Matthew 4 - Introduction

EXPOSITORY SERMON CHAPTER FOUR

THREE TERRIFIC TEMPTATIONS (4:1-11)

Introduction: Importance of Jesus-' temptations at this time in His life just before He began His ministry: He stood to gain or lose control of Himself, His miraculous ministry, His relation to the Father, and, finally, the world He had come to win. His temptations and His victories can teach us something about ourselves, our temptations and how to overcome. Let us see these three terrific temptations from three points of view:

I. AS SATAN PRESENTS THEM:

A. Self-interest: making provision for a personal passion, appeasing animal appetites, all that the body longs for.
B. Sensational: satisfying a scriptural scruple by spectacular stunts, all that entices the eye.
C. Success: the glittering glamor of gold and glory; the glamor of all that men think splendid.

II. AS JESUS EXPOSED THE TEMPTATIONS:

A. FAITHLESSNESS: a distrust of divine dependability which
B. FOOLISHNESS: a presumption upon paternal protection.
C. FORFEITURE AND FAILURE: fawning for fictitious favors

III. AS WE TOO MAY OVERCOME THEM: using Jesus-' methods, we must conquer

A. By unwavering reliance upon God's Word, for in it He has given

1.

His revelation of Himself - His Nature, His Character, His Will.

2.

His unfailing promises to bless and sustain us

3.

His threatened punishment of sin

4.

His provision of a Savior was nothing more than a rash recipe for rescue while ignoring the implications of idolatry.

B.

By unhesitating refusals of the forbidden desire.

C.

By so loving others that we cannot bring ourselves to sin against them. By loving not our own lives, pampering our desires or even seeking our own ends.

CONCLUSION: We ought not be taken in by any temptation. Why?

1.

Because we have in G d - s Word the standard of truth by which we may measure every judgment in the world of personal relations, Such a measurement must render immediately clear the true and the false in every situation of life,

2.

Because we have also seen the exceeding deceitfulness of sin. Hence, we should be morally armed by the knowledge of the strength of the enemy whom we must face.

3.

Because we have Jesus- perfect example that proves for every man that Satan is not invincible.

Therefore, what we do with any temptation is clearly up to us. But our decision bears with it eternal consequences. Our only safeguard is constant loyalty to God, making use of His divinely-appointed means of combat.

DO YOU HAVE THE WORD IN YOUR HEART?

From your memory of the scripture text of Matthew's first four Chapter s, locate, identify and explain the following passages. Give all the relevant facts, that is, tell who said it, when, where, to whom, why. Are there any Are there any parallels in the other Gospels? Are there any variant manuscript readings of this passage, or significantly different translations? Tell as exactly as possible the true meaning or intended point of each text. Tell at least the problems involved in trying to interpret and apply each passage, if there are any, and try to solve the problems.

1.

It becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.

2.

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

3.

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel.

4.

Out of Egypt did I call my son.

5.

Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

6.

Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance.

7.

I. he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire.

8.

The people that sat in the darkness saw a great light. And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death to them did light spring up.

9.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

10. The voice of one crying in the wilderness.