Sunday School Lesson May 7, 2023
Subject: The Temptation to Place Something Else Before God.
The Point: The greatest joy comes from exalting God.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:10-15, Matthew 4:8-11
Study The Bible: Matthew 4:8-11
1). We can be tempted to worship things other than God.
- Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
- And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.”
- Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written; ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ “
- Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 4:8-11
* The temptation to place something else before God is great.
* Satan wants us to serve him rather than to serve God.
* We are to worship and serve only God.
2). Never forget that it is God who is at work in your life.
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
- “When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he would give you — a land with large and beautiful cities that you did not build,
- houses full of every good thing that you did not fill them with, cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant — and when you eat and are satisfied,
- be careful not to forget that Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.”
Lasting truths from: Deuteronomy 6:10-12
* All the good things we have come from God.
* Times of plenty can often bring temptation that makes one forget God’s blessing.
* We must never forget what God has done for us.
3). When we worship God and follow Him, we will do that which pleases Him and blesses us.
Deuteronomy 6:13-15
- “Fear the Lord your God, worship him, and take your oaths in his name.
- Do not follow other gods, the gods of the people around you,
- for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise, the Lord your God will become angry with you and obliterate you from the face of the earth.”
Lasting truth from: Deuteronomy 6:13-15
* We should fear the Lord and worship Him alone.
* We should not put the world’s enticements ahead of your relationship with God.
* God is jealous for our allegiance.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Which of Satan’s three temptations of Jesus do you find personally most challenging? Why?
- Jesus answered each of Satan’s temptations with words from Scripture. How can regular Bible study equip us to face the temptations that come our way?
- Which key Bible verses could you memorize to help you as you experience life and face temptations?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”