Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
In the wilderness Christ met the three great avenues of temptation — appetite, presumption, and the love of the world — and overcame each with a written word held in trust. His victory is not merely an example to copy but a life to receive.
Key points
- Temptation is not sin; consent is.
- Christ overcame by the word and by dependence, weapons available to us.
- Victory comes by abiding in Christ rather than by wrestling alone.
Key texts
- Matthew 4:1-11
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- James 1:13-15
- 1 John 5:4
- Comprehension
1. Name the three avenues of temptation in Matthew 4 and their modern equivalents.
- Scripture
2. Read James 1:14-15. At what point does temptation become sin?
- Doctrinal Clarity
3. How did Christ answer each temptation?
- Contrast
4. Contrast resisting sin by willpower with overcoming by faith.
- Scripture
5. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What three promises does this verse hold?
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Why does struggle intensify after conversion rather than disappear?
- Application
7. Which of the three avenues is your usual point of attack?
- Application
8. What practical habit will you build to have the word ready in the moment?