How to Battle Temptation - From the Ashes, part 1
Feeling empty, burned-out, or overwhelmed? Each week this month, we'll look at an aspect of Jesus' life and ministry, where we'll find hope and forgiveness to overcome our struggles.
This week, we start with temptation. We’ll learn where temptation can come from and how to battle it.
Does your life sometimes feel like a pile of ashes? The good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection means you can experience new life and have your life raised from the ashes. This series will help you grow in faith and understanding of Christ.
How to Recognize and Overcome Temptation
about this series
Today we begin an Easter sermon series called From the Ashes. At times our lives may feel like they are a disappointing pile of ashes. We can feel broken, and shattered. However, the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is that we can experience new life. Our lives, no matter how bad, are not irredeemable. In other words, you are not broken beyond repair. In and through Christ, you can rise above the ashes and experience abundant life.
This isn’t just a series for the broken and shattered - this series is for anyone who wants to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Christ. Each week we will look at one aspect of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth.
We’re All Tempted
Today we look at temptation. In Matthew 4 we find the account of Jesus being tempted. Just before Jesus started His earthly ministry, he experienced a 40-day period of temptation.
First, we need to acknowledge that temptation should be expected. We all experience temptation each and every day. Not one of us is immune from the desires to have things or do things the way we want, and that do not align with the way of Christ.
Temptation comes in many forms, and in many ways it may seem innocent, such as:
Fudging on your taxes.
Telling a “little white lie”.
Taking credit for something your coworker did.
Calling in sick when you are not sick.
Or how about taking something from work because you feel you deserve it?
In the eyes of some, these may not seem like huge problems, but it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Songs 2:15). Seemingly small temptations and desires can grow into big problems. They can lead to things that we all could agree are awful: broken marriages, ruined relationships, careers destroyed, ministries closing down, someone getting hurt, the loss of life, the list can go on and on.
It doesn’t do you any good to pretend you are immune to temptation. Or that a small temptation or sin is OK. Never fall for the idea that you can handle things on our own.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10, NIV).
No one is without sin.
Today, we need to acknowledge that we all deal with temptation in our lives. There are times when we yield to temptation, and we find ourselves traveling down a path that leads to spiritual death; a path that does not honor Christ and is inconsistent with our heavenly citizenship.
So, what should we do when we are tempted?
How should we respond to temptation? It begins with our identity.
Before we look at the temptation of Christ, we need to consider the event that preceded his 40 day temptation in the wilderness: His baptism.
‘Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”’ (Matthew 3:13-17).
The baptism of Christ is important for many reasons. But today, I want us to focus on verse 17 when God says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Notice God didn’t say, “Now go and fulfill your destiny” or, “This is my son, watch out Satan, He’s coming for you!” God simply said “this is my Son”. And we know God loves His son and is pleased with Him.
This is Christ’s identity. He is a beloved Son of God most high. The reality that Jesus is the Son of God is so important that the very first temptation Satan tries, is to tempt Jesus regarding His identity and position. Look at what He says, “The tempter came and said to Him, ‘If you are the Son of God...’” (Matthew 4:3). For Jesus, the tempter said “if you are the Son of God”. For Eve, in the garden, it was “Did God really say…”
What does the voice of temptation sound like in your life?
If you really were a Christian you wouldn’t…
If you really loved God…
If you were only more like x, y, or z…
If you were really saved you wouldn’t be suffering like you are...
If God really loved you or if there really was a God…
The question may be different for each of us but the motive is always the same. The motive is to get us to doubt our identity and position in Christ, AND to get us to doubt God, and whom we belong to.
In dealing with temptation, always remember who you are and whose you are:
You are a child of God most high.
You are a follower of Christ.
You are a Christian.
I want you to understand that questioning your identity is a primary tactic of the enemy.
Three Areas Jesus Was Tempted
So, let’s look at the three specific areas Jesus was tempted while in the wilderness.
1. Tempted with Food
Have you ever been really, really hungry? How many of you have ever fasted a meal? What about fasting food for the entire day? How about three days; a week; a month? Were you hungry having fasted one meal? What about after three days?
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:3-4).
I went on a mission’s trip to the Ukraine and I fasted and prayed while on the trip for about a week. I was hungry and when the others started to eat, I left the room so I would not be tempted to eat.
