Handling Temptation
Easter
The Road to Victory
A Pre-Easter Home Study
Object:
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.' " Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' " Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Lesson Aim: That each person might come to see that through Jesus Christ he/she can overcome any obstacle or problem.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each person might come to see Jesus in a new way and might surrender all to him.
Lesson
Chuck Swindoll tells the story of "Chippie" the parakeet. It is a good story, so I thought I'd share it with you, too. Chippie never saw it coming. One moment he was peacefully perched in his cage singing, and the next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over.
His problem started when his owner decided to clean his cage with a vacuum. She stuck the nozzle in to suck up the seeds and feathers in the bottom of the cage. Things were fine, so far. Then, the phone rang. Instinctively, she turned to answer it. She had barely said, "Hello," when there was a "sswwwppp." Chippie had gotten sucked in. She gasped, let the phone drop, and snapped off the vacuum. With her heart in her mouth, she unzipped the bag. There was Chippie -- alive, but stunned, and covered with heavy, black dust. She grabbed him and rushed to the bathtub. She turned on the faucet full blast and held Chippie under a torrent of cold water, power-washing him clean. Then, she did what any compassionate pet owner would do: She got the hair dryer and blasted the wet, shivering little bird with hot air. Nowadays, Chippie doesn't sing very much.
Sucked in, washed up, blown over, that sounds a little like us from time to time. Temptation is no stranger to us as we endeavor to live like Jesus. There are times when we are battling temptation that we feel like Chippie. Maybe some of you are in the middle of a crisis. If so, then there is hope. Jesus faced temptation and was an overcomer. You can be, too.
Background Of The Text
This is the first lesson in a series of lessons that take a look at Jesus. If we are going to get into the Word and get the Word into us, then we need to start by looking at the "Word that became flesh." We've seen Jesus before, but I think we can become too familiar. Let's take another look. Today we see him as "the overcomer." In his story we can see how we, too, can overcome.
This account takes place just after Jesus is baptized. He has come to John in the desert. John is there preaching a baptism of repentance. Jesus comes to be baptized. John doesn't want to do it, but he relents. As Jesus is baptized a voice from heaven proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased." Jesus' ministry is starting. He is, at that point, led by the Spirit into the desert. He is there for forty days. The parallels to Israel's forty years in the wilderness are evident. He is fasting and is facing temptations from the devil. At the end of that time, Jesus is hungry. This sets the scene for the next round of temptations.
The Scene
Notice first, if you are familiar with both the account in Matthew's gospel and this one, that there are a few differences. The order of the temptations isn't the same. Realize that Matthew recorded the temptations wanting to emphasize the "kingdom," so that was listed last. Luke was emphasizing Jerusalem as news of the Messiah spread from Jews to Gentiles. This doesn't invalidate one or the other. The temptations occurred as recorded. The order is not as important as the event.
As the scene opened, Jesus was hungry and the devil came to him. "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." The devil was attacking the physical weakness of Jesus. The devil may have been asserting that God provided manna for his people in the wilderness, so surely the Messiah could provide bread for himself. Jesus' response, though, was from Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man does not live on bread alone." Matthew added, "But by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Jesus rebuffed this temptation by noting that his dependence would not be on his ability to take care of his needs. He would rely upon God.
The devil wasn't through, though. Next he took Jesus to a high place, possibly Mount Nebo, and showed him, in an instant, all the kingdoms of the world. It is likely that Jesus and the devil were seeing a vision at this point. "I will give you all of these, with their authority and splendor. It has been given to me and I can give it to whom I want. All will be yours if you bow down and worship me." The thrust of the temptation was clear: "You are the Messiah and you will rule the world. Well, here it is. No suffering." Jesus rejected this temptation, too. Matthew tells us Jesus said, "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
The devil had one more attempt. He took Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God, then throw yourself down. It is written he will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully. They will lift you up in their hands so that you don't strike your foot against a stone." This time, even the devil himself was quoting some scripture (Psalm 91:11-12). It isn't quite in context, though. This temptation appealed to the rabbinic assertion that the Messiah would appear at the top of the temple and descend to the people. Jesus' response came from Deuteronomy 6:16, "Don't put the Lord your God to the test."
