Lesson-filled Temptation
Text: Luke 4:1-4 IBCSWS July 12, 2026
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
Temptation is an undeniable part of man’s life in this earthly existence. Temptation is everywhere and mishandling it will bring moral deterioration that could possibly lead to mischief. We cannot overcome temptation by our own wisdom, and for this reason, we must rely on the Lord’s sustaining grace.
Despite the inevitable presence of temptations around us, the Word of God assures us of the possibility to escape from their dangerous traps. The Bible says in I Corinthians 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) In Christ, we have the victory.
The Bible warns us of the devouring power of the devil as written in I Peter 5:8, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV) We must be prayerful and watchful so we may not become easy prey of the adversary. A careful study of the Bible account of the “Temptation of Christ” will surely lead us to a deeper understanding about temptations and how to overcome them by being reliant on the Word of God.
(I) The Craftiness Of The Tempter Luke 4:1-4
The craftiness of the devil is ensnaring. The devil’s time is running out, hence, he is trying his best to deceive people in various ways. In Revelation 12:12, it is written, Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (KJV) We really need to rely on the Lord and pray for protection from temptations.
The devil is so crafty in his ways, and because of this, we need a Spirit-filled life so we can overcome him. The Bible says in Luke 4:1-2, And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. (KJV)
The Bible says in James 4:6-7, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (KJV) It’s a rewarding conviction to stay humble and submit ourselves to God so we may have the power to resist the tempter. Surely, the devil will flee away from us.
-The tempter’s crafty “ifs” Luke 4:3, 7, 9
The tempter uses the word “if” to stir up man’s self-confidence and eventually lead him doubting or proving something in a boastful way. A careful study of Luke 4:3, 7 and 9, will widen our understanding concerning Satan’s manipulative way of handling conversation.
The deceitful advice Luke 4:3, 4
The Lord Jesus has the power to make bread out of stone; however, it is against His character to yield to the tempter’s crafty solution. In Luke 4:3-4, it is written, And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (KJV) In times of need, make your request be made known to God and put your trust in Him. Don’t be deceived by the devil’s suggestion but rather cling to the promises of God written in the Bible.
The deceitful offer Luke 4:5-8
Don’t make agreement with the tempter by giving in to his deceitful offer. The Bible says in Luke 4:5-8, And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Worship the True and Living God and serve Him in sincerity and in truth.
Don’t be deceived by the enticing offer of the devil concerning fame, popularity, riches and power. Let our Heavenly Father supply all our needs according to His blessed will and perfect time. (See Matthew 6:33)
The deceitful challenge Luke 4:9-12
Challenges are natural things in life. They could usher you to significant success or tragic failure. Weighing challenges on the weighing scale of truth before accepting them is a sign of godly wisdom. The tempter wants you to be “showy and daring” for his evil purposes. Most importantly, don’t accept challenges from the devil because they will lead you to self-destruction.
The tempter may use Scriptures to challenge you, but be sure you perceive his manipulative way of using words. Wicked people have earthly wisdom to twist Scriptures for their own interest.
In Luke 4:9-12, it is written, And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: 11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (KJV) Don’t question God’s perfect ways but believe and trust Him with all your heart.
The deceitful exit Luke 4:13
When the devil seems to flee after an attempt of temptation, keep in mind that he just departed from you for only a span of time. In Luke 4:13, it is written, And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. (KJV) The devil will keep on coming back in unpredictable time, when your defenses are low, to tempt you beyond your perception.
Reminder:
The Bible says in Ephesians 6:10-11, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (KJV) Spiritual warfare is a vital part of our earthly existence and those who truly submit themselves to God will surely enjoy His power and sustaining grace.
In I John 4:4, it is written, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV) In Christ, we are on the victor’s side.
