Satan’s Secret Playbook: Temptation

Matthew 4:1–11 (ESV)

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:1–11, ESV)

Satan is a master fisherman. He’s studied you, and he knows the lures that attract your attention.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (James 1:14, ESV)

He’s patient—he’ll throw it your way day after day, making it even more appealing, hoping you’ll take the bait. And once you bite, he sets the hook. You become entangled in sin, and he pulls you further and further away from God.

!!!Don’t take the bait!!!

Remember: Every temptation is a reminder that you’re human.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1, ESV)

Temptation doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human.

• Adam and Eve were tempted in a place of perfection, peace, and provision.

• Jesus was tempted in a place of testing and tribulation.

• We are most susceptible to temptation when we are weary or withdrawn but rarely while working.

Being tempted is not sin—the sin is giving in.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)

When you face temptation… you don’t stand alone!

Remember: Every temptation is a question that already has an answer.

“And the tempter came and said to him…” (Matthew 4:3, ESV)

Every temptation is a question about what you truly believe.

1st Question: “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:3, ESV)

What will I cover my shame and insecurity with?

Jesus’ Answer: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, ESV)

2nd Question: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you.’” (Matthew 4:6, ESV)

What will I do with my pain?

Jesus’ Response: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7, ESV)

3rd Question: “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9, ESV)

Can I fully trust God?

Jesus’ Answer: “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10, ESV)

Better Question: “How can a young man keep his way pure?”

Psalm 119:9–11 (ESV)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9–11, ESV)

Remember: Every temptation is a test that you can ace!

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

The Three Basic Temptations We Face

1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15–17, ESV)

• Lust of the Flesh: The overwhelming desire to satisfy physical cravings or indulge in sinful pleasure.

• Lust of the Eyes: The temptation to covet or desire what one sees, often leading to envy or materialism.

• Pride of Life: The arrogance or self-sufficiency that comes from placing confidence in worldly achievements, status, or possessions.

How to Overcome Temptation Every Time

1. Stay Spiritually Strong

Stay in the Word, fast, and pray to strengthen your spirit.

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, ESV)

2. Learn from Your Past Failures

If you know your weak spots, avoid places, people, or situations that trigger temptation.

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14-15, ESV)

3. Make Up Your Mind Now, Not in the Moment

Decide today to follow Christ, so the decision is clear when temptation strikes.

4. Confess Your Sins and Invite Accountability

Let someone you trust hold you accountable.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16, ESV)

5. Remember: Failure Doesn’t Have to Be Forever

Failure isn’t final. Even when you fall, God’s grace is greater.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, ESV)