Sunday School Lesson April 23, 2023

Subject: The Temptation to Rely on Myself Instead of God.

The Point: God’s provision is always better than what we try to get for ourselves.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 8:2-10; Matthew 4:1-4  

Study The Bible: Matthew 4:1-4

1). We are often tempted to satisfy God-given desires in the wrong way.

1. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2. After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3. Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4. He answered, “It is written; ‘Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ “

Lasting truths from: Matthew 4:1-4

*  Satan’s temptation often come in our moments of weakness.

* Knowing the Word of God can help us respond to temptation.

* God’s Word is more important than our human appetites.

2). We can be tempted not to trust God’s provision.

Deuteronomy 8:2-5

2. Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these forty years in the wilderness, so that he might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
3. He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then he gave you manna to eat, which you and your ancestors had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
4. Your clothing did not wear out, and your feet did not swell these forty years.
5. Keep in mind that the Lord your God has been disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son.

Lasting truths from: Deuteronomy 8:2-5

*  Difficult times should help us trust God more completely.

* God can show His faithfulness to us in many ways.

* God disciplines us as a father disciplines his children.

3). God provides when we trust and obey Him.

Deuteronomy 8:6-10

6. So keep the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him.
7. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams, springs and deep water sources, flowing in both valleys and hills;
8. a land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey;
9. a land where you will eat food without shortage, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and from whose hills you will mine copper.
10. When you eat and are full, you will bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

Lasting truth from: Deuteronomy 8:6-10

* We demonstrate our fear of God when we walk in His ways.

*  God will meet our needs as we trust Him.

* We must thank God when we experience His blessing.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. Recall a time in your life when you faced serious temptation. What made the temptation so strong?
2. Jesus responded to the devil’s temptations with words from Scripture. Why is Scripture powerful in temptation?
3. What are some go-to Bible verses you find yourself clinging to when you face temptation?

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.”