Jesus Was Tempted, and So Will You

Send us Fan MailJesus was tempted by Satan—and if you follow Jesus, you should expect temptation too. But temptation does not mean you have to live defeated.In Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus shows us how to recognize the enemy’s tactics, answer deception with the Word of God, and stand firm when temptation comes.In this Bible study, we examine the three temptations of Jesus through a simple framework:1. DESIRE — What do you want?After Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, Satan targeted His physical hunger: “Command that these stones become bread.”Jesus answered with Deuteronomy 8:3:“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”The enemy often targets us when our flesh is screaming the loudest. But Jesus shows us that our physical desires do not have to control us. We need the nourishment of God's Word.2. IDENTITY — Who are you?Twice Satan challenged Jesus with the words:“If You are the Son of God...”Satan attacked Jesus' identity while also twisting Scripture, even quoting Psalm 91:11 during the second temptation.But Jesus knew exactly who He was and why He had come. He did not need to prove His identity to Satan.This is why believers must know who we are in Christ and know the Bible for ourselves. Satan can twist Scripture, which makes biblical discernment essential.Jesus responded with Deuteronomy 6:16:“You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”3. WORSHIP — Who will you serve?Finally, Satan revealed what he ultimately wanted: worship.He offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would bow down before him.Jesus responded:“Away with you, Satan!”Then He declared the truth of God's Word from Deuteronomy 6:13 and 10:20: worship and service belong to God alone.Desire. Identity. Worship.The temptations looked different, but Jesus' foundation never changed:IT IS WRITTEN.Jesus did not negotiate with Satan. He stood on the truth of God's Word.In this episode of The Anointed Life Podcast, we also discuss:Why believers should be prepared for temptation and spiritual warfareWhy testing can come after calling and commissioningHow Satan attacks our desires and identityWhy Satan's ability to twist Scripture makes biblical discernment essentialWhy Christians must read the Bible for themselvesHow to be like the Bereans and test teaching against ScriptureWhy submission to God must come before resisting the devilThe authority believers have through Jesus ChristWhy secret sins, unforgiveness, and unsurrendered areas need to be brought before GodHow the full armor of God prepares us for spiritual battleWhy Scripture is one of our greatest weapons when temptation comesScriptures referenced:Matthew 4:1–11Deuteronomy 8:3Galatians 5:16–17Psalm 91:11John 6:38–40Deuteronomy 6:16Deuteronomy 6:13Deuteronomy 10:20Matthew 28:18Colossians 1:16Luke 10:19James 4:7Ephesians 2:8–9Luke 4:13Ephesians 6Hebrews 4:121 John 4:4“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7Temptation will come. Prepare before it comes.Know who you are.Know what is written.Submit yourself fully to God.Put on the full armor of God.Pray.Stay watchful.And stand firm.