At this point, the devil left him until a more opportune time. Three temptations and three rejections. All three of these temptations had a basis in fact. All three of them tugged at the heart of Jesus' mission. He refused to submit to any of them. How? Let's take a look.
The Application
The Devil Tempted Jesus
The first thing we need to recognize is that the devil tempted Jesus. This is significant. Why? If the devil would attempt to persuade Jesus to leave the path of God, then he would also attack Jesus' followers as well. We are open for attack, as well. The purpose of the devil's temptations was to get Jesus to not follow the plan of God. He wanted Jesus to sin by deviating from what God had set before him. He is still in that business today. He would like nothing better than for you to forsake God and do your own thing.
How do these temptations come? In all kinds of ways. Some people are tempted to trust in their own ability to provide and make money. "Rely on yourself and do it your way," the devil whispers. "No one will know if you cut out early," he says as he looks around. Others are tempted to find comfort in the "pleasures of this world." "You can't have fun unless you drink," the devil utters. "Getting high is a real trip," he says as he laughs. "No one will know if you watch this movie or visit this website. It isn't really a sin."
All of these are attempts to get you away from the path God has laid before you.
The Devil Attacks Areas Of Vulnerability
The second observation here is that the devil came to Jesus when he was vulnerable. Jesus was hungry. Both Luke and Matthew note that. The devil came at that time, dangling the possibility of food. Jesus is going to be the King of kings. The devil knew about this, too. He offered the kingdoms, pain free, if only Jesus would worship him. The devil was also aware that Jesus was rebuking him with the Word, so he used it, too. The angels will protect you -- God said it. Jesus, at this point, would have been more than happy to prove the devil wrong and shut him up. He was vulnerable. Realize that the devil comes to us when we are vulnerable, also.
There are areas in our lives where we are weaker than we are in other areas. The devil knows this, too. He attacks when he thinks he can win. He'll attack a marriage when husbands and wives are apart physically and emotionally. He attacks purity when you're alone and it seems as if no one will ever know. He attacks integrity when you're in a position to get by with it. He attacks loyalty when a situation or misunderstanding arises. He sees vulnerability as an opportunity.
How Do We Overcome?
What do we do to be an overcomer? How can we "win" over temptation as Jesus did?
The first suggestion is that we stay busy. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." The key in this passage is "work with your hands." We need to be busy. Idle time is "risk" time. Notice as an example, King David. When his troops were at war and he wasn't with them, he got into trouble with Bathsheba. Friends, there are all kinds of things that we can and should be doing. Most folks don't have a lot of idle time, but if you do, then use it well. Get involved in helping someone. Be active in your church. There are lots of things for which you can volunteer. Don't let your idle time become an opportune time for the devil.
Secondly, avoid situations of temptation. In the model prayer as found in Matthew 6 Jesus says, "Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the evil one." We need to make sure that we don't put ourselves in harm's way. This isn't really all that hard. Don't put yourself around the things that tempt you. If you have a tendency to drink too much, then don't start at all. If you can't control yourself on the internet, then don't get on when you're alone. If you have a tendency to gossip, then don't say anything about anybody. If you can't gamble for recreation, then don't go. If your language has a tendency to get inappropriate, then don't ever use certain words.
The final point here is the most important. Jesus battled temptation with the Word of God. All throughout the temptations of the devil, Jesus was immersed in the Word. He used scripture readily. Friends, there is nothing better to battle the lies of the devil than the truth of God's Word. Immerse yourself in the Word. Speak it, read it, know it, and live it. I would advise that not only should we read the Word, but maybe even commit some of it to memory. Fix your minds on what matters and it will not have the time or the inclination to stray.
Conclusion
Jesus was engaged in battle with the devil at least three years before the cross. Throughout his ministry the devil would attempt to lure Jesus away from God's plan of salvation. Jesus rebuffed all of the devil's attacks. As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection and what that means, the devil will attempt to derail you. Will you endure?
Thought Questions
1. Jesus was tempted in every way, such as we are, yet without sin. What does that mean for us? What help does that provide?
2. What is the lure of temptation? Is it different for each person? How so?
3. Identify the process in fighting temptation. How can these steps help you remain faithful?
4. What damage is done when we succumb to temptation? What victories are won when we take a stand against them?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"There Is Power In The Blood"
"Victory In Jesus"
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
Lesson Aim: That each person might come to see that through Jesus Christ he/she can overcome any obstacle or problem.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each person might come to see Jesus in a new way and might surrender all to him.
