Life of Jesus: temptation

Speaker: Paul Brown

Notes

This appears in all three "synoptic" gospels; Mark's account (1:12-13) is brief, Matthew's and Luke's are similar. We'll look mainly at Luke's account in chapter 4.

A note about fasting (refer to Ruth's talk in June 2008). Jesus was following the Holy Spirit's leading and so should we (not just) when it comes to fasting. Forty days is extreme and about as long as you can go without risk of serious permanent harm. The devil is recorded as having three conversations with Jesus...

Bread Luke 4:3-4 - the temptation to use position, gifting, etc to meet your own physical needs. It's not wrong to have needs, or to meet them. But the abuse of power and doing things the world's way or the devil's way rather than God's way is wrong. "Seek first the kingdom of God and..." (Matt 6:33)

Power Luke 4:5-8 - the temptation to grasp power and influence over people. It is for God to give those, not for us to take them. No short cuts

Popularity Luke 4:9-12 - this would have been a sensational stunt and propelled Jesus to fame and popular acclaim.

The episode follows immediately after God's affirmation "you are my son..." and the devil was out to test whether Jesus really believed it. It was a necessary preparation for what was to come. We sometimes have to go through wilderness experiences as preparation for what is to come. We need to know we are children of God.

Temptation to sin is a normal part of life. Learn to discern the Holy Spirit's voice and ways. Use the Bible to defeat temptation. Jesus understands - he has been there too!

Application

Can you think of a time when you have been through a "wilderness" experience? What was it like at the time and does it make more sense now? Maybe you're in the midst of one now, in which case be encouraged - it won't last for ever. Pray for one another as appropriate.

What kind of temptations are you most prone to and what methods have you learned to defeat them? Is this something we have to fight on our own or can we help one another? As a group, list some Bible verses that can be useful weapons against common temptations to sin.

Do you find yourself feeling guilty when temptation comes along?

What is the hardest situation you are facing in life at the moment? Jesus has been there too and shown that there is always a way through without compromise or sin. Pray for one another.

Posted: 4 Jul 2010