Resisting Temptation: Following Jesus' Example
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that temptation is an inevitable part of the human experience, as demonstrated by Jesus' own temptations in the wilderness. Drawing from Luke 4, we examined how Jesus, though fully divine, faced temptations in every way possible, yet remained sinless. This serves as a powerful reminder that while temptation is unavoidable, succumbing to it is not. Jesus' example shows us that we can resist temptation by relying on God's Word and prioritizing His will over our desires.
Temptation often manifests in three primary forms: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These represent our desires to do, have, and be something outside of God's will. The lust of the flesh involves our passions and performance, tempting us to satisfy our physical desires or achieve worldly success. The lust of the eyes is about coveting possessions and material wealth, while the pride of life concerns our need for recognition and approval from others. Each of these temptations can lead us away from God's purpose if left unchecked.
The key to overcoming temptation lies in understanding its source. As James 1:13-14 teaches, temptation arises from our own desires, not from God. The devil exploits these desires, but he requires our cooperation to succeed. By acknowledging our weaknesses and submitting them to God, we can resist the devil's schemes. Jesus' victory over temptation assures us that we have a high priest who empathizes with our struggles and provides a way of escape.
Ultimately, the choice is ours: to give in to the fleeting desires of this world or to pursue the eternal will of God. As 1 John 2:17 reminds us, the world and its desires will pass away, but those who do God's will live forever. Let us commit to laying our desires at the feet of Jesus, trusting that He will fulfill our lives beyond our expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- Temptation is a universal experience, but Jesus' example shows us that we can resist it by relying on God's Word and prioritizing His will over our desires. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet He did not sin, providing us with a model to follow. [04:12]
- The lust of the flesh involves our passions and performance, tempting us to satisfy our physical desires or achieve worldly success. This temptation can lead us to prioritize our desires over God's will, but Jesus teaches us to live by every word that comes from God. [12:29]
- The lust of the eyes is about coveting possessions and material wealth. It challenges us to find our identity in what we own rather than in God. Jesus' response to this temptation reminds us to worship and serve only God, not the material things of this world. [17:49]
- The pride of life concerns our need for recognition and approval from others. It can lead us to live a life of pretense, seeking validation from people rather than God. True freedom comes when we find our worth in God's eyes, not in the opinions of others. [26:13]
- Temptation arises from our own desires, not from God. The devil exploits these desires, but he requires our cooperation to succeed. By acknowledging our weaknesses and submitting them to God, we can resist the devil's schemes and find a way of escape. [28:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:12] - Understanding Temptation
- [08:23] - The Source of Temptation
- [12:29] - Lust of the Flesh
- [17:49] - Lust of the Eyes
- [22:47] - Examples of Temptation
- [26:13] - Pride of Life
- [28:51] - Overcoming Temptation
- [34:21] - Consequences of Sin
- [39:59] - Call to the Altar
- [42:50] - Prayer for the Next Generation
- [55:42] - Final Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 4:1-13
2. James 1:13-14
3. 1 John 2:15-17
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 4:1-13, how did Jesus respond to each of the temptations presented by the devil? What scriptures did He use to counter the temptations?
2. According to James 1:13-14, where does temptation originate, and how does this understanding affect our perception of temptation? [08:23]
3. What are the three primary forms of temptation mentioned in 1 John 2:15-17, and how do they relate to the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness? [12:29]
4. How does the sermon describe the devil's strategy in tempting Jesus, and what does this reveal about the nature of temptation? [04:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it significant that Jesus was tempted in every way yet did not sin, according to Hebrews 4:15? How does this impact our understanding of His role as our high priest? [04:12]
2. The sermon mentions that the devil requires our cooperation to succeed in tempting us. What does this imply about our responsibility in resisting temptation? [08:23]
3. How does the concept of the "lust of the flesh" challenge our understanding of success and fulfillment in life? What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of prioritizing our desires over God's will? [12:29]
4. In what ways does the "pride of life" manifest in our daily lives, and how can it lead us away from God's purpose? How does the sermon suggest we find true freedom from this temptation? [26:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you faced temptation. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Jesus' example in Luke 4:1-13?
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our weaknesses and submitting them to God. What is one area of weakness you need to submit to God this week, and how will you do it? [08:23]
3. Consider the "lust of the eyes" and how it might be influencing your life. Are there possessions or material desires that have taken priority over your relationship with God? How can you realign your priorities? [17:49]
4. The sermon discusses the "pride of life" and our need for recognition. Identify a situation where you sought approval from others rather than God. How can you shift your focus to finding worth in God's eyes? [26:13]
5. How can you use scripture, as Jesus did, to combat temptation in your life? Identify a specific verse that speaks to a current struggle and commit to memorizing it this week.
6. The sermon calls us to lay our desires at the feet of Jesus. What is one desire you need to surrender to God, trusting that He will fulfill your life beyond your expectations? [34:21]
7. Reflect on the statement that temptation is a universal experience. How can you support someone in your life who is currently struggling with temptation, and what practical steps can you take to be an encouragement to them? [39:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Resisting Temptation Through Divine Strength
Temptation is a universal experience, yet Jesus' life provides a model for overcoming it. In the wilderness, Jesus faced temptations that targeted His physical needs, His desire for power, and His identity. Despite these challenges, He remained sinless by relying on God's Word and prioritizing God's will over His own desires. This example teaches us that while temptation is inevitable, succumbing to it is not. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's guidance, we can find the strength to resist temptation and align our lives with His purpose. [04:12]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What specific temptations are you currently facing, and how can you use Scripture to combat them today?
