HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
The King Tempted (Matthew 4:1-10)

1) First Thoughts
a. The enticement to sin – temptation – plagues every human. Temptation, however, is not sin. Read James 1:12-16
b. From this Bible passage we can discover how confronting temptation can shape and strengthen believers. We can learn much from Jesus’ example about how to resist temptation. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ~ James 4:7
2) Understand the Context
a. Matthew 3 and 4 sets the stage for Jesus’ public ministry. He used the act of baptism to demonstrate obedient submission to God’s call. Jesus spent His ministry relating to sinners (Hebrews 4:15-16). The end result of the temptation experience (1) helped clarify His role as the Son of God; and (2) proved Jesus to be equipped uniquely to represent the Father in this world.
3) Explore the Text
a. Faceoff (4:1)
i. Spiritual warfare – following every victory comes temptation, or testing.
ii. Discuss the role of the Spirit, being filled with the Spirit. Jesus’ example.
b. Temptation of Provision (4:2-4)
i. Satan was tempting Jesus to put His physical needs above His spiritual needs. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. ~ Romans 13:14
c. Temptation of Protection (4:5-7)
i. Satan tried to convince Jesus to commit a sin of presumption. Jesus knew there is no need to test God because God can be trusted.
d. Temptation of Power (4:8-10)
i. Satan’s presumption was to challenge Jesus to ignore God’s timing.
4) In My Context:
a. God may use times of temptation to sharpen and shape us. Scripture is a sure defense against the attacks of Satan. We demonstrate trust in God by standing against the short-term promises of temptation.
5) Memory Verse: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. ~ Matthew 4:10