Journey into the Wilderness of Temptation

Worship

Sunday - 9:30 a.m. tarpon springs middle school

Feb. 18, 2024

 Pastor Danny Bennett
 Luke 4:1-13 (NLT), Hebrews 4:15 (NLT), LUKE 5:15-16 (NLT)
 Temptation, Prayer, God's Power, God's Word

The Road to Temptation 

Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. 3 Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’” 5 Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. 7 I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” 8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 9 Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! 10 For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. 11 And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 12 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” 13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

 

Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

 

How Satan Operates:

  • Attacks after a significant spiritual event.
  • Specifically targets our temptation.
  • Shows-up when we are weak.

 

3 Weapons Used To Defeat Temptation:

1. Prayer

LUKE 5:15-16 (NLT) 15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

 

Colossians 4:2 (NLT) 2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.


2. God’s Power

I Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 

James 1:13 (NLT) 3 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.

 

James 4:7 (NLT) 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


3. God’s Word

Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.