Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

“Salt & Light”

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16

Today we will finish the Beatitudes Matthew 5:13-16 

1. Salt and Light --- While verses 13-16 are not Beatitudes in themselves you must read them in context with Beatitudes, because as Christians we are expected to be God’s emissaries to a lost world. To set up what I mean let’s look back at a couple of aspects of the Beatitudes and the way they are set up for us by Jesus

Matthew 5:10-12 Beatitudes Part 3

Matthew 5:10-12

The Beatitudes Part 3

10 Blessed and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:7-9 Beatitudes Part 2

Matthew 5:7-9

The Beatitudes Part 2

1. (Matthew 5:7) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

1. Merciful is a word used to describe someone who is beneficial or charitable. The basic meaning is to give help to the afflicted and rescue the helpless. It is compassion in action.

1. The ancient Greek word for mercy, has its root from an ancient word from a language that was an even older language than the language the disciples spoke existed, which was Hebrew, this word is “Chesedh” which means, 

The ability to get right inside another person's skin until we can see things through eyes, to understand things through their mind, and to feel things as they themselves feel things. ie through their personal  feelings if you will.

Matthew 5:1-6 Beatitudes Part 1

Matthew 5:1-6

The Beatitudes Part 1

This is the greatest sermon Jesus ever preached. It includes the Lord's prayer, the beatitudes, and the golden rule. Jesus delivered this sermon on a mountain near Capernaum. Tradition ascribes the site to an extinct volcano named Karne Hittim. Jesus sat while delivering the Sermon on the Mount. Sitting signified authority, so rabbi's often sat while teaching. Today pastors stand and the people sit, but in Jesus day, Pastors sat and the people stood up. The Sermon on the Mount covers all of chapters 5, 6, & 7 of Matthew, and itdescribes the quality of life of a citizen of the kingdom of God. I divided the Sermon up into 5 sections, but it may take 6 to 8 Months of studies to actually get through the whole Sermon. 

1. Beatitudes, Salt & Light------------------------ Matthew 5:3-16

Each Beatitude carries with it a strong promise of ultimate good for those who develop the blessed life.

2. Laws-------------------------------- Matthew 5:17-48

3. The Lord’s Prayer------------- Matthew 6:1-18

4. Money----------------------------- Matthew 6:19-34

5. Warnings------------------------- Matthew 7:1-29

Matthew Review of Chapters 1-4

Review Of Matthew Through Chapter 4

Matthew 1:1-4:25

1. Chapter 1

1. Genealogy from David’s son Solomon down to Joseph to show lineage from King David

1. List shows all the good and bad in ancestry (Matthew 1:1-17)

1. Women of Christs genealogy

1. Tamar had twins Perez and Zerah by Judah by playing a harlot

2. Ruth followed Naomi back to Bethlehem and married Boaz

3. Bathsheba slept with David who had her husband Uriah murdered to cover up the affair

2. 3 sets of 14 generations

1. 1st14 we see the rise of the kings family ancestors to the king himself David

2. 2nd14 we David’s kingdom flourish until Nebuchadnezzar takes them away into captivity

3. 3rd14 we have the royal family declining and dwindling into the family of a poor carpenter

4. Then when the fullness of time has come the One David looked forward to comes 

Matthew 4:23-25

His Fame Grows


Throughout his public ministry, Jesus gained popularity by moving about, dedicating as much time to healing as he did preaching and teaching. It is good for us to know the faith and be learned in the church’s teachings. But Jesus wants us to give as much attention to humbly recognizing our weakness, sickness, and sinfulness. We are in constant need of him. Where is he inviting us to be more sincere and honest as to our own need for his healing?

