The Temptation of Jesus
- by: Pastor Lincoln Loney
- Jul 12, 2009
- Series: The Book of Luke
Temptation – Because of the sinful nature we have inherited from Adam, it’s not in us to consistently and ultimately resist temptation.
David - All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Solomon - For there is no one who does not sin.
Jeremiah - The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Jesus - I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Paul - Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
So what will happen when Jesus is tempted? He is a real man, the son of Adam, and yet . . . Luke 4:1-13
Luke 4:1-2 – The Setting: 40 Days of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the desert.
Luke 4:3-4 – Temptation #1:
- Satan’s Challenge – Turn stones to bread (Serve yourself).
v The Lies – God’s abandoned you . . . It’s not supposed to be hard . . . Take care of #1, because no one else will.
- Jesus’ Answer: There are more important things than food.
Luke 4:5-8 – Temptation #2:
- Satan’s Challenge – Worship me and I will give you my Kingdoms and my glory (Serve me).
v The Lies – God’s plans are wrong . . . There are better offers . . . Take the easy way.
- Jesus’ Answer: I will worship and serve the Lord.
Luke 4:9-12 – Temptation #3:
- Satan’s Challenge – Jump and God will catch you (Make God to serve you).
v The Lies – I can do whatever I want and God will clean up any messes I leave behind . . . He’s obliged to make things turn out right in the end . . .He’s there to serve me.
- Jesus’ Answer: Testing God is not the same as trusting Him. Don’t test Him.
Why believers can resist temptation:
ü Because Christ is in us and He will help us. Hebrews 2:18
ü Because we are full of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
ü Because we have placed God’s Word in our hearts. Psalm 119:11
