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In this lesson I want to dig a little deep by noting the scriptures Jesus turned to and see HOW they can help us deal with temptations.
In His temptations, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16 & 6:13, What was the context of each of these, and what can we learn from them? What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 1 – bread from stones Matthew 4:3-4
Jesus replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone…”
Deuteronomy 8:3 Note: Deuteronomy is Moses reminding Israel as they prepare to enter the promised land. Continual commands to keep obeying God and the promises He made if they remained faithful What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 1 – bread from stones Matthew 4:3-4
Context of Deuteronomy 8:3 Vs. 1-4. While in the wilderness, God continually provided for Israel. He gave them food on a daily basis (in a barren wilderness). It was manna (previously unknown). - This demonstrated God’s power to provide, sustain and deliver. Even their garments and sandals did not wear out (29:5) What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 1 – bread from stones Matthew 4:3-4
This was about TRUSTING GOD!
Concerning His word – it is when we keep His word, that He provides and protects. NOTE: His blessings to Israel were conditional (cf. Deut. 28)
Jesus, in answering Satan was saying, I will trust in God to care for Me What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 1 – Lessons for us?
Do we really trust God over material things, including our necessities?
cf. Matthew 6:24-34
Do we truly live “by every word” that He has given us? 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 We cannot pick and choose which commands we like and ignore the best and expect God to be pleased What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 1 – Lessons for us?
NOTE: When we are obeying God’s word, we are not looking for a “divine handout”, especially when we have responsibility - cf. 2 Thess. 3:10-11
To overcome temptation, we need to trust in God and what He has told us in His word! How often do we give in because it becomes about us? What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – jump off the pinnacle of the temple - Matthew 4:5-7
Satan even quotes scripture (Psalm 91:11-12) Jesus replies, “You shall not tempt the LORD your God”
Deuteronomy 6:16 What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – jump off the pinnacle of the temple - Matthew 4:5-7
Context of Deuteronomy 6:16
Moses calls for Israel to keep His commandments, love the LORD with your all and teach them to their children (6:1-9) Beginning with vs. 10-19, they are warned as they inherit the land and prosper, they are NOT to forget the LORD or go after other gods What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – jump off the pinnacle of the temple - Matthew 4:5-7
Context of Deuteronomy 6:16
If they did, His anger would be against them to destroy them. Vs. 16 the warning, “You shall not tempt the LORD Your God as you tempted Him in Massah” See Exodus 17:1-7, esp. vs 2 & 7 What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – jump off the pinnacle of the temple - Matthew 4:5-7
Context of Deuteronomy 6:16
Moses was warning the people to QUIT putting God to the test. Tests that showed their ingratitude and rebellion. Like “pushing someone’s button” to see how much you can get (away with). This was the continued character of Israel! What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – jump off the pinnacle of the temple - Matthew 4:5-7
Context of Deuteronomy 6:16
Jesus was saying to Satan, I am NOT going to test God! What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – jump off the pinnacle of the temple - Matthew 4:5-7
Sidenote: Satan quoted scripture – Psalm 91:11-12
Actually, he TWISTED the message. The psalm was about one who trusted God to deliver. Vs. 14 notes that this one 1) loved the LORD, 2) knew His Name, 3) faithfully followed Him. It was about trusting God to protect What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – lessons for us?
Are we trying to tempt God by flirting with things that tempt us? AND then do we expect Him to “bail us out”?
Are we truly satisfied with what He has given us? Philippians 4:11-12 What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 2 – lessons for us?
To overcome temptation, you need to REMOVE that which tempts you!
You need to quit challenging God and see how close to the line of sin you can get!
You need to NOT let Satan lie to you (or lie to yourself) What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 3 – bow down and worship Satan - Matthew 4:8-11
Satan takes Jesus on a high mountain, shows him all the kingdoms of the earth. Offers them to Him, if he bows. This would have been the easy way for Jesus (and hopeless for us)
Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:13, “You shall worship the Lord your God…” What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 3 – bow down and worship Satan - Matthew 4:8-11
Context of Deuteronomy 6:13, Note that it says to “fear the LORD your God and serve Him.” (also LXX)
The warning of the text is dealing with idolatry. You MUST fear God and let that keep you faithful to Him. What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 3 – bow down and worship Satan - Matthew 4:8-11
Did Jesus pervert the text by changing the word from fear to worship?
NO! Jesus properly interpreted the text APPLYING it to worship! When we worship God, it needs to be “with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28-29) - Consider also, the temptation of Satan was about worship. The context WARNED against worshipping idols! What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 3 – lessons for us?
Is God really FIRST in my life?
Are there “idols” I am struggling with? (Matthew 6:24) If so, no wonder I am so easily tempted (cf. James 4:1-4). 1 John 5:21 – “Keep yourselves from idols” What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Temptation 3 – lessons for us?
Do I fear God and reverence the way I should?
If I do not have proper respect for God, temptation lies at the door (cf. Genesis 4:6-7, Hebrews 12:28-29) Romans 3:18 notes that sin comes because “there is no fear of God before their eyes” What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Thus we can see how Jesus used scripture to combat the temptations of Satan. When He was done, Satan left (at least for awhile) - Matthew 4:11. When we resist Satan, He will flee from us as well – James 4:7 What Jesus said when tempted<br>
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Romans 15:4, what was written before was written for our learning to give us hope. In this lesson, I have shown one way the Old Testament can build us up. Do NOT neglect this portion of God’s word! Final observations<br>
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Do not forget the context of an Old Testament passage that is quoted in the New Testament. Further study can really open up the passage that quotes it. AND sometimes, a single verse from the OT is used to draw attention to the entire context (cf. Psalm 22:1) In this, do not forget the brevity of the gospels and NT writings with this. Final observations<br>
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Finally, using scripture to resist temptation is MORE than just reading the Bible. It is learning AND applying what we have learned. (Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46)
So this lesson really IS about dealing with temptation! Hebrews 2:18 Final observations<br>
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How are you dealing with temptation?<br>
