Resisting Temptation | Week 06
RESISTING TEMPTATION
Week’s Passage: Mathew 4:1-11
inTro
A world of Addictions
Addictions are widespread, fueled by technology, processed foods, and secretive online habits. Temptations vary for each person, but Jesus’ example shows how to resist them. Explore resources like Youth Alive, Gateway to Wholeness, and Adventist Recovery Ministries for support and recovery.
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Fierce Temptations
Christ’s victory over temptation in the wilderness teaches us to resist the enemy by relying on God’s strength and being where He calls us. Jesus overcame at His weakest, refusing to play by Satan’s rules, and succeeded where Adam and Eve failed. Appetite, presumption, and pride remain common temptations today, but Christ conquered them to set us free.
Drawing close to God enables us to resist the devil, who will flee when faced with our firm resistance (James 4:7-8). Overcoming temptation often requires spiritual, emotional, and professional support, including community and accountability.
inTerpret
Overcoming with the Word
Satan tempted Jesus by attacking His identity and twisting Scripture, attempting to erode His mental state. Jesus resisted by relying on God’s Word, saying, “It is written,” showing the importance of deep scriptural knowledge to discern truth from deception.
Overcoming temptation often involves addressing underlying emotional wounds and may require support from qualified individuals or groups. Immersing ourselves in Scripture equips us to resist the enemy’s attacks. God’s Word, a powerful weapon, provides guidance, strength, and light in darkness, ensuring victory over the tempter when spoken in faith.
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The Helmet of Salvation
Jesus is our example in resisting temptation, relying fully on His connection with God. We must do the same, putting on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10–18) for protection. The helmet of salvation, representing trust in God’s gift of eternal life, safeguards our minds—the battlefield where life’s outcomes are determined.
Accepting Jesus’ forgiveness frees us from guilt and shame, empowering us to resist temptation.
Insight
Satan Trembles and Flees
Satan targets our weaknesses, trying to shake our confidence in God, especially during times of difficulty. By focusing on our weaknesses, he seeks to discourage us, but we can resist him as Jesus did, without engaging with the enemy. In our own strength, we cannot overcome temptation, but Jesus has prepared the way for us to triumph through trust in God. We must avoid presumption and stay obedient to God’s path, resisting temptation by prayer and vigilance. When we submit to God and rely on His strength, Satan will flee, as God is our refuge and protection.
InQuire
•What strategies did the devil use to tempt Jesus?
What weapons did Jesus use to combat temptation?
•What does it mean to live “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4)?
•What are your favorite Bible promises that strengthen you to resist temptation?
•What do you think are the devil’s most successful areas of temptation for you and your friends today?
