When Temptation Comes

Big Idea: Temptation is certain, but the believer who knows God’s Word, leans on Christ, and recognizes Satan’s tactics can stand firm and overcome.

Overview

Matthew 4:1-11 records Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the wilderness. The passage exposes the enemy’s three main avenues of attack—the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes—and shows how Jesus defeated each one by quoting Scripture. The speaker reminded us that temptation itself is not sin, that it is common to everyone, and that Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest, actively helps us in it. Because Satan still prowls, we must stay alert, submit to God’s authority, and wield the “sword of the Spirit”—the Word of God—whenever temptation comes.

Key Scripture

• Matthew 4:1-11 — The foundation of the whole message: Jesus models how to withstand the enemy.
• 1 John 2:15-16 — The tactical map: temptation comes through flesh, eyes, and pride.
• Hebrews 4:15 — The theological anchor: Jesus was tempted in every way yet did not sin.

Main Points

I. Three truths about temptation

1. Temptation itself is not sin; giving in is.
   • Jesus was tempted yet sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
   • Martin Luther’s picture: you can’t stop birds flying overhead, but you can stop them nesting in your hair.

2. Temptation is common to all.
   • 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us others face the same battles and God always provides a way out.
   • Thinking “I could never fall like that” exposes pride and invites failure.

3. Jesus helps us when we are tempted.
   • Hebrews 2:18—because He suffered when tempted, He aids those being tempted.
   • Example: Jesus told Peter He had prayed for him when Satan sought to “sift” him (Luke 22:31-32).

II. Satan’s three tactics in Matthew 4

Tactic	Scene & Scripture	Strategy & Lesson
1. Lust of the flesh	Stones into bread (4:3-4)	Satan exploits God-given appetites, tempting us to satisfy them in ungodly ways. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3: life is more than physical bread. Think consequences, not mere gratification.
2. Pride of life	Pinnacle of the temple (4:5-7)	“Throw yourself down.” Satan misused Psalm 91 to urge reckless self-rule. Pride says, “I’m in charge.” Jesus countered with Deuteronomy 6:16 and refused to test God. Know Scripture well enough to spot distortion.
3. Lust of the eyes	All the kingdoms of the world (4:8-10)	Satan offered power and glory he temporarily influences (1 John 5:19). Coveting what is not ours challenges God’s provision. Jesus answered with Deuteronomy 6:13: worship and serve God alone.

After the third rebuttal, Satan left “until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13), and angels ministered to Jesus (Matthew 4:11).

Application

The call: Stand firm against inevitable temptation by submitting to God, resisting the devil, and wielding Scripture as your primary weapon.

Head — Understand that every enticement you face will appeal to either your flesh, your eyes, or your pride; identify which door the enemy is knocking on.

Heart — Cultivate humility and contentment, thanking God for who you are and what you have instead of coveting what you are not and do not have.

Hands

1. Build a daily habit of Bible reading and memorization so you can say, “It is written” when pressure comes.
2. Pray the Lord’s Prayer regularly, emphasizing “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
3. Fast from anything that inflames ungodly appetites (media, relationships, habits) and replace it with practices that feed your spirit.

Reflection Questions

1. Which of the three doors—flesh, eyes, or pride—does the enemy most often use with you?
2. Can you recall a time you confused temptation with sin itself? How did that affect your response?
3. What practical steps will you take this week to deepen your grasp of Scripture?
4. Where might pride be hiding in your life, convincing you that you are “safe” from certain sins?
5. How can you lean on Jesus’ intercession and the Spirit’s power when you feel weakest?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that You faced every form of temptation and triumphed. We confess our weakness and our need for Your strength. Fill us with Your Spirit, sharpen our minds with Your Word, and guard our hearts from pride and coveting. When the enemy comes, remind us to run to You, to resist him, and to rely on Your victory. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.