Jesus Overcame Satan

I. Overcame Satan in temptation

A. Matthew 4:1-11 (Summarize the three temptations)

B. Jesus had been fasting for forty days. Some texts seem to indicate that he had been tested for the 40 days and so the three recorded are representative. It may be that the period of fasting was preparation for this confrontation with Satan and so considered part of the temptation. Jesus overcame with the word of God, specifically Deuteronomy.

C. After the temptations, Luke records that the Devil departed until a more opportune time.

D. The devil is like a predator that sees its prey in a weak state and strikes quickly to bring it down. He would try to thwart Jesus’ mission until the end.

E. Matthew 27:39-43 – On the cross, the words “If you are the Son of God…” continued to echo.

F. Hebrews 4:15 – He was tempted in all points like we but without sin.

II. Overcame Satan in death

A. Account of His resurrection

B. Jesus was killed in a most cruel way—crucifixion. John 19:31-36 – testimony of His death. But then He arose from the dead on the first day of the week. Luke 24:1-7 – “Why seek the living among the dead?” Many witnesses to His resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:3-7.

C. His power over death

D. Acts 2:24: “having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” Hebrews 2:14-15 – To destroy Satan and his power over us.

E. He will bring a final victory over death when He resurrects all men.

F. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 – Final enemy to be destroyed Revelation 21:4: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death”

III. Ultimate triumph

A. The completed mission of Jesus was the ultimate triumph.

B. John 16:31-33 – “I have overcome the world” Hebrews 5:7-9 – The author of salvation

C. Revelation 19:11-16 – Jesus pictured as the great conqueror

IV. What does it mean for me?

A. I can overcome when tempted

B. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Hebrews 2:9-11, 18 – His trials help

C. How can I overcome?

D. Overcome with the word of God as Jesus did.

E. As we study, we learn what we should be doing and what we should not be doing. The word strengthens us by reminding us of the rewards for overcoming temptation. The word warns us about the wiles of the devil, Ephesians 6:10.

F. Resist the devil

G. 1 Peter 5:8-9. James 1:12-15

H. Watch out for the “opportune” time.

I. We realize that there are times, places, and situations when we are more prone to fall to temptation. We must avoid those situations or, if we cannot, be watchful and diligent to do what is right. He is prowling, not to annoy us, but to kill us.

J. Pray for help

K. Hebrews 4:16: [All points tempted like us so…] “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”2 Peter 2:4: “the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,”

L. I can overcome in death

M. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 – Since Christ was raised we will be raised Romans 6:3-5 – By obeying Christ I share in His death so I can share in His resurrection. Revelation 21:6-8 – Open to all. Those who reject Him will suffer the second death.1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 – This should comfort us.

N. I will be part of the final victory

O. When we obey God and live faithfully with Him, we can have the confidence of Paul.

P. 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”2 Timothy 1:12: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” Revelation 21:7: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

Q. We can only overcome by being a child of God.

R. When we believe in Him and confess Him as our Lord, and, as we read earlier are baptized into His death, we can overcome. He puts us in His kingdom (Colossians 1:10).

S. Victory celebration (Open to “When the Saved Get to Heaven”

T. Overcome temptations, weaknesses

U. Some have to fight every day against certain temptations. There is another temptation: to give up. Imagine approaching God’s throne, mindful of our struggles, and to hear the words, “You overcame with the blood of the Lamb. Enter your reward.” Will you not “shout the victory?”

V. Overcome physical trials

W. Some have to suffer physical handicaps that pose an additional challenge that others may not have. Some have loved ones who are suffering and provide loving care to them as an additional challenge to serving God. You may be tempted to give up, to claim that it is too much to bear. Imagine approaching God’s throne, remembering your physical burdens and the calls to give up to which you gave no heed, and you hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” There will be no more pain or suffering. Will you not “shout the victory?”

X. Vexed souls

Y. The filth and anti-Christian messages that flood in through the TV, movies, radio, magazines, books, and unrighteous people vex our souls as righteous Lot’s soul was vexed by the sinfulness of Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet if we resist the temptations and lure of the passing pleasures of sin, we will inherit a home where “there is nothing in it that defiles.”

Z. Sometimes we act like a defeated people.

A. We see that the enemy is great and his influence is pervasive. We are truly a “peculiar” people in the eyes of the world. Instead of relishing that uniqueness, as being like our Savior, we grow insecure and ashamed. Yet the wickedness of this world is what will be overcome!

B. We follow Jesus, in His army! He rides the white horse, has many crowns of victory and is the King of Kings. We fight on His side!

C. It may look like the enemy has the upper hand but we will have the final victory. American Revolution: We lost most of the battles, but we won the important ones and won our freedom. We will lose many battles in the world (ie., world will not accept Bible standards, filthy language and actions will saturate the media, false doctrine will abound) but we will have the decisive victory.

D. “When the saved get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be; when the saved see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!”