This week, we looked at Matthew 4:1-11 - the temptation of Jesus. In this passage, immediately following his baptism, we see Jesus being tempted by Satan in the desert. It reminds us of when Adam and Eve were tempted in the Garden way back in Genesis, but this time, Satan is defeated. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded.
In this passage, we find sobering news: we are vulnerable to the devil's tactics.
- We are vulnerable to our appetites: As Satan tempted Jesus to fill his hunger by turning stones to bread, he tempts us to fill the good desires God has given us with things other than Jesus, the only one who can truly satisfy. We talked about how we are especially vulnerable to temptation when we are HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired)
- We are vulnerable to accolades (we desire approval/applause). Satan tempted Jesus to do a "trick" to gain popularity. He often tempts us to forsake our calling for popularity's sake as well.
- We are vulnerable to ambition. Satan promised to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if he will just bow down and worship him. And he often tries to sell us the same bill of goods: "make this one compromise to get ahead"
While it is sobering news that we are vulnerable to these "short-cut" tactics the devil uses, there is good news in the passage: Jesus defeats Satan! And through his power, so can we. Jesus forgives our sins, cleanses us, and strengthens us for the fight.
Toward the end, Larry gave us a tool to fight temptation. He called it the "Temptation Equation"
I + W = V
Identity + Weaponry = Victory
Identity - remember that you are a child of God with the Holy Spirit living inside of you
Weaponry - spiritual disciplines like Scripture and prayer
Victory - the ability to follow through on the calling God has given us.
If you missed the sermon, check out the podcast on the resources tab or on iTunes. See you next week!
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