Message Notes

(I) THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

1. This was necessary

a) Because He had partaken of flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14)

b) He must endure sufferings (Hebrews 2:9-10)

2. He had to face Satan

a) He must defeat Satan

b) He must destroy his power (Hebrews 2:14)

3. He must prove Himself

a) In order to be our merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17)

b) He is able to aid those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18)

(II) HOW JESUS OVERCAME THE DEVIL AND HIS TEMPTATIONS

1. He was filled with the Holy Spirit

a) At His baptism (Matthew 3:16)

b) The fullness of the Spirit was upon Him (Isaiah 11:2)

2. He engaged in prayer and fasting

a) He was in close communion with God

b) He cultivated a significant prayer life and ministry

3. He was instructed in the Word of God

a) Morning by morning He was instructed by God (Isaiah 50:4)

b) The word of God became an integral part of His life and ministry

c) He hid God’s word in His heart

4. The Use of the Scriptures

“It is written…” Matthew 4:4, 7, 10

a) Authority

i) Recognition of the place of God’s word

ii) Regard for God’s word

iii) Citing God’s word

b) Insight

i) Seeing through Satan’s ploys

ii) Appreciating God and His word (in contrast)

c) Inspiration

i) To obey the Lord

ii) To choose to observe the Lord’s word