JSM Middle School Winter Camp - Session 2!

A little worship to get going this Saturday morning!

This morning we're looking at Jesus vs Temptation by checking out Matthew 4:1-11 where Jesus was literally tempted by Satan! 

(Temptation - the desire to do something, especially something wrong or (Temptation - the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.)

Jesus stands for joy & obedience while Temptation stands for sadness & disobedience.

unwise.)

Jesus stands for joy & obedience while Temptation stands for sadness & disobedience.

In the account of Jesus' encounter with Satan in Matthew 4 we noted 3 things:

Jesus was tempted physically to DO something.

"The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. 'Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:3-4)

He was physically tempted to go against God’s will…(Just like Eve was tempted to physically take from the forbidden tree and eat the fruit.)

Jesus was tempted emotionally by challenging his relationship with God.

"Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’" (Matthew 4:5-7)

Satan loves to tempt us emotionally when we're tired & exhausted (and even hungry!) because he knows it's at those times we tend to make (bad) emotional decisions.

Jesus was tempted mentally to make a choice.

"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)

So how do we win this battle with temptation? In order to win this battle with temptation there are 3 things we need to realize…

We will be tempted.

"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. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say." 

(1 Corinthians 10:13-15)

Temptation is not sin - GIVING IN to temptation is sin.

"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

(James 1:13-15)

We beat temptation by God's Word.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

(Hebrews 4:12)

When we choose Jesus we are being obedient and gain joy...When we choose temptation we are being disobedient and gain sadness...