The Temptation of Jesus 4
Living for Jesus!

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December 2, 2001, Matthew 4.8-11

Open It

  1. Who is called the "prince" of this world?
  2. What is the intention or purpose of worship?
  3. Why should one worship God and God alone?

Explore It

  1. To what final destination did Satan take Christ? (4.8)
  2. What did the devil show Jesus from a very high mountain? (4.8)
  3. What did the devil promise Jesus in exchange for worship? (4.9)
  4. How did Jesus react to the third temptation? (4.10)
  5. What happened after Jesus had resisted Satan three times? (4.11)
  6. Who came and ministered to Jesus when all was said and done? (4.11)

Get It

  1. Who was the original ruler of this world? (Genesis 1.28)
  2. What title does Satan currently have? (John 12.31)
  3. Why is Satan called the god of this world? (John 12.31)
  4. How long will Satan rule this world? (Revelation 20.7-10)
  5. How is the power of Satan limited? (John 1.12; John 14.30)
  6. How is the work of Satan described? (1 Peter 5.8-9)
  7. Who has defeated Satan?(John 16.11)

Apply It

  1. What is needed to recognize a temptation to wealth?
  2. How does one overcome this temptation?
  3. What do I need to do to develop overcoming security against temptations?

NOTES (1)

The devil's temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical needs and desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride (see 1 John 2.15-16 for a similar list). But Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4.15 says that Jesus "has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." He knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to him for strength.

Did the devil have the power to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world? The devil may have been lying about his implied power, or he may have based his offer on his temporary control and free rein over the earth because of humanity's sinfulness. Jesus' temptation was to take the world as a political ruler right then, without carrying out his plan to save the world from sin. Satan was trying to distort Jesus' perspective by making him focus on worldly power and authority.

The devil offered the whole world to Jesus if Jesus would only bow down and worship him. Today the devil offers us the world by trying to entice us with materialism and power. We can resist temptations the same way Jesus did. If you find yourself craving something that the world offers, quote Jesus' words to the devil: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."

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

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