THE STARK CONTRAST OF CONFLICT HIDDEN FROM HUMAN EYES, ON WHICH OUTCOME OF WORLD RESTED

1. Jordan wilderness- wild beasts- alone- No Jewish philosophy in this- so contrary to people
2. Like Moses, Elijah, John later on Patmos- the great struggle occurred alone- hidden
3. No hint in OT of Messiah being tempted,- but after 40 centuries Satan met a man that he could not seduce - he met his match, he met the Master!

I.- THE ΤΕΜΡΤΑΤΙΟΝ TO DOUBT  Matt 4:3 - Physical

The easiest sin to trip up man or maid- is the pampering of the never ceasing physical appetite

A.- SATAN REACHED INTO THE GREAT TRUTHS OF GOD, AND THREW INTO THE FACE OF JESUS ONE BIG "IF"

1. The ever-present doubt often knocks on the door with an "If" - and many impossible Iffs
2. Like the tricks of logic used as traps in debate- prove your sonship by mocking the Father
3. The ever-present hunger, amplified by 40 days fasting- "Grab for yourself-care for No. 1"

B.- JESUS FACED SATAN WITH THE SWORD OF GOD'S WORD - HE DID NOT YIELD TO "STUDY THE SIN"

1. The tempter challenged Him to miracle - Jesus answered-Deut 8:3 -"It is written"- Memory?
2. There are many physical appetites- no way to escape, but we must conquer or be ruined!
3. Hunger has a place in God's plan- to humble us to hear His word.  Feed on God, feast with Satan

C.- TEMPTATION AND VICTORY FOLLOW A DEFINITE PATTERN; STUDY IT WELL SO YOU CAN WIN!  Will You?

1. To prove that we are strong- 'if' Satan tempts us to alcohol, tobacco, Marijuana- sex sins
2. Jesus answered bluntly, directly, and with quote honoring God! -You too can quote scripture
3. Destroy your temptation to doubt by building your knowledge of Word of God - work at it.

The athlete trains to be a winner, and most men train to be losers- which are you? 

II.- THE TEMPTATION TO PRESUMPTION  Matt 4:5-7 - Social

The basis of every temptation is our lack of faith in God's provision for us- Self Esteem

A.- SATAN WAS QUICK TO PICK UP THE USE OF SCRIPTURE, SO HE USES ONE WITH ANOTHER BIG "IF"

1. Here we have Psa 91:11-12 misapplied!  Is it right to do evil if good will result from it?
2. Here is a shortcut to success- some churches turn to spectacularism- to attract people
3. This would have worked, too- as far as the world is concerned- right sin = success

B.- JESUS AGAIN MET SATAN'S ATTACK WITH A THRUST OF THE SWORD OF THE WORD OF GOD. Deut 6:16

1. It is not right to satisfy our doubts by asking God to do tricks- man test God? NO!
2. There is a difference between faith and presumption- study carefully before jumping!
3. God's way to success is long, and hard - takes lots of work!  But it is satisfying & lasting

C.- THE PLAIN WORD OF GOD, "THOU SHALT NOT" PROTECTS US FROM MANY SLY TRAPS OF SATAN!  Will you?

1. Many things done for public applause, instant popularity- get attention, but at cost-soul
2. The Hollywood approach is not spiritual- in Church or in person!  Build character
3. If a person obeys God's leadership- He will not need tricks to prove his sonship!

Satan picked temptations that were real- things Jesus wanted- and things you want too!

III.- THE TEMPTATION TO TREASON  Matt 4:8-10 - Spiritual

Job in OT worried about his kids- and many times when you are alone-Satan tempts you

A.- SATAN CAST ALL CARE ASIDE, AND OFFERED JESUS THE GOAL OF HIS LIFE FOR ONE MOMENT'S SIN

1. Satan may be cautious, and clever- but he is after your Soul- uses physical, social lures
2. Jesus was shown the world just for a second- and it could be His!  Do you think Satan could?
3. Stakes high- one moment's secret treason-; & get world now! Good thing Jesus was not in a hurry.

B.- JESUS MET THE FINAL TEMPTATION SQUARELY - A SOLID REBUKE, STRONG VERSE

1. To Satan he ordered- "Get thee hence" He did not debate- & if you do, you lose!
2. The scripture Jesus used- Deut 10:20 -word "fear" means to worship. Whose heart to Him?
3. Note the use of "serve" too!  God wants all of you, your life, soul, and person- Love!

C.- IF WE WANT THE VICTORY OF JESUS, WE MUST WIN THE BATTLE OF TEMPTATION WITH HIM!  Will you?

1. Many want God's victory- but want the pleasures of sin for a season too!  Can't have both
2. When Satan was defeated- angels came and ministered to Jesus - manna for stones!  Worth it
3. Holy living will be blested, worldly living will be blasted- God is in no hurry.

Jesus used the scriptures to face Satan- and had a great victory- same victory for you, too

GOD HAS GIVEN TO EACH OF US THE SAME POWERS FOR VICTORY THAT JESUS HAD - WILL YOU USE WEAPONS?

1. Confess Christ by faith- say to world "I am a Christian"- & be baptized to prove it!
2. Put God's word into action in your life by faith- try yourself by God's word!
3. But the final test- is which kingdom are you seeking, which King are you serving?  The Prince of this world- or the Lord of Heaven?