Matthew 4:18-22

Four Fishermen Called
to be Disciples

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. (John 4:18-22)

Matthew 4:12 part 7-D The Harvest is Ready (Plain Text Form)

Matthew 4:12 part 7-D

“The Harvest is Ready”

John 4:21-42

(I am offering this outline in plain text form and pdf)

Isaiah prophesied about this day 800 years earlier (Isaiah 9:1-2)

Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 

(John 1:11)

Jesus crossed the boundary line of prejudice. He left the region that boasted of its privilege; and entered the region outside. He had found a human soul, a sinful woman who had burnt out her life until only the ashes were left. He opened her eyes so she could see the way to God for worship. By dealing with her moral nature, and satisfying her spiritual thirst He not only saved her, but a whole village that had ancient wounds that needed healing. The Samaritans understood that Jesus is not only the Messiah for the Jews, but that He is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

Matthew 4:12 part 7-C Plain Text Form

Matthew 4:12 part 7-C

"I Perceive You
Are A Prophet"

  

(I am offering this outline in plain text form and pdf)

John 4:16-20

I must admit that I digressed from what my study was going to cover, but that is because I felt a history lesson was in order. I ended the last study with the Samaritan woman asking Jesus for the water HE spoke of so she would not be thirsty and not have to travel to this well again. It's obvious that she still does not understand him. I will continue with the spiritual problem of the woman in my next study, but for now take a journey into the past with me as I go in depth to expalain why the Jews and Samaritans don't get along. 

Some history is offered to help fill in the missing peices you may not know. Some histoprty that will help explain the anymosity. Things that many Jews and Samaritans themselves may not have truly been aware of. Hate can last so long that many forget why they hate. Children hate because their parents hate, yet seldom do those who hate truly understand the reason. Jesus came to meet a woman at the well who did not understand why they disagreed.

Matthew 4:12 part 7-C I Perceive You Are A Prophet (pdf)

Matthew 4:12 part 7-C

“I Perceive You
Are A Prophet”

I must admit that I digressed from what my study was going to cover, but that is because I felt a history lesson was in order. I ended the last study with the Samaritan woman asking Jesus for the water HE spoke of so she would not be thirsty and not have to travel to this well again. It's obvious that she still does not understand him. I will continue with the spiritual problem of the woman in my next study, but for now take a journey into the past with me as I go in depth to expalain why the Jews and Samaritans don't get along. 

Some history is offered to help fill in the missing peices you may not know. Some histoprty that will help explain the anymosity. Things that many Jews and Samaritans themselves may not have truly been aware of. Hate can last so long that many forget why they hate. Children hate because their parents hate, yet seldom do those who hate truly understand the reason. Jesus came to meet a woman at the well who did not understand why they disagreed.

MATTHEW 4:12 part 7-B Living Water That Satisfies The Soul

Matthew 4:12 part 7-B

“Living Water
That Satisfies The Soul”

On His way to Galilee, Jesus came to Schechem, because He had to meet a woman and save the souls of a very old and troubles town. A town that has been in the center of many historical incidents recored in the Scriptures. It is first mentioned in Genesis 12:6;

Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

It was Abram's First Halting Place in Canaan, it is referred to as Sichem or Schechem, depending upon the Scriptures you are reading. It is most natorious for the incident that took place in Genesis 34:1-29. This was the time Jacobs son's, Simeon and Levi, murdered the King, his son and all the men as revenge for the defilement of their sister Dinah. When Jacob's other sons saw what happened, they joined in on the plunder of the the city for it's wealth, along with all the sheep, oxen, donkeys, and anything of value in the city and what was in the field. They also took the children and the wives as captives.

Jesus stopped for a rest at Jacob's well while his disciples went ahead to find food. While resting, a woman came to draw water, and learned of water that is better than that which comes from a well.

Matthew 4:12 part 7-A Social Outcast Meets the Messiah

Matthew 4:12 part 7-A

“A Social Outcast
Meets the Messiah”

John 4:1-9

A timeless story of an incident where a woman found forgiveness in the Messiah who would take away all our sins, if we just believe as she did. She was a five time divorcee living in sin with a sixth man. Yet Jesus came to show her forgiveness, and she became the first non Jew to receive forgiveness and salvation. Despised by others, she collects her water in the heat of the day, so she could avoid the gossip from other women who would come in the cool of the morning. Shunned by others for her lifestyle, Jesus had to go to meet her, so she could learn that forgiveness was available for everyone.

Matthew 4:12 part 6 A Faithful Testimony

Matthew 4:12 part 6
“A Faithful Testimony”

One of the main themes of John’s Gospel is, those who genuinely love God and desire to know the truth will come to believe and have faith in Jesus. Those who would rather believe what they already know will never come to this faith. Those who are content to live a worldly life will reject Christ and ultimately reject eternal life, while those who long for spiritual truth will receive His message and gain eternal life. I personally believe that John chapter 3 is a "must read" chapter of the Bible. There are three prominent "must" verses that contain four must statements.

