--when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). But he also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride. We must guard at all times against his attacks.

1. Taken from LESSONMaker © 1992-1996, NavPress Software, Used with permission.

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