Lesson
Chuck Swindoll tells the story of "Chippie" the parakeet. It is a good story, so I thought I'd share it with you, too. Chippie never saw it coming. One moment he was peacefully perched in his cage singing, and the next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over.
His problem started when his owner decided to clean his cage with a vacuum. She stuck the nozzle in to suck up the seeds and feathers in the bottom of the cage. Things were fine, so far. Then, the phone rang. Instinctively, she turned to answer it. She had barely said, "Hello," when there was a "sswwwppp." Chippie had gotten sucked in. She gasped, let the phone drop, and snapped off the vacuum. With her heart in her mouth, she unzipped the bag. There was Chippie -- alive, but stunned, and covered with heavy, black dust. She grabbed him and rushed to the bathtub. She turned on the faucet full blast and held Chippie under a torrent of cold water, power-washing him clean. Then, she did what any compassionate pet owner would do: She got the hair dryer and blasted the wet, shivering little bird with hot air. Nowadays, Chippie doesn't sing very much.
Sucked in, washed up, blown over, that sounds a little like us from time to time. Temptation is no stranger to us as we endeavor to live like Jesus. There are times when we are battling temptation that we feel like Chippie. Maybe some of you are in the middle of a crisis. If so, then there is hope. Jesus faced temptation and was an overcomer. You can be, too.
Background Of The Text
This is the first lesson in a series of lessons that take a look at Jesus. If we are going to get into the Word and get the Word into us, then we need to start by looking at the "Word that became flesh." We've seen Jesus before, but I think we can become too familiar. Let's take another look. Today we see him as "the overcomer." In his story we can see how we, too, can overcome.
This account takes place just after Jesus is baptized. He has come to John in the desert. John is there preaching a baptism of repentance. Jesus comes to be baptized. John doesn't want to do it, but he relents. As Jesus is baptized a voice from heaven proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased." Jesus' ministry is starting. He is, at that point, led by the Spirit into the desert. He is there for forty days. The parallels to Israel's forty years in the wilderness are evident. He is fasting and is facing temptations from the devil. At the end of that time, Jesus is hungry. This sets the scene for the next round of temptations.
The Scene
Notice first, if you are familiar with both the account in Matthew's gospel and this one, that there are a few differences. The order of the temptations isn't the same. Realize that Matthew recorded the temptations wanting to emphasize the "kingdom," so that was listed last. Luke was emphasizing Jerusalem as news of the Messiah spread from Jews to Gentiles. This doesn't invalidate one or the other. The temptations occurred as recorded. The order is not as important as the event.
As the scene opened, Jesus was hungry and the devil came to him. "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." The devil was attacking the physical weakness of Jesus. The devil may have been asserting that God provided manna for his people in the wilderness, so surely the Messiah could provide bread for himself. Jesus' response, though, was from Deuteronomy 8:3, "Man does not live on bread alone." Matthew added, "But by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Jesus rebuffed this temptation by noting that his dependence would not be on his ability to take care of his needs. He would rely upon God.
The devil wasn't through, though. Next he took Jesus to a high place, possibly Mount Nebo, and showed him, in an instant, all the kingdoms of the world. It is likely that Jesus and the devil were seeing a vision at this point. "I will give you all of these, with their authority and splendor. It has been given to me and I can give it to whom I want. All will be yours if you bow down and worship me." The thrust of the temptation was clear: "You are the Messiah and you will rule the world. Well, here it is. No suffering." Jesus rejected this temptation, too. Matthew tells us Jesus said, "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
The devil had one more attempt. He took Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God, then throw yourself down. It is written he will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully. They will lift you up in their hands so that you don't strike your foot against a stone." This time, even the devil himself was quoting some scripture (Psalm 91:11-12). It isn't quite in context, though. This temptation appealed to the rabbinic assertion that the Messiah would appear at the top of the temple and descend to the people. Jesus' response came from Deuteronomy 6:16, "Don't put the Lord your God to the test."
