Victory Over Trials

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 3:13-4:11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1

1.   Take the simple steps first! Verses 13-16
      a.   Repent of sins and believe in Jesus!
      b.   Be Baptized!
      c.   God will affirm your life of faith!

2.   Know who you are in Jesus! Verse 17
      a.   You are son/daughter!
      b.   You are loved!
      c.   You are pleasing to God! (Obedient Family Relationship)

3.   Know your enemy! Verse 1
      a.   God has a purpose in allowing your testing!
      b.   The “devil” is an accuser by nature!

4.  Your identity is the key to your victory! Verses 4, 6
      a.   Test #1 - God’s child depends upon God’s spiritual provision in His Word!
      b.   Test #2 - God’s child doesn’t dare demand a miraculous experience in order to test God!
      c.   Test #3 - God’s child declines the worship of material wealth to serve and worship God!

5.   Use the Bible, it is vital to your survival!
      a.   The devil knows it & will try to use it against you!
      b.   You can know it well enough to survive the test!
      c.   Memorize it!

6.   Hunger, Experiences, and Money/material possessions are common areas of weakness!
      a.   Be guarded in these areas.
      b.   Use them as God intends and allows.

7.   Service and Worship of God will build our strength.

8.   Accept God’s help to get out of your trial!

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.