Christ’s Triumph Over The Tempter | Matthew 4:1-11

Scripture

• Matthew 4:1–11

About this sermon

Introduction: We made the point, last time, that this passage is often read with an improper emphasis. I pray that you take that to heart. One of the great problems in the church of our time is that we read the Bible emphasizing everything but what IT emphasizes. Sometimes this passage is read with an emphasis on Satan’s designs, when, though his designs were truly wicked, it must be remembered that it was the Holy Spirit who led Jesus into the wilderness, and it was God’s purpose to prove His Son. This passage is given to us by the Holy Spirit to have us look at JESUS. Sometimes this passage is read with an emphasis on our temptations, and how we must battle our temptations. As we will see this morning, that is a good use for this passage, but only AFTER we recognize that this was the most unique temptation encounter in the history of the world. And the foremost message communicated by this temptation encounter is that Jesus succeeds where all others failed — and HE HAD TO in order to save us. The prince of the power of the air has come to man’s only hope — to the last Adam — and the King of Glory overcomes the god of this world. So, how Christ dealt with these temptations is instructive for our spiritual tests, but it is first and foremost a testimony about Jesus. BUT TODAY we now take hold of that secondary use. We see how He resisted the devil, and how His triumph informs our own struggles. The writer of Hebrews points to the legitimacy of this use of the passage. He encourages God’s people by means of our Savior’s temptations. ESV Hebrews 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ESV Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. IT IS THAT SAME ENCOURAGEMENT THAT WE FOCUS ON TODAY. Review: • THE LOCATION FOR PROVING THE SON OF GOD (vs.1) • THE TESTS THAT PROVED THE SON OF GOD (vs.2-10) • THE FREEDOM OF SATAN • THE FRIENDS OF SATAN • THE WORLD SYSTEM OF HUMAN ACTIVITY • THE DEMON SPIRITS Lesson: Today we begin with the consecration of the Son of God. • THE CONSECRATION OF THE SON OF GOD Christ has spent 40 days in isolation, preparing for the ministry He is about to embark on. He is Yahweh’s messenger. He is mankind’s mediator. So, as Moses had done, Jesus fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. The result is that He is hungry and, no doubt, weary. One quick observation that we see in this passage that is confirmed throughout Scripture. It is not unusual for some of our greatest tests to follow some of our highest moments. Jesus has just been confirmed to John the Baptist as the Messiah by the Spirit’s presence. Jesus has just been affirmed as the Son of God who perfectly pleases the Father by the voice from Heaven. And now He will face a test. Elijah trusted God and witnessed a great triumph over the prophets of Baal, IT WAS A HIGH MOMENT. The next thing we see is that he was threatened by Jezebel, and he ran. And wants to die. His high moment was followed by a great test. Peter, shortly after giving voice to an amazing recognition of the true identity of Jesus — IT WAS A HIGH MOMENT — ends up receiving one of the sharpest rebukes that Jesus ever gave to one of His disciples. The clear teaching of Jesus regarding the cross proved to be a great test for Peter.

Topics

• Temptation
• Jesus Christ
• Overcoming Obstacles