He Knows Temptation
Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus wants you to know some things that will help you overcome every temptation. Jesus is our great High Priest, and He was able to be touched by the feelings of our infirmities. The Bible says He was tempted in every way, just like us. This week, we will talk about what to do when the life God has promised you looks nothing like the life he has given you.
1. What stood out to you in this week’s message?
2. Read Hebrews 4:15–16.
-Who is the High Priest mentioned in verse 15?
-How is He able to empathize with our weakness?
-What did He not do?
-In light of what we just discussed, and according to verse 16, what can we now do?
3. Read Matthew 3:16. This is Jesus' inauguration; he will begin his ministry, and God just validated that he is the Son of God who is loved and saves the world from their sins. What would you think would happen next?
4. Read Matthew 4:1. Why does it seem odd that God would lead (direct) Him into the wilderness? Why do you think the Spirit would lead Jesus into the desert?
5. Read Matthew 4:2-3. Why would the tempter wait until day 40 to tempt Jesus? When do you seem to struggle with temptations the most?
6. Read Matthew 4:4. “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone (I don’t live off of that), but (my life is found) on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” How does this verse prove Jesus finds fulfillment in the source of His blessings rather than the blessing itself?
7. Read Matthew 4:5-7. What tactics is the devil using in these verses? How have you been tempted by the devil in the same way?
8. In verse 7, Jesus says, “I don’t have to test God because I know him. Even if I can’t see him working, I know he is working.” One of our greatest struggles is reconciling what we believe with what we see. How have you seen this struggle in your life? How important is it for believers to know God's Word?
9. The way the evil one will hit you is not with an outright lie. He will present you with the truth but make it feel like it doesn’t apply to you. He will get you to see the promise of God, but then he’ll want you to focus on your circumstances. What do you do when the life God has promised you looks nothing like the life he has given you? What would you challenge a friend to do when the life God has promised her looks nothing like the life he has given her?
10. Read Matthew 4:8-10. "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”" All the kingdoms of the world were already promised to Jesus…but he had to go to the cross to get it. Do you see how crafty the devil can be? He knows that God has promised good things, he tempts us to pursue these blessings in our way, in our own time. What you escape to usually ends up enslaving you. What are some of the things that you have seen enslave you or other people close to you?
11. Read Matthew 4:11. "Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him." After Jesus firmly rejects the devil's temptations, the devil leaves Him. This demonstrates that the enemy must flee when we stand firm against temptation. God promises to provide a way to escape every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and when we rely on Him, He empowers us to overcome. How important is it to know that God offers an escape for you? How have you been able to resist temptation by standing firm?