========================================================================
  MATTHEW 4:1
  by Chuck Smith
========================================================================

Summary: Jesus' temptation in the wilderness demonstrates that we are
not immune to Satan's attacks, but by rightly handling the Word of God,
we can escape temptation and win the victory over the enemy in our own
life.

Topics: "Spiritual Warfare", "Temptation"
Scripture References: Matthew 4:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chuck Smith discusses the significance of Jesus' temptation in Matthew
4:1, emphasizing that even after significant spiritual milestones like
baptism and the infilling of the Spirit, one is not immune to Satan's
attacks. He outlines the nature of temptation, which includes the lust
of the flesh, misinterpretation of God's word, and the allure of power
and pride. Smith highlights that Jesus responded to temptation with
Scripture, demonstrating the importance of knowing and rightly handling
God's word. The sermon concludes with the idea that overcoming personal
temptation equips believers to help others in their struggles.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. TIME OF TEMPTATION.

A. After baptism in water.

B. After infiIIing of spirit.

C. After 40 days fasting.

1. Never immune to Satan's attacks.

II. NATURE OF TEMPTATION.

A. Lust of flesh.

1. Command stone to be made bread.

a. Hungry after 40 days fast.

2. What is wrong with that?

a. Acting out of will of God.

b. Abusing power of God.

3. "No temptation taken you but what is common to all man

or God with the temptation."

4. Our escape is by rightly handling word of God.

B. Misinterpreting God's word.

1. Christ answered with word.

a. Satan comes right back with scripture.

1. Misquotes.

2. Satan loves to misuse scripture.

a. Portions of scripture.

1. Just because they quote scripture.

3. Drinking poison, etc.

4. Christ again answers with written word.

a. Did not seek special revelation.

C. Lust of eye and pride of life.

1. All kingdoms of earth.

2. Entices with power.

3. His to give.

a. "What should it profit a man."

4. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God."

Ill. RESULT OF TEMPTATION.

A. Commanded Satan to leave.

1. Satan did.

B. He won victory over enemy in own life first then able to give

to others.

1. Too many have not personally won the victory.

C. Bound strong man of house.

1. Started about to spoil it.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/chuck-smith/matthew-41/
========================================================================