The Temptation of Christ

Temptation does not come from God but from our own desires and the devil

James 1:13-14 (NIV) 

    When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

Temptation is intended to destroy us while trials are intended to test the quality of what we should be.

1.  The humanity of Jesus had to be established in order that Jesus is truly representative of us

Luke 4:1-13 (NLT) 

The devil tempts us to focus on the material world and to use what we have for ourselves.

The devil tempts us to focus on everything else except God because whatever we focus on ultimately controls us

The devil tempts us to make God prove Himself according to my own human standards

1 Cor. 10:13 (NLT) 

    But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

2. Don’t privilege or excuse our temptations 

3.  Jesus is not only our representative but shows that it is possible to overcome temptation through God’s help even for defeated, repeated sins

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) 

    That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. [15] This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. [16] So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) 

    Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

Focus on progress, not perfection.

Philip. 2:12 (NIV) 

    …continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Focus on doing good, not feeling good. 

Galatians 5:16 (NJB) 

    Instead, I tell you, be guided by the Spirit, and you will no longer yield to self-indulgence.

Focus on God’s perspective of me, not on what I don't want. 

Philip. 4:8 (NLT) 

    …Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

James 5:16 (NLT) 

    Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.