“Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.” Luke 4:1 NLT
- Temptation often occurs right after a mountain top experience
- Temptation is always a short cut to achieving a legitimate need or goal
- Temptations are out for our destruction
- Tests are ment for our growth
A calling from God will be tested
1. The trust test
- This test reveals and grows my maturity
“Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’” Luke 4:3-4 NLT
Maturity is the ability to endure pain delay and pleasure
2. Jesus was being tempted to use His abilities for selfish reasons.
- We will be tempted where we are gifted
- Jesus was tempted to not wait on God to meet His needs
- Most problems in life come from the inability to delay gratification.
- What stones are you trying to turn to bread?
- The worship test
- This test reveals my priorities
“Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Luke 4:5-8 NLT
- Our priorities are revealed by how we view prosperity and possessions
- Do I value temporary wealth on earth more than eternal rewards in heaven?
3. The timing test
- This test reveals my integrity
“Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Luke 4:9-12 NLT
- Integrity means public and private life are the same
- Integrity means my belief matches my behavior
- Jesus was tempted to draw attention to himself
- Will I use my abilities to serve God and others or to gain the prominence and approval for myself?
“When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.” Luke 4:13 NLT
- Every time you pass a test you are given more power