Sunday, September 27, 2009

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” ~Matt 4:1 (NIV)

1. The Pain & Pleasure Test
2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil* came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" ~Matt 4:2-4 (NLT)

Don’t worry... Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” ~Matt. 6:31-33 (NLT)

2. The Popularity and Praise Test
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'*" 7 Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the LORD your God.'*"
~Matt 4:5-7 (NLT)

•Just when Rehoboam was at the height of his popularity and power, he abandoned the Lord, and the people followed him in this sin.”
~ 2 Chron. 12:1 (LB)

The purity of silver and gold can be tested in a crucible, but a man is tested by his reaction to men's praise. ~Proverbs 27:21 (TLB)

3. Prosperity and possession Test
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. 9 "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will kneel down and worship me." 10 "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'*" 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. ~Matt 4:8-11 (NLT)

•25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit's power, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26 Then we won't need to look for honors and popularity, which lead to jealousy and hard feelings.
~Gal 5:25-26 (TLB)

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