On The Mountaintop with Jesus series #1

February 28, 2010 MW “On the Mountain Top with Jesus” series #1/6
Stockwell Road MBC
THE MOUNTAIN OF TEMPTATION
Matthew 4:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
A. Two years ago, we took a trip with family to visit Cindy’s family in Asheville, NC. Cindy has a cousin that works at The Cove which is the Billy Graham retreat center. It is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains amid gorgeous scenery. Eric took my brothers in law and myself up the mountain trail. We drove up the mountain for as long as we could and then we had to walk the rest of the way. I was exhausted but when we reached the viewing deck it was well worth it. Sprawling ahead of me was one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. The journey to the mountaintop was very tiring and exhausting but it was well worth it.

B. When you are on the mountain top you gain a greater perspective on things. Many times you can see above the dark clouds that may be swirling below and see how small and insignificant they truly are. You can often look down on man-made marvels that up close seem so large but from this view seem so small. You can clear your head and let things go. You can be reminded of what the prophet Isaiah said about us mounting up with wings like eagles! Over the next few weeks we are going to climb some mountaintops and have some experiences with Jesus. It is my prayer that with each experience we have with Jesus we will gain a greater perspective and greater peace for our lives.

C. The first mountaintop we will climb with Jesus is one that many of us have climbed alone all too often…the Mountain of Temptation. As Jesus climbed this mountain, we see how we are to climb it. Jesus is our great example in all things even in how to overcome temptation. Some think that Jesus, since he was God in the flesh, was wearing some type of spiritual superman suit that made him invincible. We must remember that while He was all God He was also fully human. Hebrews 4:15 states, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”. If you have ever been tempted and felt like you could not overcome…look to Jesus! He has climbed this mountaintop before and gotten the victory! If we climb it with Him we will also gain the victory!

BODY:
I. THE PERSON OF OUR TEMPTATIONS vs. 1-3a
Note: Each person bears the responsibility for yielding to temptations…the old adage “the devil made me do it” will not work! The Devil is the person behind our temptations! He is the one behind all of the chaos in this world and the one behind all of the chaos in your life.
A. His Names
1. Devil—diabolos—slanderer, false accuser
2. Tempter—to solicit to sin
3. Satan—adversary, one who opposes
4. Lucifer—light bearer
5. liar, murderer, prince of power of the air
B. His Nature
1. created by God
2. cast down by God
3. conquered by God

II. THE PROFILE OF HIS TEMPTATIONS vs. 3b-9, I John 2:15-6
Note: Satan is not all-knowing like God but he is very smart! He knows what buttons to push to set us off. The problem is that his profile for temptations has never changed. It has been the same ever since the Garden of Eden. The way he tempted Adam and Eve is the same way he tempted Jesus and it is the same way he tempts us!
A. An Attack on Our Flesh v. 3
B. An Attack on Our Eyes v. 4-6
C. An Attack on Our Pride v. 8-9


III. THE POWER TO OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS
Note: This message is all about seeing how Jesus overcame the temptations! Remember all of these temptations happen to each of us! How did Jesus do it?
A. His Preparedness v. 1
B. His Prayer Life v. 2
C. His Power v. 4, 7, 10
D. His Peace v. 11

CONCLUSION:
By following Jesus to the mountaintop of temptations we find victory! If you need victory over sin in your life…climb the mountain with Jesus!