Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 10 APRIL 2022
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Texts: Matthew 4:1-11

Subject: The Temptation of the Lord Jesus Christ I

INTRODUCTION

Review: The Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ

1. What it was NOT

Not the Baptism of Repentance!

2. What it was

His anointing!

a) To public Ministry Luke 4:18-19

b) To His High Priestly Ministry Hebrews 5:1-10

3. Special Features at His Anointing

a) The heavens opened

b) God the Father spoke approvingly of the Lord Jesus Christ
as His beloved Son

c) The Holy Spirit came upon the Lord Jesus as a Dove

THE TEMPTATION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. The word “temptation”

a) It can mean “testing”

b) It can mean “tempting to sin”

2. The person who tested the Lord Jesus Christ

a) The Devil Matthew 4:1

b) Also known as “Satan”

c) He was the one who tested/ tempted Adam and Eve Genesis 3

BEING TESTED BY SATAN

1. Would we be afraid to be tested by Satan?
Probably!

2. Why would we be afraid of being tested by the Devil?

a) We are afraid of the Devil

b) We are afraid that he might harm us

c) We are afraid that he would lead us to sin

d) We are afraid that we are quite weak and cannot stand up to him

WAS THE LORD JESUS AFRAID OF BEING TESTED BY SATAN?

1. Absolutely NOT!

2. What are some of His reasons why He was not afraid?

a) He was filled with the Spirit of God

b) He was strong

c) He was well-prepared for any test that the Devil may give Him

FORTY DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS

1. This was a Special Period of Preparation for Public Ministry

2. The Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in Prophecy
(Isaiah 42-53)

3. The Lord Jesus as a Servant of the LORD

a) Behold! My Servant Isaiah 42:1a

His role is to be a Servant

b) Whom I uphold Isaiah 42:1b

He would have to strengthen Trust in God’s Upholding Hand

c) I have put My Spirit upon Him Isaiah 42:1c

He would have to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in His life

4. The Characteristic Ministry of the Lord Jesus

a) He will be gracious and gentle

2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice,
Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth. Isaiah 42:2-3

b) He will be strong and resolute

He will not fail nor be discouraged,
Till He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands shall wait for His law. Isaiah 42:4

5. The Call of the LORD

a) Called in righteousness Isaiah 42:6a

This Calling must be foremost in mind

b) Given as a Covenant to the people Isaiah 42:6c

Fulfilment:
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood” Luke 22:20

c) A light to the Gentiles Isaiah 42:6d

i) Far-reaching Impact

ii) Fulfilled by the Apostles

“That we should go to the Gentiles” Galatians 2:9

d) Special features

i) To open blind eyes Isaiah 42:7a

ii) To bring out prisoners from the prison Isaiah 42:7b

iii) Those who sit in darkness
from the prison house Isaiah 42:7c

iv) Fulfilment:

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.

13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:

16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:12-17

CONCLUSION

1. We can overcome our fear of being tested/ tempted

2. We must learn much from the Lord Jesus Christ how He was able to overcome temptation

a) Be filled with the Spirit of God

b) Be filled with the knowledge of the Scriptures

i) Knowledge of God

ii) Knowledge of the Holy Spirit

c) Improve our Prayer Life