How to Survive the Wilderness & Overcome Temptation

1. The Wilderness will Test my Independence  Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 2. The Wilderness will Test my Trust in God’s Truth  Matthew 4:5–7 CSB 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” 3. The Wilderness will Test WHO & WHAT I Worship Matthew 4:8–11 CSB 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him. When we find Ourselves in a Wilderness, remember that… • Dependence on God Sustains us • Discernment of Truth Anchors us • Devotion in Worship Empowers us