1.) The Sinner’s must:
a.) You must be born again (John 3:7)

2.) The Savior’s must:
a.) The Son of Man must be lifted up (John 3:14)

3.) The Sovereign’s must:
a.) He must increase (John 3:30)

4.) The Servant’s must:
a.) We must decrease (John 3:30)

Matthew 4:12 part 5

“He Must Increase,
but I Must Decrease”

John 3:22-30

One of John the Baptists desciples told him the Jesus was baptizing people, and all the people were now going to Him. John responded by thelling them,

“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:27-30

John was the messenger who ushered in the One true Messiah, Like Apolos, many recieved the baptisim of repentabce from John, but it wasn't until Jesus came along that they could soon be truly be baptize in the Holy Spirit. Had they paid attention to John's speaches and teachings, they would know this, for before he baptized Jesus he told them,

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Matthew 3:11

Matthew 4:12 part 4

Matthew 4:12 part 4 

God So Loved The World

John 3:13-21

Nicodemus was a Pharisaic Jewish member of the Sanhedrin, and a teacher of the people. He met with Jesus one evening because he had heard Jesus speak and had seen him perform miracles. During the visit, Nicodemus proclaimed to Jesus that he was convinced that Jesus was a man of God. Jesus’ Jesus told him, that no one can see the kingdom of God without being born in a new way. It was one of the most remarkable conversations in the whole New Testament because in 25 words the Lord gave us His heart, His plan for salvation, and His desire for our life. John 3:16 is the basis for the whole of Christianity.

Matthew 4:12 part 3

Matthew 4:12 part 3

A Teacher Seeks The Teacher

Nicodemus is one of the known teachers of the day. He is called a ruler and thus a Rabbi and one of the 70 members of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the supreme council of the Jews who met within Jerusalem's temple in a place known as the chamber of hewn stones (although they sometimes met in the house of the High Priest). There is a high probability that he was a contemorary of Saul of Tarsus. While we cannot veryfy that, nor could we veryfy they knew of eachother before Jesus was crucified. One day we may know if they did, but not while we are in this World.

Upon hearing of Jesus, and how he performed miracles and taught with authority, Nicodemus felt the need, or mayb e was complelled by the Hioly Spirit to seek out and meet Him. Imagine a professional Scholar, obne of the best of his field and another shows up who is better. A true proffesional will always seek out those who may be as good if not better than themsleves. So it only made sense he would seek this Jesus fellow out.

Matthew 4:12 part 2 Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Matthew 4:12 part 2

Jesus Cleanses the Temple 

Between vesres 11 and 12 of Matthew chapter 4, a year in Jesus ministry had passed by. In verse 11 we read that Jesus had just successfully defeated the temptations of Satan after spending 40 days fasting in the wilderness. Now, he will be embarking upon his ministry, but after His temptation, we read in verse 12 that John the baptist was arrested. Yet if you look at the chronological order of Jesus life, John was not arrested until after Jesus entered Judea. However, Matthew does write about His ministry in Judea until chapter 19.

If we only had the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we would never have known about the events that took place in Judea. This is where John's Gospel fills us in on many important aspects of Jesus ministry. In order to properly understand what happened, I decide to cover the events that took place between verses 4:11 to 4:12, in a 9 part series. This is part two of that series, where I will cover 4 of the 9 steps Matthew omitted in his Gospel account of Jesus ministry.

Matthew 4_12 part 1 Matthews Missing Year

Matthew 4:12 part 1

Matthews Missing Year 

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.

Matthew 4:11-12

Between vesres 11 and 12 of Matthew chapter 4, a year in Jesus ministry had passed by. In verse 11 we read that Jesus had just successfully defeated the temptations of Satan after spending 40 days fasting in the wilderness. Now, he will be embarking upon his ministry, but after His temptation, we read in verse 12 that John the baptist was arrested. Yet if you look at the chronological order of Jesus life, John was not arrested until after Jesus entered Judea. However, Matthew does write about His ministry in Judea until chapter 19.

