I Couldn’t Resist | Pastor Nathan Derenski

Nathan Derenski

We all face moments when temptation feels irresistible—those times when we simply couldn't say no to buying it, clicking on it, saying it, or indulging in it. But here's the powerful truth: Jesus has been exactly where we are. Matthew 4 takes us into the wilderness where Jesus, led by the Spirit, faced intense temptation after fasting for forty days. The enemy approached Him at His weakest moment, yet Jesus overcame through the Word of God. This passage reveals that temptation follows a predictable pattern—it starts with a thought, morphs into imagination, shifts into justification, and culminates in a choice. Understanding this progression is crucial because it shows us where to intervene. The sermon unpacks three vital truths: being tempted is not sinful, we're most vulnerable when we're weak or think we're strong, and God always provides a way out. Jesus demonstrated that way out by responding to every temptation with Scripture, showing us that victory isn't found in our willpower but in anchoring ourselves to God's Word. When we understand that temptation promises satisfaction at the cost of our obedience to God, we can recognize its empty promises and choose the abundant life Christ offers instead.

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I Said Yes to Jesus