Jesus’ and Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

INTRODUCTION (Quote/read text)

1.   What was Jesus response to temptation? He didn’t

      a.   Appeal to his feelings: Jeremiah 17:9, 10:23; Proverbs 14:12; 28:26. We live in a world, especially in religion, that appeals to personal feelings as the standard of right and wrong. But I won’t be judged by my feelings in the Last Day: John 12:48; Romans 2:16.

      b.   Give in: Hebrews 4:15. To do so would be to sin, and thus cause Jesus to be in need of a Savior. He who needs a Savior cannot be one.

      c.   Appeal to His Deity: John 1:1, 8:58. He could have said, “I am Deity, and am therefore untemptable.” James 1:13

      d.   These would have set bad examples for us.

2.   So what did Jesus do in the face of temptation?

      a.   He exercised His knowledge of the Scriptures.

            i.   He had the right scripture at the right time.

            ii.  I could say “Jesus wept” in the face of temptation, but that probably won’t help me overcome temptation.

            iii. Proper use of the Scriptures requires diligence, patience, persistence.

                  (1) Bow hunting takes many hours of practice and refining of skills. A swordsman wants to use his personal weapon in time of combat.

                  (2) David rejected Saul’s armor, not because it was “too big,” but because he hadn’t “proved” it (put it to the test - 1 Sam 17:39). He used his familiar weapon (v 40) and defeated Goliath (v 49).

            iv. The Word of God is a sword (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:14). How familiar are you with this Divine weapon?

      b.   Jesus provided us the perfect example (1 Pet 2:21 - I know it’s out of context!), because we can (and must) use the scriptures against the devil.

            i.   James 4:7 – resist the devil and he will flee (cf Matt 4:11)

            ii.  1 Peter 5:9 – resist him using the faith

3.   Our attitude toward the Scriptures will determine our ability to utilize them in times of temptation or teaching.

1.   Jesus believed the Scripture was CONCRETE (fixed, not fluid)

      a.   “It is written”(vs 4, 7, 10) = was written aforetime and stands as written. As a house or structure is built and remains standing.

      b.   Some treat the Scriptures as if it is water to be poured into the container of modern/present culture.

            i.   e.g., women preachers, the Episcopalians & their queer bishop.

            ii.  Problem - when one carries out the Great Commission, which culture will be the determining factor for biblical interpretation? Will women and homosexuals be allowed to preach in patriarchal societies? Will American cultural interpretation be forced upon the rest of the world?

      c.   Jesus believed Scripture should change the hearts (and cultures) of men, not the other way around.

      d.   Note also the Scriptures “proceedeth” = present tense – “goes out, travels, is still traveling”

2.   Jesus believe the Scripture was CANONICAL (authoritative)

      a.   It came from the mouth of God – v 4

            i.   Luke 24:46 – “Thus it is written” (cf v 44)

            ii.  “saith the Lord” = 854 X; “the word of the Lord” = 257 X

      b.   “Every word” is to be received for life.

            i.   God did not give His Word as a cafeteria style food to be picked and chosen.

            ii.  “Serving God Without Obeying Him” D Lipscomb GA 1877. Some people are perfectly content to serve God, but have no intention of obeying him. Matthew 7:21-23 is a perfect example of this (also the Pharisees of Jesus’ day - Matt 15:7-9)

      c.   Matthew 3:13-17 (cf Matt 21:23-27). Jesus was baptized because John’s message was Divine in origin, and as such He was obligated to obey.

      d.   2 Timothy 3:15-17; Titus 2:15

3.   Jesus believed Scripture was CONSISTENT (w/o contradiction)

      a.   “It is written AGAIN.” (i.e., “It is written in another place.”)

      b.   The devil quoted Scripture (Ps 91:11-12), and had quoted it accurately, but he misused it.

      c.   Every denomination in existence has misused the scripture to create and perpetuate its existence.

            i.   E.g., “Romans 5:1 teaches that man is justified by faith only.”

            ii.  James 2:24

      d.   Some people have “Scripture fights,” treating the Scriptures as two goats butting heads - the strongest goat (the one who can pile up the most scripture on their side to “trump” the scriptures of one’s opponent) is right.

      e.   Every division in the church came about by the same means.

      f.   1 Corinthians 14:40

4.   Jesus believed the Scripture was COMPREHENDIBLE (it can be understood and applied) – v 10

      a.   It was not in accordance with Scripture to worship the Devil. This was known from knowing the Scripture.

      b.   Jesus use of implication to prove His point:

            i.   The word “only” is not in Deuteronomy 6:13 (the verse Jesus quoted), but it is implied (cf Matt 22:32 – “am” not in Ex 3:6).

            ii.  the devil could have said - “Show me the passage that says not to worship me.”

            iii. In like fashion, many religionists demand the verse forbidding the use of instrumental music in worship.

      c.   The Scripture may be known, understood, and applied:

            i.   That absolute, objective TRUTH exists may be known (as opposed to Pilate John 18:38)

                  (1) John 8:31-32 (cf John 17:17)

                  (2) 1 Timothy 4:3

            ii.  Luke 1:1-4

            iii. John 20:30-31

            iv. 1 John 2:3-5; 5:13