1. The stakes are eternal (Eph. 2:1-5) “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved”
2. The scope is universal (1 Peter 5:8) ”Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
3. Our involvement is specifically personal (Eph. 6:11-12) “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

 

Jesus was led by Satan to be tempted. He was tempted with three common temptations that every person faces and that every person must battle. When we struggle, not if we struggle, and we are desperate for God’s help, we’ll see his hand at work. Let’s look at these temptations Jesus faced and how He had victory over it.

The Temptation of Self-Gratification (vv.3-4)

1. The desire to fulfill our wants apart from God’s will.
2. The defense is to be filled with the satisfaction of God’s Word. “The Word will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from His Word.”

 

The Temptation of Self-Preservation (vv.5-7)

 

1. The desire to forsake God’s sovereignty by questioning His presence and promises.
2. The defense is to rest in God’s unshakeable security.

 

The Temptation of Self-Glorification (vv.8-11)

 

1. The desire to want to be worshipped.
2. The defense is to worship God alone in whom true joy is found.

 

How do we have victory over temptation?

 

1. Call on Christ

1 Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Eph. 6:18 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Paul uses in the context of spiritual warfare.

Phil 4:6 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

 

1. Commit to use God’s Weapon

Eph. 6:17 “and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,”

Matt. 4:4

John 8:31-32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

1. Confide in God’s Community, the Church