Sermon Title:
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Passage Summary:
Main Question:
Main Thought: Satan means for temptation to take us down, our Father will use our enemy’s enticing to mature us
ENGAGE: Extracted
“Extracted” is a new reality competition series that premiered on Fox on February 10, 2025. The show features 12 amateur survivalists who are left alone in the remote wilderness of British Columbia with minimal supplies, aiming to endure harsh conditions and potential wildlife threats for a chance to win a $250,000 grand prize.
A unique aspect of “Extracted” is the involvement of the contestants’ families. While the survivalists navigate the wild, their loved ones monitor their progress via a 24/7 live feed from a secluded headquarters. These family members have the power to “extract” their participant at any time by pressing a designated button, thereby removing them from the competition. Additionally, families can send essential supplies to assist their survivalist, adding a strategic layer to the game.
The series is executive produced by Sylvester Stallone and combines elements of survival challenges with emotional and strategic decision-making, testing both the physical endurance of the participants and the resolve of their families.
At the end of the first episode, one of the contestants is ready for his parents to push the button, but the mom refuses. Whether she grants his wishes in the second episode or not, we will see, but in another clip, I saw where a family member refusing to push the button to stretch their survivalist for their good.
The survivalists will no doubt face trials during their survivalist challenge that will tempt them to quit and forfeit the $250,000 reward. In this world, we will be tempted, and these temptations will make us want to compromise, give into sin, and forfeit our Father’s reward through the refining of temptation.
“What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable…” (Matthew 18:6a)
The Benefits of Facing Temptation:
- Faith development: Facing temptation can reveal the true depth of one’s faith and commitment to God, allowing them to see where they need to grow spiritually.
- Increased reliance on God: When tempted, Christians are driven to seek God’s guidance and strength to resist sin, deepening their dependence on Him.
- Spiritual maturity: Overcoming temptation can lead to a sense of accomplishment and personal growth, building spiritual resilience.
- Humility: Recognizing one’s own vulnerabilities to temptation can lead to humility and a greater appreciation for God’s grace.
- Opportunity for prayer: When facing temptation, prayer becomes a vital tool to seek God’s help and resist temptation.
If we are going to overcome seasons of temptation, allowing God to use for good what the devil means for harm, we must apply the following from Matthew 4:1-11.
TRUTH & APPLICATION: Matthew 4:1-11 (Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
Matthew 4:1-11
Be aware of the tempter’s schemes and always be ready for a fight. (4:1-2)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.
- Zoey – “I’m always ready for a fight.”
- When will Satan oppose us? When we are obedient to the Spirit’s leading, when we are chasing after Jesus and following in His footsteps, we must “always be ready for a fight.”
- Then – After Jesus’ revealing baptism, in obedience to God’s plan (God had instructed John to baptize with water so that He might reveal the Messiah)
- Was led by the Spirit – being obedient in what the Father had for Him next
Acquire a knowledge of God’s Word. (4:3-4)
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.”
- What kind of son of God would Jesus be?
- Israel as a son (Exodus 4:22)
- Adam as a son (Luke 3:38)
- Jesus as a son (Matthew 2:15)
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.’”
Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Apply the Word to your temptation.
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.’”
- Satan knows the Word of God. He knows it so well that he can use it for his purposes and our plight. Here, as he did in the garden (Genesis 3:1-7), Satan uses God’s words out of context in an attempt to hinder God’s plans and harm His people.
- Psalm 91
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. (Psalm 91:11-12)
You must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained at Massah. (Deuteronomy 6:16)
See also Exodus 17:1-7.
Jesus responds to the devil’s twisting of Scripture with a scriptural application rooted in historical context for His current situation.
Approach the Father’s throne to worship. (4:8-10)
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and 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.’”
You must fear the Lord your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name. (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Allow God to minister to you. (4:11)
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings 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 most. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
INSPIRATION / REFLECTION
Kids’ losing seasons as character building is alright, but I want to experience the freedom in Christ by not having strings of losing battles against temptation. I don’t want to be held captive by addictions (drugs, food, or screens). I don’t want to lose battles to lust so that I might be pure in my relationship with Christ and my wife.
ACTION
Salvation in in the who Overcame Temptation
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