At this point, the devil left him until a more opportune time. Three temptations and three rejections. All three of these temptations had a basis in fact. All three of them tugged at the heart of Jesus' mission. He refused to submit to any of them. How? Let's take a look.
The Application
The Devil Tempted Jesus
The first thing we need to recognize is that the devil tempted Jesus. This is significant. Why? If the devil would attempt to persuade Jesus to leave the path of God, then he would also attack Jesus' followers as well. We are open for attack, as well. The purpose of the devil's temptations was to get Jesus to not follow the plan of God. He wanted Jesus to sin by deviating from what God had set before him. He is still in that business today. He would like nothing better than for you to forsake God and do your own thing.
How do these temptations come? In all kinds of ways. Some people are tempted to trust in their own ability to provide and make money. "Rely on yourself and do it your way," the devil whispers. "No one will know if you cut out early," he says as he looks around. Others are tempted to find comfort in the "pleasures of this world." "You can't have fun unless you drink," the devil utters. "Getting high is a real trip," he says as he laughs. "No one will know if you watch this movie or visit this website. It isn't really a sin."
All of these are attempts to get you away from the path God has laid before you.
The Devil Attacks Areas Of Vulnerability
The second observation here is that the devil came to Jesus when he was vulnerable. Jesus was hungry. Both Luke and Matthew note that. The devil came at that time, dangling the possibility of food. Jesus is going to be the King of kings. The devil knew about this, too. He offered the kingdoms, pain free, if only Jesus would worship him. The devil was also aware that Jesus was rebuking him with the Word, so he used it, too. The angels will protect you -- God said it. Jesus, at this point, would have been more than happy to prove the devil wrong and shut him up. He was vulnerable. Realize that the devil comes to us when we are vulnerable, also.
There are areas in our lives where we are weaker than we are in other areas. The devil knows this, too. He attacks when he thinks he can win. He'll attack a marriage when husbands and wives are apart physically and emotionally. He attacks purity when you're alone and it seems as if no one will ever know. He attacks integrity when you're in a position to get by with it. He attacks loyalty when a situation or misunderstanding arises. He sees vulnerability as an opportunity.
How Do We Overcome?
What do we do to be an overcomer? How can we "win" over temptation as Jesus did?
The first suggestion is that we stay busy. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." The key in this passage is "work with your hands." We need to be busy. Idle time is "risk" time. Notice as an example, King David. When his troops were at war and he wasn't with them, he got into trouble with Bathsheba. Friends, there are all kinds of things that we can and should be doing. Most folks don't have a lot of idle time, but if you do, then use it well. Get involved in helping someone. Be active in your church. There are lots of things for which you can volunteer. Don't let your idle time become an opportune time for the devil.
Secondly, avoid situations of temptation. In the model prayer as found in Matthew 6 Jesus says, "Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the evil one." We need to make sure that we don't put ourselves in harm's way. This isn't really all that hard. Don't put yourself around the things that tempt you. If you have a tendency to drink too much, then don't start at all. If you can't control yourself on the internet, then don't get on when you're alone. If you have a tendency to gossip, then don't say anything about anybody. If you can't gamble for recreation, then don't go. If your language has a tendency to get inappropriate, then don't ever use certain words.
The final point here is the most important. Jesus battled temptation with the Word of God. All throughout the temptations of the devil, Jesus was immersed in the Word. He used scripture readily. Friends, there is nothing better to battle the lies of the devil than the truth of God's Word. Immerse yourself in the Word. Speak it, read it, know it, and live it. I would advise that not only should we read the Word, but maybe even commit some of it to memory. Fix your minds on what matters and it will not have the time or the inclination to stray.
Conclusion
Jesus was engaged in battle with the devil at least three years before the cross. Throughout his ministry the devil would attempt to lure Jesus away from God's plan of salvation. Jesus rebuffed all of the devil's attacks. As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection and what that means, the devil will attempt to derail you. Will you endure?
Thought Questions
1. Jesus was tempted in every way, such as we are, yet without sin. What does that mean for us? What help does that provide?
2. What is the lure of temptation? Is it different for each person? How so?
3. Identify the process in fighting temptation. How can these steps help you remain faithful?
4. What damage is done when we succumb to temptation? What victories are won when we take a stand against them?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"There Is Power In The Blood"
"Victory In Jesus"
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
