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Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:7-11

Testing Christ

 

Intro.

1.  Jesus was repeatedly tested by Satan and by men, Matt. 4:1; 16:1.

2.  Test (peirazō): "to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: - assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try" (Thayer).

3.  Motives: Driven by faithlessness; designed to entangle, Matt. 22:15; to catch and accuse, Lk. 11:53-54.

4.  Jesus stood every test, always answering well, Matt. 22:46; Mk. 12:34.

5.  It is possible that we are testing Jesus with our attitudes, words and lives. 1 Cor. 10:9

 

I.  SATAN TESTED JESUS TO SIN, Matt. 4:1; Lk. 22:28.

  A.  Jesus was not Deceived by Satan's Temptations, Matt. 4:3-10.

      -We should learn from Jesus to recognize sin's temptations!

  B.  We Cannot Deceive Christ with Our Sins, Matt. 15:7-9; Acts 5:9.

 

II.  MEN TESTED JESUS BY REJECTING THE EVIDENCE HE GAVE THAT HE IS THE CHRIST,  Matt. 16:1-4.

  A.  The Words and Works of Jesus Testify of Who He Is, Jno. 5:36; Matt. 16:16-17; Jno. 20:30-31.

  B.  When we Willfully Refuse the Evidence for Christ We Join the Camp of Faithless Evil, Matt. 16:1-4; cf. Jno. 12:48.

 

III. TESTING JESUS BY REJECTING HIS TRUTH.

  A.  By Seeking Contradictions instead of Harmony and Conformity to Truth, Matt. 19:3; Lk. 20:20-23; Jno. 8:5-6.

     -The One who is the Word never contradicts His word (Scriptures).

  B.  By Doubting His Way of Salvation, cf. Num. 21:4-6 (1 Cor. 10:9); cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-19.

  C.  By Teaching Error, Acts 15:10.

    1.  False doctrine; the devil's enticement to reject Christ, Acts 15:10.

    2.  It tests God by elevating man's will above God's stated will.

 

IV. WE MUST:

  A.  Test Ourselves, 2 Cor. 13:5.

  B.  Try those who Claim Authority from Christ, Rev. 2:2.

  C.  Accept Christ's Help when We are Tempted, Heb. 4:15-16.

     -Do not harden your heart in rebellion, Heb. 3:7-11.

  D.  Endure Trials (tests to our faith), Jas. 1:12 (2-3); 1 Pet. 1:6; 4:12.

 

Conclusion

1.  The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations (testing, trials), 2 Pet. 2:9 (1 Cor. 10:12-13).

2.  When the Lord returns, will He really find faith on the earth? Lk. 18:8

3.  Or, will He find the faithless testing of His love, His mercy, His truth and His longsuffering? Rom. 2:1-6