<Luke 4: 1 - 13>
1. Understand Satan's Game
1) Trigger our wants/needs & cause us to doubt God's love
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Trigger our self-pity, self-will and etc. When your need is triggered, immediately we will fall into a vulnerable state - meaning that we are easily deceived (poor discerning ability).
We will eventually doubt:
a) God's love
b) Provision
c) Timing
*Trusting God VS Trusting Self, Serving God VS Serving Self
*Seek for Higher Need: Giver/Blesser/Rewarder
2) Divert us from God's plan
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. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Seduce us with alternative plan - off the narrow road that bring God zero glory. (Compromise)
Why does God wants us to go through test (temptation)?
a) Self-validation
b) Getting out of disillusioned faith
3) Induce wilfulness to manipulate God, rather submit to God
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.
Rationalise to gratify our flesh. Work against God's will.
We must remember, "Do not put God to test."
Even though His promise is true, but overall it is still up to God - His overall plan.
4) When?
Strongest/Glorious -> Complacent
Weak/needy/harsh environment
2. Jesus = Perfect Man
Perfect Adam, Perfect Israel
High Priest, Anointed King and Great Prophet
3. Lessons for us
1) Accord honour to Jesus
2) Emulate Jesus's example
He selected God's will over His flesh (needs).
He knows that if He pleases God, God will give Him all He needs.
He values the relationship with God more than testing God.
3) Come to Jesus -> Jesus, forgiveness
<Hebrews 4: 14 - 16> Thanks.
Failure inevitable <-> Christ's victory is our assurance.
Turn every temptation as an opportunity for us to turn to God and meet Him.
4) Ready to fight repeatedly
Do not get complacent when you win over a temptation.
Satan tempted Jesus again and again - we need to be ready on guard.
(1) Expose Satan
(2) Full of Holy Spirit
5) Rooted in God's word
Let His words be over our emotions, mood, needs and desires.