THE TEST OF TEMPTATION
Luke 4:1-13

Introduction:     We all want easy answers and simple solutions to life’s troubles. Temptation is a complex subject. Sometime the devil brings temptation to us in an attempt to bring us under the judgment of God and to hinder our effectiveness and growth for the Lord. At other times the devil brings temptation to us that is orchestrated by the Lord to test and prove us.

I.          UNAVOIDABLE CONFRONTATION (VV.1-2)
The Bible says that this confrontation is:

            A.        Spirit Led (v.1)

·        A Divine Purpose

This is a test to prove that Jesus is the Messiah.

·        A Divine Preparation

Jesus was being prepared to be a sympathetic High Priest for His children. He needed to feel what it was like to go through temptation. (Heb 4:15-16) "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

            B.         Satan Inspired (v.2)

We have a real adversary. When does temptation come?

·        After great victory (baptism).

·        When you’re alone (wilderness).

·        When you’re at your weakest (hungry).

·        When you are about to begin something for God’s glory (Jesus’ beginning public ministry and the mission that would take Him to the cross).

II.         UNTIRING ADVERSARY (VV.3-12)
Our enemy doesn’t take a vacation. (Illus. Why does the church ask so much of us?) Satan needs to be confronted because he is untiring. Tempted to be:

            A.        To Be Self-Centered (vv.3-4)

Take care of number one. Don’t trust God, handle things yourself. (Illus: Instead of depending on God and getting into His Word and finding our answer we try to turn stones into bread). Life is more than things and it is not important what you put in your mouth; what’s important is what comes out of God’s mouth.

            B.         To Compromise (vv.5-8)

There is no short cut to God’s best. There is no crown without the cross. (Illus: whatever your serve, that is your god). The bible makes it clear that there is only one God.

            C.        Of Sensationalism (vv.9-12)

Boy, what a show…if God does a miracle I’ll follow Him…

You won’t follow God if you only base your life on signs and wonders; the sensational. You’ll follow God if you’ll get your eyes on Jesus and say no matter what I’ll follow you…trick or no tricks, miracle or no miracle!

III.       UNCHANGING PROMISE (V.13)
When the devil comes against you God doesn’t expect you to do some heroic thing; He just expects you to stand (Eph.6:11-18) & resist (Jas.4:7). (Illus: sumo wrestlers…the one with the most resistance wins). You will however never escape temptation fully in this life. What has God given us to respond? Well, what was Jesus doing in the baptism waters before He ever got to this place?

            A.        The Power Of Prayer

(Illus: we pray when we’re in a mess…what about praying for power to resist the mess before you ever get into a mess?)

            B.         A Heavenly Father’s Love

No matter what the devil throws at me I know that God loves me. Don’t listen to the devil’s lies…respond!

            C.        The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Resist in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Zec 4:6) "…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Eph 6:10) "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

            D.        The Word Of God

“It is written…” This is the great weapon…the sword of the Spirit. By the time Jesus slashed him the third time the devil left to lick his wounds. (Illus: the Bible and the T. V. guide).

Conclusion:       The worse temptation is going on right now. That little seductive voice that is saying, “Wait…put it off…not today.” Beloved, don’t listen to that voice, but listen to the sweet, still voice of God as he calls you.