A World-View series

• The “But I tell you” statements of Jesus
• Stats –69% of Americans claim they are Christians
• Only 37% of Pastors have a biblical world view—only 2% of Christians have biblical world view. Matthew 4:1–11 (NIV)

(Go to the link below to see the Barna study on Christians and Biblical World View)

https://realliferesources.org/current-series/but-i-tell-you/)

Jesus’ world-view

• He was the creator –sustainer –He is the source of truth
• His World view is revealed in the scriptures –He reaffirms this
• He gives us this story told by two of the disciples to reveal some important world view questions

John 14:6–7 (NIV) Hebrews 1:1–3

1st Notice: The world we live in is cursed and at war—it started in the garden and continues –

•  In this world, we face trials – tragedies – battles with a spiritual enemy

2nd Notice: We are tempted –why?

• Notice being tempted is not a sin
• We have a desire for perfection — but we are not in the perfect world we were created for
• We have desires and appetites that are broken – the curse

1 Peter 2:11 (NIV) — 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

Galatians 5:16–17 (NIV)

3rd Notice: Three kinds of temptations the devil uses here

1. The physical realm is most important –right now – take care of it yourself –don’t trust the Father
   • Most would not have seen the first temptation as a temptation – what is wrong with getting your own food—avoiding discomfort
   • What’s the big deal? –I am just avoiding pain –God helps those who help themselves
   • My real problem and solution is in the real world – and my strength in the real world is what can solve the problem for myself
   • I can’t see God or the spiritual things so I will just deal with what I can see and the right now
   • Remember –If God leads follow – but don’t run
   • Most don’t know the word well enough to know when something is a temptation to sin
   • Others disregard scripture –excuse sin –relying on their feelings and desires
   • The devil will help you to cherry pick verses to take them out of context —
2. Force God to do things now –a shortcut
   • Use your power to avoid the path of suffering to the throne
   • If you’re the Messiah – do a miracle and people will listen to you – affirm you
   • A short cut – to day to day living out the faith
   • Give the people what they want and they will follow you –prove it

3. I am a better “god”. Trust me!!!

• • Trust me – I am better than God – I will give you these things without the struggle
    • A side note: The devil is relentless – Luke 4:13 (NIV) – 1 Peter 5:8–10 (NIV) The key to defeating the enemy and temptation is a biblical world view
  • Remember a biblical world view is both lifestyle obedience and doctrine
    • 2 Timothy 3:14–17(NIV) 1 Timothy 4:16(NIV)
  • The difference between an infant in the faith and a mature person –how to become mature Hebrews 5:11–14 (NIV)
  •  The battle lines in the mind. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

Next steps

1. Read the book of Matthew personally this summer
2. Plan for constant fellowship this summer
3. Be careful what voices you allow into your mind via media etc…

Proverbs 4:23–27 (NIV)

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question: What stood out to you the most from the sermon this week?

Main Point: God’s word provides everything we need to know to live a godly life, including how to fight temptation.

Read/Tell the Story: Matthew 4:1-11

Questions:

1. Where was Jesus and who was He with when He was tempted?
2. When does the devil typically launch attacks in your life??
3. What three things was Jesus tempted with?
4. Even though He resisted, why were those things a temptation?
5. How did Jesus resist the temptations?
6. How do you resist temptation when it comes your way?
7. What can you do to prepare for temptation before it comes?

Supporting Scripture:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 5:6-11, James 4:7-10