Luke, Week 1: Temptation

Luke: You’ve heard the stories, now experience the power of these stories as we take an in depth look at the gospel according to Luke. Title of Message:  The Temptation (James 1:13-14) (NIV) When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. (James 1:15-16) (NIV) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.   (Luke 4:1-2) (NIV) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. (Luke 4:2-4) (NIV) He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (Luke 4:5-8) (NIV) The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.  If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” (Luke 4:9-12) (NIV) The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Luke 4:13-14) (NIV) When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. The Top Temptations: 1.    Temptation toward something good. (Luke 4:2-4) (NIV) He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (Luke 4:5) (NIV) The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 2.    Temptation to Instant Gratification (Luke 4:12) (NIV) Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  (1 John 2:16) (NIV) For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 3.    Temptation for Security (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) (NIV) I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.   Leaving Temptation in the Spirit 1.    When am I tempted?  2.    What is my temptation? 3.    Who is with me when I’m tempted?