Bible Message/Preaching : Last Temptation

24And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. 25Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. 26And the inscription of His accusation was written above: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. 28So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with the transgressors." 29And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30"save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" 31Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. 32"Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him. Mark 15: 24-32

What is Temptation?

Literal meaning of temptation - A persuation or an attraction (generally for something wrong or foolish) by showing a purposed gain; A testing or a trial (designed to strengthen or corrupt)
Biblical Definition: ¹²Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. ¹⁶Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (Jas 1:12-16)

¹⁵Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 Jn 2:15-17)

Literal meaning of temptation - A persuation or an attraction (generally for something wrong or foolish) by showing a purposed gain; A testing or a trial (designed to strengthen or corrupt) Jesus said: Mk 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

If it do not make sense to us or if it do not make sense now! Dosen't mean it dosen't really make sense!! For God's thought's and plans are higher! => 8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. 9"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isa 55:8-9) When things doesn't make sense, do not waste time by seeking to understand but, seek His face and pray - Pro 3:5 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (2 Cor 4:7-10,16)

12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Pet 4:12-13)

What are some examples we know from the Scriptures?

Biblical Narratives on Temptation:

Remember the situation of Joseph! Till He become the ruler of all of Egypt (Gen 41:40-42) We also know the story of Job how he was tested. Nehemiah experience severe temptations and trials during the building of the Jerusalem wall. (Neh 4:1-20/6:1-19) David: when pursued by Saul and got chance to (tempted to) kill him, but put the issue in the hand of the Lord - considered Saul as the Lord's anointed, an instrument to form David! (1 Sam 24:5-6,26:23-24) We know that in the end, David become victorious! About Jesus -> 8though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Heb 5:8-9)

What are satan's devices:

lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor 2:11

Devices: mocks and teases, makes confusion, threaten to bring fear conspires to harm, try to /attacks to see if it will win! Tries to be a friend and make you fall

Illustration Story:- Discouragement : Devil's Best Tool The devil, gave his tools for sale at public auction, but there was one oddly-shaped tool which was labeled "Not for sale." Asked to explain why this was, the devil answered, "I can spare my other tools, but I cannot spare this one. It is the most useful implement that I have. It is called Discouragement, and with it I can work my way into hearts otherwise inaccessible. When I get this tool into a man's heart, the way is open to plant anything there I may desire." ⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Pet 5: 8-9

Illustration: 24By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. (Heb 11:24-26)

Don't complain, but praise! We know that the lord give sometimes uncomfortable experiences for us, just to make us grow. His strategy is to build us up to the real thing - our ultimate purpose, whether we attain it depend on our co-operation with the Spirit of the Lord. And, we must continue to serve the Lord!

To Conclude:

• Toughest trials when the mission is about to be complete
• hang-on in there, and there will be a way-out!
• We're made stronger and stronger by previous experiences
• may not be a solution that we want!!
• We must continue to serve the Lord!

May the Lord help us and guide us by the spirit of discernment!

Related Sermon: The Way out of Temptation

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Page History: Last revised on 9 Jan 2012

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