Why Was Jesus Tempted?
(Mark 1:1-12-13)
Mark 1:12-13 – Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13) He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels began to serve Him.
Introduction
- We are all susceptible to temptation. For each of us has our area of susceptibility is different. For some, gossip is a temptation, For others, substance abuse is a weakness. For others self- centeredness is the where Satan successfully gets a foothold into one’s life. Still for others, a lack of self-control leads to sinful
- Please know that Satan, our enemy, knows your weaknesses, susceptibilities, and vulnerabilities. HE EXPOITS THEM. He knows how to set the trap for your to sin.
- You are responsible for your choices. You may ask, “If he knows us so well and tempts us in our vulnerabilities, how can we be held responsible for our choices?
- Contextualize this sermon in the series, MARK.
- Contextualize Mark 1:12-13.
- Temptation vs. Trials
- author
- purpose
- Satan meant for evil, God uses for good
- When you experience victory, expect the enemy to interject himself into your life.
- Satan often has a stronghold in our life. Until we address it, he will continue to dominate our life.
- Temptation vs. Trials
I. Qualification As Our Savior.
Principle: Jesus’ spiritual confrontation in the wilderness was a part of God’s plan of redemption for mankind.
A) A Spotless Sacrifice
Exodus 12:1-13 – The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2) “This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year. 3) Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month they must each select an animal of the flock according to their fathers’ households, one animal per household . . . 5) You must have an unblemished animal, a year-old male; you may take it from either the sheep or the goats. 6) You are to keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembly of the community of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight. 7) They must take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they eat them . . . 12) “I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. I am Yahweh; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. 13) The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
B) A Sinless Savior
Hebrews 9:11-14 – But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), 12) He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13) For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14) how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to serve the living God?
C) The Spiritual Battle
Mark 1:13 – He was in the wilderness 40 days, being tempted by Satan.
II. Victory, That We Might Have Power Over Temptation.
Principle: We are incapable of overcoming temptation and sin by our own power, therefore, Jesus secured divine power for us as we battle temptation.
A) Satan attacked the humanity of Jesus.
Philippians 2:5-8 – Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6) who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7) Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8) He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.
B) Jesus successfully overcame the full force of Satan’s
Matthew 4:10-11 – Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ 11) Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
C) That pattern and power of victory are available to you.
1 Corinthians 10:6-13 – Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7) Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 8) We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9) We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10) And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11) These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.12) So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,
He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
III. Compassion for Us During Temptation (Heb. 4:14-16)
Principle: Because Jesus experienced every temptation we experience, he is aware of he power of temptation and is gracious to us.
A) Tempted As We Are Tempted
Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.
B) Sympathetic to Our Plight
Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.
C) Confidently Seek the Father
Hebrews 4:16 – Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.
Conclusion.