Who is Jesus? Week 3
January 19, 2025
Knock, Knock. Temptation
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Mark 1:12-13
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
I. From the Mountain to the Wilderness
James 1:13
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
II. Jesus Identifies With Us
III. Jesus Always Wins So We Can Win
A. Temptation Is Not a Sin
James 1:13-15
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
B. Testing is Part of God’s Plan C. Trust God to Provide
Hebrews 2:18
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” – John Owen
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
- I commit to kill sin this week and honor the presence of God in my life.
- I will pray for the sanctification of my heart and of others.
Deep Dive
- Have you ever experienced victory over addiction or recurring temptation? How?
- Read Romans 8:9-11. How does Christ’s indwelling change our hearts toward sin?
- What role does accountability play when resisting temptation? Will you ask for help?
Springboards
- Think of an important moment in your life. How does it differ from “normal” moments of your life?
- Read James 5:16. What is James telling us about Repentance and our relationship to fellow believers?
- Read James 2:14-18. According to James, how important is action to belief?
