Our purpose in this study is to look at the temptations of Jesus the Christ as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13. There is much we can learn in these passages of scripture, and in other related scripture, that can help us when we ourselves are tempted.
Before we look at these passages, though, it might be profitable to examine some of what the scripture says about temptation and about other attacks from the adversary. This will help us to understand the temptations of Jesus more clearly in the light of God's Word, and to better understand how to deal with the temptations we face in accordance with God's Word.
Some very important information is given to us about temptation in the first chapter of James.
James 1:13-15.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The first thing we learn about temptation in this passage is that it never comes from God. God never tempts anyone with evil. God may test someone, either to purify them, or to prove what is in their heart -- that is, whether or not they will obey His Word --but God will not test that person with evil. Any temptation to do evil that you are confronted with, then, comes from someone other than the true God.
Equally important, we learn that God cannot be tempted with evil. If there is a single circumstance under which God can be tempted with evil, then James 1:13 is a lie. Fortunately, there is no such circumstance.
God does not merely refuse to give in to temptation; God cannot be tempted with evil. There is nothing in evil that even remotely appeals to God, for He sees it at all times for what it really is, and He sees not only its beginning, but its end as well. God sees the heart of the tempter, the truth behind the lie of the temptation, and the bitter fruit that is its ultimate end. There is nothing evil in God that desires even the slightest flirtation with evil.
The next thing we learn about temptation is how it works. Temptation begins with desire.
James 1:14.
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
The word translated "lust" here literally means "desire." Temptation always begins with desire. If there is no desire to have or to do what God has forbidden, no temptation has taken place.
But the desire to disobey God is not sin. That's the third thing we learn about temptation. Sin does not take place at the moment of desire. Rather, desire must "conceive" before it can produce sin.
James 1:15.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
What does it mean for a desire to "conceive"? We know from scripture where the conception that produces sin takes place: in the heart.
Proverbs 4:23.
Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it [are] the issues of life.
It is in our heart that we make our decisions. Sin must take root in the heart before it can be manifested in our lives.
Matthew 15:17-19.
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out in the draught?
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart: and they defile the man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
As far as God is concerned, sin that is allowed to take root in the heart is just as evil as sin that is committed with the flesh.
Matthew 5:27-28.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Our English word "lust" has such a specific meaning that it clouds what this passage is saying. "Desire" is a much better translation in this case.
The sin referred to here is adultery, not fornication. Also, the same word is translated "woman" and "wife" in the Greek; the context determines which word is meant. Because adultery is the sin referred to here, the woman in question is someone else's wife.
Most important, though, is where the sin is said to take place: not just in your thoughts, or in your mind, but in your heart. And it is in your heart that your life's decisions are made.
You may find another's spouse attractive, or even sexy, yet no sin has taken place. But the minute you decide, "I want her," you have committed adultery with her in your heart, even though no immoral action has yet taken place.
Desire that stands in opposition to God's Word, if it is allowed to conceive in your heart, gives birth to sin in word and deed in your life. And if sin is allowed to run its course, to grow and mature in your life, its end result is death.
James 1:16-17.
Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is not variableness, neither shadow of turning.
One critical thing to remember when trying to determine whether or not the things we desire are of God is that God does not compromise with evil when He gives to us. God's giving is with no evil strings attached. If what we want to have or what we want to do involves disobeying God's written Word at any point or to any degree whatsoever, God didn't send it. It's a temptation from our enemy, and we are to treat it accordingly.