If we only had the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we would never have known about the events that took place in Judea. This is where John's Gospel fills us in on many important aspects of Jesus ministry. In order to properly understand what happened, I decide to cover the events that took place between verses 4:11 to 4:12, in a 9 part series. This is part one of that series, where I will cover 4 of the 9 steps Matthew omitted in his Gospel account of Jesus ministry.

Matthew 4:12-17

Preview of Omissions
W/ Christ in Isaiah

There are 72 distinct steps identified in the life of Jesus, from the Glory of His birth in Bethlehem to the Glory of His ascension into heaven. In Matthew 4:12, Matthew skips over 9 of those steps, step 11 to 20. The reason is because Matthew covered Jesus ministry in Galilee from Capernaum. In Matthews Gospel we do not read of Jesus in Judea until 19:1 when He entered Judea to attend His last Passover feast, and ultimately His death on the Cross. What I offer here is a preview of what the next 9 lessons will be covering, along with a breakdown of verse 17 and Isaiah's prophecy.

Matthew 4:11-12

Matthew 4:11-12

Outline of Events Matthew Omitted

Between verses 11 and 12 of Matthew chapter 4, a year in Jesus ministry had passed by. In verse 11 we read that Jesus had just successfully defeated the temptations of Satan after spending 40 days fasting in the wilderness. Now, he will be embarking upon his ministry, but after His temptation, we read in verse 12 that John the baptist was arrested. Yet if you look at the chronological order of Jesus life, John was not arrested until after Jesus entered Judea.

Like the other synoptic Gospels of Mark and Luke, Matthew covered many events in Jesus early ministry of Galilee. We do find far more events recorded by John from Jesus' ministry in Judea and Samaria, but not all of the differences are attributable to geographic reasons. The Holy Spirit led each Gospel writer to write in a way that, when taken as a whole, they would give us a complete picture of our Lord Jesus, HIS ministry, and HIS mission.

Matthew does cover Jesus early life, HIS baptism, and HIS temptation which all took place in Judea, he will not cover any more events of Jesus ministry in Judea until HIS last year just before HIS triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

If it were not for John's Gospel, which was the last one written, we would never have known about the events that took place which I cover in the outline below. While I did cover this in another more broad outline, I decided to isolate out this portion for an easy reference to truly get a good picture of the events Matthew omitted in first year of Jesus' ministry.

Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew 4:1-11 

Christ’s Temptation in the Wilderness 

After being baptized by his cousin in the Jordan River, Jesus goes off into the wilderness to spend 40 days fasting, praying, and communing with His Father. Jesus is about to begin His ministry, but before He does, he has to be tempted by the evil one who rebelled in heaven. Satan will tempt Jesus like we have never been tempted nor could we ever be tempted. There are only 3 temptations recorded in Scripture, and we will not know till we get to heaven and ask Him if there were more. However, we know He defeated any and all temptations He was confronted with.

Temptation is always the hardest when you are hungry, tired, weak and alone. Jesus was humgry, he had been fasting for 40 days. In the desert for 40 days without food or water will break down the bodies ability to function to think or even to sleep. So His body was weaker than I could imagaine. Physically He was alone, having no one around to comfort or care for Him. In the state he was in, you can bet He was mentally exhausted along with His physical weakness. When He was the weakest, near the end of the 40 days is when Satan came a calling. Satan offered Jesus not only what His body needed to survive, but he also offered Him the World. IF, He would just fall down and worshipped him.

Scripture (KNJV)

Satan Tempts Jesus

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.' " Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU,' and, IN THEIR HANDS THEY SHALL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU DASH YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.' " Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'YOU SHALL NOT TEMPT THE LORD YOUR GOD.' " Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND HIM ONLY YOU SHALL SERVE.' " Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

(Matthew 4:1-11)

1. (Mat 4:1) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  

1. After such a great day Jesus is now led to the desert, where satan is allowed to tempt him a. 

1. The last time we read of Satan being allowed to tempt someone was (Job 1:6-12)  

2. Quite often after great moments we are tested and brought back to reality Paul's thorn (2  Cor 12:1-10) 

3. Those who come in from the dark are attacked very quickly by Satan, he will pull out all  the stops  

1. He uses your friends try to lure you away and back into his world

2. He will use your family 

3. He will use your job and co-workers

4. He will use strangers

5. He will use your own body against you  

4. What is temptation, and how does it work

1. Ultimately temptation is the act of self will desiring to rule over the spirit of Gods Will

1. Either, an evil Spirit, or Satan himself gives us ideas that are contrary to Gods will.

2. Looks good) Eve desired the pleasant looking fruit, and wanted to be wise (Gen 3:1- 6)

3. (Hunger) Esau’s hunger led him to sell his birthright for a bow of red (Gen 25:29- 34) 