The point I want to make is that Jesus must’ve been really hungry after 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. I can’t even imagine how hungry Jesus must’ve been. It’s just cruel that Satan would come to Him, question His identity, and then challenge Him to turn stones into bread.
If you had the power to turn stones into Cheeseburgers or Chick-fil-a chicken sandwiches, how difficult would it be to stay true in the midst of a 40-day fast?
Aside from bread and cheeseburgers, what was really going on here? What was the underlying need Satan was trying to manipulate? The need Jesus had (that we all have) is a need for provision. It was food in Jesus’ case, but for us it could easily be food, finances, clothes, a home, a job, and almost anything you might desire. However, as Christian’s we are to look to God, the creator of the universe, the giver of life, and trust that He will supply all that we need.
Consider these next few scriptures:
God will meet all your needs out of His unlimited riches (Philippians 4:19).
God provides for the birds and He’ll take care of you; you are far more important to God (Matthew 6:26).
The Lord is my shepherd; He leaves me wanting nothing else (Psalm 23:1).
A good shepherd will always supply for the needs of his flock. A good father supplies for the needs of his kids. We serve a good God; we have a good shepherd, a good father, and we can trust Him with all our needs.
Giving up the physical desires of the flesh can remind us that the only provision we really need (salvation), comes from the hand of God. God can be trusted, and His Word is what gives us life: not physical food, finances, relationships or things. During the season of Lent, we choose to go without, to remind ourselves that God is all we need.
2. Tempted with Protection
The second temptation is focused on inviting Jesus to test God’s protection.
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7).
Jesus had confidence in His care and wellbeing by God. Jesus saw no need to do such a foolish thing. In fact, Jesus brings up a very important principle: we should not test the Lord.
If we are honest with ourselves, we may feel tempted to do foolish things simply because we know God is a God of grace, and that He will forgive us and pick up the pieces of a bad decision. But that is no excuse to think that it is OK to sin sometimes.
Yes, we know He will protect.
Yes, He can work all things for the good.
Yes, He is omnipotent and nothing can derail His will.
But what we should do is to say “no!” and “get behind me Satan”. Say no, to the voice of temptation in your life. How?
Spend time in prayer.
Call out the name of Jesus.
Call a trusted friend and seek council.
We should exercise caution and wisdom in our decision-making and always remember:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
3. Temped with Worldly Power
The third and final temptation was for Jesus to worship Satan, and in doing so, He would receive dominion over all the kingdoms of the world.
‘Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him’ (Matthew 4:8-11).
Could Jesus have been tempted to think that he could avoid the cross if he worshiped Satan? That could have been a difficult temptation. However, Jesus refused and went to the cross.
We are often given a choice to worship something other than God in order to get ahead or receive worldly gain. However, the significance that comes from worshipping an idol of any kind is only temporary. Choosing to worship God alone and placing our faith in Jesus is the most important choice we can ever make.
Believing and having a relationship with Jesus brings with it eternal rewards in Glory. As a beloved son or daughter of the most high God, you will inherit an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken. Never forget or look past this truth. Never get distracted by worldly gain. The best is yet to come. Eternal life with Christ in Glory.
Eternity with Jesus is lasting, and better than anything the enemy of your soul could ever offer or promise.
When feeling tempted, try to keep things in perspective:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
How Can We Respond to Temptation?
One thing was consistent every time the devil tempted Jesus: Jesus responded with scripture.
The Word of God is powerful:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
We can respond like Jesus: with the Living Word of God.
As we journey together over the next few weeks, I’d like to encourage you to commit to daily time in the Word. Making it a daily habit can literally transform your life:
You could give up some of your evening TV time for the Word.
You could set your alarm 30 minutes earlier for the Word.
You could spend 15 minutes of your lunch break reading the Word.
Spend some time in the Word and in prayer and you will find that you will grow closer to the Lord. Find a creative way to carve out some time to spend with Jesus and His Word.
Make no mistake. The tempter isn’t going to take the next six weeks off in preparation for Easter Sunday. He definitely doesn’t want your faith and knowledge to grow in response to the Word of God.
Think about this, if scripture was sufficient for Jesus, then it is for us too.
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Matthew 13:44-46: What does your forever—your eternity—look like? As hard as it is to imagine, God has already promised us a priceless, personal treasure. All we have to do is say yes to Jesus and He will help us get there.