The first thing I want to tell you about temptation of whatever variety it may be, and certainly

would vary from one to one and probably as many variety of it as there are many people.

Whatever temptation you face, in whatever variety it may be, it is not wrong to be tempted.

Don't feel guilty when you're tempted. In fact, you should worry if you're not tempted. If you're not tempted to sin, there's something wrong with you.

Now, you need to expect temptations. Don't be taken by surprise. I think it was Martin Luther who said, I cannot stop a bird from

flying over my head, but I certainly can keep it from nesting in my hair. And that is why you should

expect temptation. In fact, the Greek word for temptation, peresmos can be translated both temptation and test. Why? Because every time we are tempted,

we are put to the test. Hemorrho out on this one. Temptation is Satan's way of trying

to shift your love from the Lord and from His Word into the sinful nature.

Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan's temptation has been relentless.

The secret of winning over temptation is described clearly here in Matthew chapter 4, verses 1 to 11.

Here in this passage, you're going to find one of the most unique spiritual battles of all times.

In fact, most unique next to the Garden of Gassimony on the cross. Jesus was Satan, face to face. Remember this. Jesus was all

alone in that wilderness. There's not a single disciple or apostle or anybody with him at that time.

He was all alone. And so he said, well, how did Matthew know about this?

To record it, he heard it from the lips of Jesus. Jesus is the one who told his disciples

and told Matthew what happened in the wilderness. Please listen to what I'm trying to tell you.

Those who deny temptation, those who undermine temptation, those who belittle temptation, those who think they are above temptation, those who do not take temptation seriously,

I want you please, please sit and take notice of what I'm going to show you from the Word of God.

Here it comes.

The first thing, if the Lord of Glory was personally tempted, you should not be surprised when you're tempted.

If I go for a little while without that miserable conniving rascal tricking me, either tempt

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