4. (Power) Abimelech wanted power to rule as king (Judges 9:1-5)

5. (Lust) Samson gave away the secret of his strength for lust (Judges 16:13-21)

6. (Fear of being caught) David brought ruin upon his descendants for lust ( 2 Samuel  11:1-27)

7. (To covet what is not yours) The man who coveted his brothers inheritance (Luke  12:13-14)

8. (Disappointment) Judah’s disappointment led him to betray Christ (Matt 26:14-6)

9. (Sleepy) The disciples desired sleep (Matt 26:36-46)

10. (Shame) Peters shame led him to deny Christ (Matt 26:69-75)

2. Paul tells us who we battle against (Eph 6:12)

3. We are told in Scriptures about this battle we will wage

1. Paul wrote to the Galatians these two sides wage war inside us (Gal 5:17)

2. The flesh wants us to enjoy its works (Gal 5:19-21)

3. Those who practice works of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal5:21)

4. He tells us to walk in the Spirit and we will bear the fruits of it (Gal 5:22-26)

4. James tells us how we are ensnared by sin’s desires (James 1:14-15)

5. Do I yield to these fleshly ideas or do I follow the Spirit of God

6. Paul tells us to wear the “Whole Armor of God” to win our battle against temptation  (Eph 6:13-18)

1. Girdle of truth ---- Truth in Christian living holds all the armor together

2. Breastplate of righteousness ---- The right acts as practiced by a Christian, protects the heart 

3. Sandals of the Gospel ---- The word keeps ones feet planted secure while under  attack

4. Shield of faith ---- Keeps you shielded from the fiery attacks of the evil one, full  length shield

5. Helmet of salvation ---- As the sandals protect your footing this protects your mind  with doctrine

6. Sword of the spirit ---- All others are defensive, this is your only offensive weapon  to win souls

7. Finally, James tells us we are blessed when we win the battle against temptation (James  1:12)

2. (Mat 4:2) And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.

1. Satan awaited his chance, he studies his prey and pounces when it is ideal

2. When we are weak is when we must trust in the Spirit not our flesh

1. Christ told Paul that in his weakness His strength is made perfect (2 Cor 12:9)

3. (Mat 4:3) And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that  these stones become bread."

1. First attack is through His hunger  

1. interesting in that the first temptation recorded was one of food (Genesis 3:1-6)

2. Jesus could make bread from stone, He made us from dirt

4. (Mat 4:4) But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD  ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"  (Deuteronomy 8:3)  

1. Man’s life must be ordered and guided else we will just be animals of instinct

2. The Word of God feeds the Spiritual side of man, without it we are just “Dead Men  Walking”  

3. We need more then bread to sustain us, we need the Word of God

1. Jesus told his disciples he had food they know nothing about (John 4:31-34)  

5. (Mat 4:5) Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the  temple, 

1. The Temple was on a hill above the Kidron Valley that laid 450 feet below

2. James the brother of Jesus was thrown from this very place by the Jews around 60 AD

1. I would be remiss if I did not give another popular account of James death, and that is at  the age of ninety-four he was beat and stoned by the Jews; and finally had his brains  dashed out with a fuller's club. 

6. (Mat 4:6) and *said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,  'HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU'; and 'ON their HANDS THEY  WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A  STONE.'" 

1. In essence he is telling Jesus to make a big splash to start your ministry 

1. Put the Word of God to the real test  

2. He can draw huge crowds, the people will see Him fall 450 feet and angels swooping in  to catch him  

3. Many men yield to the temptation to start big without the support of the Holy Spirit just  to fall 

2. Satan knows Scripture but he always seems to leave out a key part when attacking people

1. The whole Scripture goes as follows  

For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to  

guard you in all your ways they will bear you up in their  

ways, that you do not strike your foot against a stone 

(Psalm 91_11-12)

3. If by happenstance we end up in harms way, we put our faith in Him to deliver us  

7. (Mat 4:7) Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE  LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.'" 

