REDISCOVERING JESUS LESSON 6

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS (Matthew 4:1-11)

Introduction: Jesus faced temptation with the same tenacity that the devil had.

1. THE PROBLEM OF TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:1-2):
A. Does the Spirit lead us into temptation (4:1)?
B. Does right living keep us from temptation (4:2)?

2. THE POWER OF TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:3-11):
A. The Power Test (4:3-4):
1. “Are you really God’s Son with authority (4:3)?”
2. “I’m here to do God’s will” (4:4)

B. The Protection Test (4:5-7):
1. “Do you trust in God to take care of you (4:5-6)?”
2. “I don’t presume upon God’s help” (4:7)

C. The Prestige Test (4:8-10):
1. “Don’t you want to be successful (4:8-9)?”
2. “Loyalty to God brings true success” (4:10)

3. THE PERSISTENCE OF TEMPTATION (Matt. 4:11):
A. The devil will eventually flee (James 4:7b).
B. The devil will return (Luke 4:13).