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How to Survive the Wilderness & Overcome Temptation
In Matthew 4:1-11, we see that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, a place of testing and temptation. This wilderness season, though difficult, was essential to His preparation and victory over Satan. Jesus overcame temptation by relying on God’s Word and trusting in His Father’s provision. Like Jesus, we will face wilderness moments in life, times when we are tested. Instead of wasting these experiences, we must lean into God’s Word, recognizing that these trials are opportunities for growth. As we become familiar with Scripture, we gain the strength to overcome temptation and trust God’s faithfulness.
1. The Wilderness will Test my Independence
Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
2. The Wilderness will Test my Trust in God’s Truth
Matthew 4:5–7 CSB 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
3. The Wilderness will Test WHO & WHAT I Worship
Matthew 4:8–11 CSB 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
When we find Ourselves in a Wilderness, remember that…
• Dependence on God Sustains us
• Discernment of Truth Anchors us
• Devotion in Worship Empowers us