Message Notes

THE SECOND TEMPTATION: JUMPING OFF THE PINNACLE OF THE TEMPLE

1. Two Texts

 a) Matthew’s Perspective                                                       Matthew 4:5-7

 b) Luke’s Perspective Luke 4:9-13

2. The Temptation Presented:

 a) Jesus at the pinnacle of the temple                   Matthew 4:5; Luke 4:9a

 b) If you are the Son of God                   Matthew 4:6a; Luke 4:9c

 c) Throw yourself down                   Matthew 4:6b; Luke 4:9d

 d) It is written                   Matthew 4:6c; Luke 4:10a

 e) He shall give His angels charge over you Matthew 4:6d; Luke 4:10-11; Psalm 91:11-12

3. Analysis of the Temptation

 a) The devil cites the Scriptures

 i) False belief that the Devil is afraid of the Scriptures

 ii) False belief that he will flee when you recite the Scriptures

 b) The devil knows the Scriptures

 i) He knows it well enough to cite it

 ii) However he will attempt to subtly use it to his own advantage

 iii) He will attempt to deceive, through the Scriptures, if possible

4. The Response of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) It is written again                                                       Matthew 4:7a

b) It has been said                                                       Luke 4:12b

c) You shall not tempt the LORD your God                   Matthew 4:7b; Luke 4:12b

i) A fundamental principle established

ii) One must not put God to the test

d) One portion of Scriptures cannot be cited at the expense of another portion of Scripture

i) Scriptures cannot clash

ii) One text is probably cited and applied wrongly

5. Analysis of the Response of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) Sound knowledge of the Scriptures

b) Solid understanding of the Scriptures

c) Sharp discernment of the devil’s ploy

d) Swift rejection of the devil’s temptation

e) Solemn commitment to fully obey the Lord and the Scriptures