The Temptation of Christ

The temptation of Christ (Matthew 4.1-11)

Everyone experiences temptation.

I. The first temptation (verses 2-4)

A. The temptation to illicit sustaining (verses 2-3)
(1) Satan knows how take advantage of our weaknesses.
(2) Satan is a master of false 'if... then' propositions.

B. Christ's rebuttal of Satan's temptation. (verse 4).
(1) Satan repelled by higher authority.
(2) Satan repelled by higher considerations (Isaiah 8.20).

II. The second temptation (verses 5-7)

A. The temptation to illicit demonstration (verses 5-6).
(1) Satan's use of holy things for evil purposes. (Rom 3.20-26).
(2) Satan's promotion of the spectacular.
(3) Satan's destructive intention.
(4) Satan's use of Scripture.

B. Christ's rebuttal of Satan's temptation. (verse 7).
(1) It is implicit in Christ's reply, 'It is written again', that scripture must interpret scripture. (2 Corinthians 2.11).
(2) Christ affirms that it is not our business to put God the test. (Romans 12:6)

III. The third temptation (verses 8-10)

A. The temptation to forsake God and serve Satan (verses 8-9). (Mark 8.36-37).

B. Christ's rebuttal of Satan's temptation (verse 10)(Psalm 36.9).

Conclusion
(James 4.7)