Matthew 4:1
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.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- I. Time of Temptation
- A. After baptism in water
- B. After infilling of spirit
- C. After 40 days fasting
- II. Nature of Temptation
- A. Lust of flesh
- 1. Command stone to be made bread
- 2. What is wrong with that?
- 3. 'No temptation taken you but what is common to all man'
- B. Misinterpreting God's word
- 1. Christ answered with word
- 2. Satan loves to misuse scripture
- 3. Drinking poison, etc.
- III. Result of Temptation
- A. Commanded Satan to leave
- B. He won victory over enemy in own life first then able to give to others
- C. Bound strong man of house
Key Quotes
“''No temptation taken you but what is common to all man''” — Chuck Smith
“''What should it profit a man''” — Chuck Smith
“''Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God''” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must not act out of our own will, but rather follow the will of God.
- We can be tempted to misuse Scripture, but we must rely on the written Word of God to guide us.
- Winning the victory over the enemy in our own life enables us to give to others and help them overcome their own struggles.