The Rescue Begins: "Defeating Temptation"

The Rescue Begins: “Defeating Temptation”  

Matthew 4:1-11      

 I. Tempted to gratify desires apart from God’s will. (Matthew 4:1-4)

1. Desolate places.

2. Weak places.

 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My Grace is sufficient you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Psalm 37:4 - “Delightyourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

II. Tempted to test God and doubt His promises. (Matthew 4:5-7)

2 Corinthians 10:5  - “We destroy argumentsand every lofty opinionraised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

III. Tempted to exalt ourselves and deny the cross.  (Matthew 4:8-11)

Isaiah 43:19 - “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Faith Sheet for Friends and Family this Week

1. When have you had a “wilderness” experience in your life spiritually? How did God meet you there? What changes took place in your life?

2. Word of the week- “Victory” -The overcoming of an enemy. Discuss how this definition is true in your daily life because of Jesus Christ in your life.

3. Why would it have been wrong for Jesus to supernaturally turn the stones into bread? Read Hebrews 2:14-15 and 4:14-16.

4. Review some basics concerning our promised success in temptation and pray. John 8:31-32, 14:21, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 12:9, Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:12-13, Colossians 1:9-14 & 1 John 2:1, 3:8, 4:4, 5:4.