Jesus’ Temptation (Mark 1:12-13)

October 5, 2008

I.          Driven by the Spirit, v. 12.

A. Jesus' first step toward public ministry was to prove Himself.

      1.      "Immediately" follows Mark's theme of action/movement.
                a.      No time wasted.
                b.      Absolute commitment to God's purpose.

      2.      The Spirit was the core of Jesus' strength.
                a.      "Drove" means thrown or cast out.

                              1)      Jesus was not forced.
                              2)      The Spirit sent Jesus according to God's plan.
                              3)      Complete determination to follow God's leading.

                b.      Jesus went on the offensive to face Satan's temptations.
                              1)      This would lay the foundation for all Jesus would do.
                              2)      The time was right to engage in spiritual battle.

                c.      The Spirit would provide everything Jesus needed.
                              1)      The human battle against temptation was real.
                              2)      Victory would prove Jesus was ready for His task.

B. Are we driven by the Holy Spirit?

      1.      Everything we do should be guided by the Holy Spirit.
                     a.      There is no division between spiritual life and other life.
                     b.      Spiritual strength springs from time spent with God.
                     c.      Life reaches its best only through God.

      2.      The Spirit helps us with any temptation.
                     a.      There are times to face temptation/battle.
                     b.      There are times to flee from temptation/battle.



II. Tempted by Satan, v. 13.

           A.      There were positive and negative points about the wilderness.

                     1.      The wilderness was a barren, uninhabited place.
                                    a.      No help or encouragement from anyone else.
                                    b.      Genuine danger from weather and animals.
                     2.      There were no distractions to hinder focusing on God.

           B.      Jesus spent 40 days fasting.

                     1.      Matt. 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 give more details than Mark.
                     2.      Satan used temptation to maximum advantage.
                                    a.      His temptations lasted throughout the 40 days.
                                    b.      His attack climaxed at the end of the 40 days.
                                    c.      Failure here would have destroyed Jesus' whole mission.

                     3.      What was the purpose of Jesus' fast?
                                    a.      The prove His dedication to God.
                                    b.      To draw strength from the Holy Spirit.

                     4.      The angels were part of God's provision for Jesus.
                                    a.      They might have provided food at the end.
                                    b.      They most likely provided protection/encouragement.

           C.      What can we learn from Jesus' time of temptation?

                     1.      God's way can be very difficult and uncomfortable.
                     2.      We are expected to show (live) our dedication to God.
                     3.      Evil cannot overcome God or His purpose.


Personal Challenges

1.      Show your dedication to God.
           a.      Fast for 1 day this week: suggested day- Wednesday.
           b.      Pray for:

                     1)      Deeper love of God.
                     2)      Strength and wisdom to live a faithful, pure life.
                     3)      Specific ways to deepen your relationship with God.

2. Do you know God in a personal relationship?