TEMPTATION AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT
A study by Pastor Paul
TEMPTATION AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT
We are going to learn from Jesus how to do it – by looking at His temptations. Matthew 4:1-11
Hebrews 4:15 says “We have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Being tempted is not a sin – giving in to it is!
Jesus was led into the wilderness where he was tempted for 40 days! (Luke 4:2) We are given an insight into those temptations - they were very real and very strong!
Could Jesus have given in to temptation?
As Son of God – NO because James 1:13 says “God cannot be tempted by evil.” But Jesus had laid aside His power and privilege as Son of God when he came to earth as Son of Man (Philippians 2:7).
As Son of Man – YES Jesus could have sinned otherwise these temptations mean nothing - BUT he did not sin because as Son of Man His only desire was to do the will of God:
“Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God” (Hebrews 10:7 quoting Psalm 40:7).
Jesus was 100% dedicated to doing God the Father’s will – He DELIGHTED to do God’s will – this is the only thing He came to do and this is how He overcame temptations – it’s the same for us - we can resist temptation if we delight in pleasing God.
The temptations of Jesus were the devil’s way of trying to get Jesus out of God’s will. They were unique and powerful – for Him. Our temptations are unique for each one of us but the principles behind overcoming them are the same for us as they were for Jesus:
TEMPTATION 1 – TURNING STONES INTO BREAD
Outward temptation: to satisfy the needs of the FLESH - the wrong way
Inward issue: to use His power as Son of God for SELFISH reasons
Answer: “My flesh needs bread but there’s something more important to Me – I live by God’s word”
How we overcome: DENY SELF- choose to live by God’s word
TEMPTATION 2 – THE PINNACLE OF THE TEMPLE
The devil quotes Psalm 91:11-12 - the promise that God will send angels to save him and protect him – but the devil leaves out verse 9 “If you make the Most High your dwelling” (He will protect you)
Outward temptation: Challenges Jesus to prove God’s favour to Him
Inward issue: It’s a lie to get Jesus out of God’s will and it’s a test to see if God will do as He promised
Answer: “This is putting God to the test”
How we overcome: DON’T BELIEVE THE DEVIL’S LIES. In a temptation he will often whisper to us “go ahead and do it” – “God will forgive you.” “You’re special you can get away with it.” THE DEVIL IS A LIAR – don’t believe what he says. If we think that God will forgive and therefore we can go ahead and sin - that’s tempting God or putting God to the test. Yes God does forgive but there are always consequences to sin – always.
TEMPTATION 3 – THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD
Revelation 11:15 says “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” – This is the inheritance of the Son of God.
Outward temptation: To have the WORLD – the wrong way
Inward issue: To OBEY the devil instead of God
Answer: “I’m only going to serve God.”
How we overcome: When the devil offers us the things of the world – we CHOOSE TO OBEY GOD
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE OVERCOME TEMPTATION
Matthew 4:11 “Angels came and ministered to Him.”
He had been tempted to get what his flesh needed the wrong way now He got all he needed because He had resisted temptation, waited and done it the right way!
Luke 4:14 “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee… being glorified by all.”
The temptations had been the devil’s way of trying to stop His ministry before it began. Now having passed all the tests – Jesus was in God’s blessing and anointing (Luke 4:18) to fulfil His purpose with power and strength.
That’s what temptations are all about for us too – they are tests that are designed to spoil everything and if we give in to them that is what happens - we lose our power, our blessing and our effectiveness.
So next time we are tempted – let’s remember this is a test that is worth passing!
The apostle Paul said: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Jesus won the victory over temptation and He is able to help us to overcome too – we are not alone in this fight (He was) - “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Just ask Him to help you!
But we do have to:
DENY SELF
RESIST THE DEVIL’S LIES
CHOOSE to OBEY
The results of resisting temptation are power, effectiveness and blessing