Day 2: The Battle Against the Lust of the Flesh
The lust of the flesh tempts us to prioritize our physical desires and worldly success over God's will. This form of temptation can lead us to seek fulfillment in temporary pleasures and achievements, rather than in God's eternal promises. Jesus teaches us to live by every word that comes from God, reminding us that true satisfaction is found in Him alone. By focusing on God's Word and His purpose for our lives, we can resist the pull of the flesh and find lasting fulfillment in His presence. [12:29]
1 Peter 2:11 (ESV): "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to prioritize your physical desires over God's will, and how can you realign your focus on His eternal promises today?
Day 3: Overcoming the Lust of the Eyes
The lust of the eyes challenges us to find our identity in what we own rather than in God. This temptation can lead us to covet possessions and material wealth, drawing us away from God's purpose. Jesus' response to this temptation reminds us to worship and serve only God, not the material things of this world. By shifting our focus from earthly possessions to heavenly treasures, we can find true contentment and purpose in God's plan for our lives. [17:49]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What material possessions or desires are you tempted to prioritize over your relationship with God, and how can you refocus on heavenly treasures today?
Day 4: Finding Freedom from the Pride of Life
The pride of life concerns our need for recognition and approval from others. This temptation can lead us to live a life of pretense, seeking validation from people rather than God. True freedom comes when we find our worth in God's eyes, not in the opinions of others. By embracing our identity in Christ and seeking His approval above all else, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from living authentically for Him. [26:13]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking approval from others, and how can you shift your focus to finding your worth in God's eyes today?
Day 5: Acknowledging and Overcoming Our Desires
Temptation arises from our own desires, not from God. The devil exploits these desires, but he requires our cooperation to succeed. By acknowledging our weaknesses and submitting them to God, we can resist the devil's schemes and find a way of escape. Jesus' victory over temptation assures us that we have a high priest who empathizes with our struggles and provides a way of escape. By relying on His strength and guidance, we can overcome our desires and pursue God's eternal will for our lives. [28:51]
James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: What personal desires are leading you away from God's purpose, and how can you submit them to Him to find freedom and alignment with His will today?
Quotes
"And when the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left Him until the next opportunity came. By the way, I'm not preaching about this, but never forget, the devil might leave you alone for a minute, but he's always going to come back looking for another opportunity. Amen? But I want you to notice verse 13 from the Contemporary English Version. It says this, After the devil had finished testing Jesus in every way possible, he left Him for a while. The Bible says that the devil tested Jesus in every way possible." [00:02:14] (39 seconds)
"Folks, temptation is nothing new. It's been around ever since Adam and Eve have been around. The fact is that we all will struggle with temptation at some point or another in our lives. Can all the honest people say amen? All the rest of y 'all, I'm praying for you today. Amen. But seriously, every single one of us, you're never going to become so great a Christian that you stop being a human being. Amen." [00:03:32] (32 seconds)
"See, too often when we hear the word temptation, we think it's usually only associated with, you know, sexual temptation or immorality. And this is the obvious one strong area that people battle, but there are other temptations and other ways that the devil will try to tempt us. For example, it could be dealing with our pride or our greed or our carnal nature or our attitudes or it could be how we treat other people, numerous other things." [00:04:33] (33 seconds)
"Every time the devil tempts us, it's his way of screaming at us, God's love for you will never be enough. So I'm going to offer you something else. I'm going to provide you something else. I'm going to try to make you slip up with something else. But again, we can look to Jesus as our example and as our hope. Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15 says, For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize." [00:05:17] (28 seconds)
"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Temptation comes from the man in the mirror, the struggles that he has, his own desires, and the struggles that we have in our lives. Amen? So even though Jesus was tempted, he did not have that inward vulnerability that we have to give in to our temptation. The Bible also tells us that God will never be the one who is tempting us." [00:06:58] (34 seconds)
"The lust of the flesh is our temptation for us to do something. Everybody say, do something. It involves our passions. It involves our drive for performance. The lust of the eyes is the temptation for us to have something. Everybody say, have something. Come on. And then the pride of life is the temptation for us to be something. Our pride and our popularity drives those desires." [00:10:57] (25 seconds)
"Jesus' temptations followed those same patterns that are common to all of us. So let's begin. We're going to start by looking at the very first one. Are you ready? The lust of the flesh is and it's based on our passions and our performance. What I do or what I want to do. Here's where we find it in Jesus. The devil said to Jesus Luke 4 and 3 If you are the son of God tell this stone to become a loaf of bread." [00:12:53] (32 seconds)
"The first temptation concerned his flesh and it always is the same same way with us too. Our passions and the things that we want or the things that we want to do. And the devil looked at Jesus and said if you are the son of God why don't you turn this rock into bread? Then Jesus replies with scripture he quotes Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 3 and Jesus said this It is written Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." [00:13:45] (31 seconds)
"Who is going to be Lord? Who's going to be number one? Amen. I am a child of God, God, and that should be enough. Right? It should be enough. I don't have to have everything I see or everything that I want. But the lust of the eyes always wants to have something. Make no mistake, your eyes have just as much appetite as your bodies do. Amen? This area deals with not doing, but this area deals with having." [00:20:14] (32 seconds)
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