Three Tempotations of JESUS - Matthew 4:1-11 By Harold Joye

When we studied the three temptations of JESUS, Harold Joye, co-teacher of the ACTS Class, gave excellent insight into these temptations. Harold presented this to us this past Sunday. Blessings to all and a thank you to Harold - Tony

(Matt. 4: 1- 11)

1. First Temptation - Use your own power (which Jesus had!) to overcome your
hunger (v. 3,4). But God already had that scheduled for the end of the 40
days. Jesus quotes Deut. 8:3 - "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on
every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Jesus puts his
dependence on God!

2. Second Temptation - Have the heavenly angels protect you. Satan is again
trying to bypass God, this time with heavenly beings! (v. 5 - 7) Jesus again
quotes Deut. 6: 16 - "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." Jesus
depends on God, not other heavenly beings!

3. Third Temptation - Satan, who has been given "control" of the world
("world," but not the Christians therein) says He will provide for Jesus. (v. 8
-10) Jesus quotes Deut. 6: 13, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and
serve Him only." Jesus, the original Christian, depends on God!

A. Notice that Jesus uses Old Testament scripture and not his own words to
put Satan in his place.

B. Jesus depended only on God - for his food,
- for his "heavenly" protection,
- and for any of his control on earth.

C.We should pray for the same kind of protection and control by God.