CROSSROADS CHURCH

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3.13.22 - 3 Temptations Satan Will Use Against You

Crossroads Church

Message Video & Notes

3 Temptations Satan Will Use Against You

Matthew 4:1-11

This study looks at the temptation of Jesus. This is right before He begins His ministry. He is about 30 years old and has just been baptized and had the Holy Spirit descend upon Him. Note the types of temptations that Jesus faced and how Jesus responded to them.

We look at 3 types of temptations in these verses that we all face.

Temptation 1: Satisfying a normal physical need in a wrong way

Temptation 2: Not trusting in God’s direction, timing, or provision

Temptation 3: Living as if your abilities, resources, and opportunities are yours

1. Satisfying a normal physical need in a wrong way - Verses 2-4

  • Key Concept: Temptation is the test which comes to the person God wishes to use. - William Barclay

  • Key Verse: Psalm 119:9 - How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

  • Community Group Application: A follower of Jesus’ number one priority is to learn and keep God’s word in their heart.

2. Not trusting in God’s direction, timing, or provision - verses 5-7

  • Key Concept: Reading this book will keep you from sin; sin will keep you from reading this book. (Inscription found on the inside of a Chinese Bible from the early 1900’s)

  • Key Verse: Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

  • Community Group Application: Followers of Jesus answer Satan’s questions by trusting God’s direction, timing, and provision.

3. Living as if your abilities, resources, and opportunities are yours - verses 8-10

  • Key Concept: We are tempted through our gifts, our resources, and our opportunities to use them selfishly.

  • Key Verse: Matthew 6:24 - “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

  • Community Group Application: Followers of Jesus live lives of service to God and others and use their abilities, resources, and opportunities to build God’s kingdom.