1. Jesus Jesus responds to Satan's use of Scripture with Scripture 

1. As we now see having on the “Full Armor of God” allows us to defend ourselves from  bad doctrine  

2. Like an Olympic fencing dual, Jesus uses the “Sword of the Spirit” to put Satan on his  heels 

3. Many times we are confronted by people who know just enough Scripture to twist it

1. We should all be like the Bereans that Paul shared the Gospel with (Acts 17:10-12)

2. Then we will be approved of God (2 Tim 2:15)

3. Because knowing Scripture sets us free from the evil ones yoke of slavery (John  8:31-32  

2. However we are not to purposely step in harms way to test Him, ie.. walking in front of a  truck 

1. Some cults like to handle snakes because of the Scripture that says (Mark 16:18) &  (Luke 10:19)  

1. Jesus means in the routine of spreading the Gospel, He does not mean to handle as  proof faith  

2. We also see some cults telling their parishioners not to trust modern medicine

3. These two and many more are lies Satan tells those not wearing the “Helmet of  Salvation”  

2. God may allow us to be tested, but we never want to test Him 

3. Again this temptation is one of the flesh, but again Jesus defends Himself by deferring to  Scripture to the will of the Father as He say’s later he is here to do the will of the Father  who sent Him  

8. Mat 4:8) Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the  kingdoms of the world and their glory;  

1. All, not just Judea but ALL Kingdoms of the world  

2. Here we have Satan showing off his world 

3. Every kingdom of earth was corrupted, vile, nothing more than holding tanks of sewage  

9. (Mat 4:9) and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship  me." 

1. Satan tells Jesus that the cross is not needed to accomplish His task of redeeming the world

1. He says he will give it to Him 

2. Just bow down to him  

3. Does God really say you must suffer?  

4. Does it matter how you accomplish it?  

5. Take a short cut and I’ll give you what I have  

2. News Flash, Satan can not give you what is not his to give  

3. Most of us will only have a dash between the day we were born and the day we die other  then our children and friends no one will really know or care what we did between those  dates, and lets be honest. After our children are gone the most our grandchildren will  remember about us they could put in a small notebook. But Jesus knew what He came into  the world to do and it was more then a dash 

1. He came to teach us a new way, yet if we look at the OT everything He taught us was  there 

2. He was to be tempted (Matt 4:1-11) 

3. He was to be threatened (John 10:31)  

4. He was to be mocked (John 8:48) & (Matthew 27:39-44)  

5. He was to be despised (John 18:22)  

6. He was to be rejected (Luke 23:18) & (John 18:39-40)  

7. He was to be betrayed (Luke 22:48) & (Mark 14:66-72)  

8. He was to be beaten and marred beyond recognition of his friends and family

9. He was to be mocked an ridiculed while dieing for those who did it to Him

10. He was to be crucified like a common criminal 

11. He was to die so that sin would be defeated 

12. He died so we can be free of Satan’s bondage  

13. He was to be resurrected so that death may be defeated

14. He came declaring the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand 

4. Now he sits at the Right hand of God waiting for us to take up residence in the room he has  prepared for us (John 14:2)  

5. Satan offers a physical world, Jesus came to reclaim the spiritual souls of men

6. A shortcut to damnation is all He can really offer anyone, and now we have Christ who  offers us a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)  

10. (Mat 4:10) Then Jesus *said to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP  THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'" 

1. There will be another attempt by Satan to stop Jesus from doing what He must

2. In Ceasaera Philipi when Jesus tells His disciples He will be crucified and rise again on the  3rd day  

3. Peter rebuked Jesus saying “God forbid it Lord, this shall never happen to You.” (Matt  16:21-23)  

11. (Mat 4:11) Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

1. Jesus answered all the temptations Satan offered with Gods Words, and in so doing He gave  us the formula for defeating the evil ones desires

1. Scriptures 

2. Prayers 

12. Quite often, after a tremendous trial that you are victorious over, God will send a Spirit of  Calmness and relaxation. In time your trials will get harder as your faith gets stronger.