Temptation of Jesus #3 (Matthew 4:8-10, Deuteronomy 6:13)

Temptation #3: Worship me (Satan) and I’ll give you the world. In other words…

• Taking a shortcut to fulfill a God-given purpose, or 
• Doing the right thing at the wrong time or the wrong way

Think About This

1. What are some goals you believe God has led you to in your life?
2. What are ways you can speed up the process to accomplish those goals?

Discussion

1. Read about Jesus’ mission being foretold to Mary in Luke 1:32-33
2. From this passage, what do you learn about what Jesus’ ultimate mission/goal was?
3. What else do you know about Jesus’ mission?

Read about Jesus’ 3rd temptation in Matthew 4:8-11, and the reference to his response in Deuteronomy 6:13

1. What strategies did Satan use when he was tempting Jesus?
2. What did Satan promise Jesus and was that something Jesus even wanted?
3. What gain could Jesus possibly have if he would have accepted the temptation?
4. What pain might Jesus possibly have avoided if he would have accepted the temptation?
5. What area in our human nature does this type of temptation appeal to?
6. What are some things in our life that sometimes become “gods” that we worship or serve?
7. What happened after the devil left Jesus? What does this tell you about God?

Read about the history of the “authority over the world” concept…

1. Read Genesis 1:26-30. Who does God give authority over the world?
2. Read an alternate perspective of the temptation in Luke 4:4-7. How is it that the devil can give away the authority? How did he get it?
3. Read Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan and to disobey God, what did this do with regard to their authority over the earth?
4. Read Mark 8:31-36. In what ways is this a déjà vu moment for Jesus?
5. Read Matthew 28:1-10, and 28:18. How did Jesus get the authority back?

As this chart from NIV Life Application Study Bible shows, temptation is often the combination of a real need and a possible doubt that creates an inappropriate desire:

Using the chart above, which of Jesus’ temptations are most similar to these “modern” temptations?

1. Cheating on your taxes to save a few bucks.
2. Taking that big promotion even if it means sacrificing family time.
3. Going out to lunch with an opposite sex co-worker who makes you feel good about yourself.
4. Overeating
5. Peer pressure to get drunk because others are doing it.
6. Peer pressure to get baptized because others are doing it.
7. Getting the kids involved in a lot of sports and activities.
8. Compare yourself with others and judge others
9. Let loose your tongue with anger
10. Taking a “step out in faith” even though you really haven’t consulted or heard from God on the matter 
11. Getting into an argument with your spouse on the way to church.
12. Moms who try to do-it-all
13. Deciding not to speak up when your faith is being offended
14. Listening in on an offensive joke.
15. Lust or interest in someone other than your spouse.
16. Serving at church or in the community for the attention it will bring you.
17. Refusing to admit you might be wrong.
18. Give up when hard times come.
19. Seek material things to bring happiness.
20. What’s your temptation?

Bottom Line Point(s):

1. In the moment of temptation, you will discover who you really are and whose you really are.
2. Don’t compromise what’s important for what’s immediate.
3. The issue is not whether Jesus can take a shortcut to achieve his God-given goal, but can he trust God.
4. Giving in to temptation is not just about “the moment”… There are usually long term impacts to future, family, and faith.
5. Others?

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?

1. In order to do the will of God do I have to compromise the values & principles of God to get there?
2. Note well…
• The only thing Jesus wanted more than to accomplish his mission was unbroken fellowship with the Father. What he got in the end: BOTH
• When we want the kingdoms of the earth and sacrifice unbroken fellowship with the Father to get it, what do we get in the end: NEITHER
3. The next time you are tempted, will you trust God in and through those details about your life that God is very interested in?
4. If the devil had 3 shots at you, what three temptations would he use?
5. What is it you want so bad, that you would sacrifice your principles or conscious?

In Summary… Hebrews 4:12-16

12For the word of God is living 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. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Bibliography

1. Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
2. ESV Study Bible.
3. Serendipity Study Bible for Groups.
4. Andy Stanley, “Pause” series.
5. “Who’s Running Things Here on Planet Earth – Because He’s Making a Mess of It.”
6. “Jesus Tempted by Sight”
7. Guided Study: Luke 4:1-13. The Discipleship Ministry
8. Guided Study: The Second Temptation. The Discipleship Ministry
9. “Authority of the Believer – Part 3”