Discipleship Lesson-7 - formenonly.org

08 Sep

08Sep

LESSON-7 DISCIPLESHIP 7-The Gospel in the Wild…Luke 4:1-14…Jesus in the wilderness: temptation, testing, triumphLuke 4:1–14 recounts the biblical story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness by the devil for forty days, during which Jesus resists the devil's attempts to make him turn stones into bread, to worship the devil in exchange for worldly power, and to test God by throwing himself from the temple. Jesus defeats each temptation by quoting scripture, and at the end of this period, the devil leaves him until a more opportune time.

How to Triumph over temptation and testing

Here's a breakdown of the passage:

1. The Setting:

Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness, where he is tempted by the devil for forty days.

2. The First Temptation

The devil tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread, but Jesus responds with scripture, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone'".

3. The Second Temptation:

The devil takes Jesus to a high place, shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and offers their authority and splendor if Jesus will worship him. Jesus refuses, stating, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only'".

4. The Third Temptation:The devil takes Jesus to Jerusalem and to the pinnacle of the temple, suggesting he throw himself down, quoting scripture that angels would protect him. Jesus responds, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test'".

5. The Outcome:

After the devil finishes all his tempting, he leaves Jesus until a more opportune time.
===============================================Luke 4:1–14 is a blueprint for building spiritually resilient, mission-driven men. It’s not just a story of Jesus resisting temptation—it’s a masterclass in identity, discipline, and Spirit-led masculinity.

Here's how it speaks directly to the kind of men.

1. Identity Before Activity

Jesus enters the wilderness after His baptism, where the Father declares, “You are my Son.”
Before He performs miracles or preaches sermons, His identity is affirmed.
For men today: You don’t earn sonship through performance. You receive it, then live from it.

Men who don’t know they’re sons will chase validation through power, pleasure, or applause. A son does not need validation because he is loved.🛡️

2. Temptation as Training, Not Failure

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Testing isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.
Each temptation targets core masculine vulnerabilities:
Provision (stones to bread): Will you trust God or hustle for survival?
Power (kingdoms for worship): Will you compromise to gain influence?
Protection (throw Yourself down): Will you manipulate God to prove yourself?

Men need to see temptation not as shameful, but as a battleground for spiritual maturity.🔥

3. Scripture as Weapon, Not Decoration

Jesus doesn’t argue with Satan—He quotes Scripture with precision.
He uses Deuteronomy, the wilderness manual for Israel, showing He’s internalized truth.
For men: Knowing the Word isn’t enough. You must wield it when identity is under siege.

4. Resisting Spectacle and Shortcuts

Jesus refuses to perform miracles to prove Himself.
He rejects the fast track to power and fame.
This models a masculinity that’s rooted in integrity, not image.

In a culture of instant gratification and curated personas, Luke 4 calls men to hidden strength.

5. Power Comes After Obedience, not before

Verse 14: “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.”
The wilderness didn’t weaken Him it forged Him.
To have formed or made something through concentrated effort, often with some difficulty.
For men: Spiritual authority flows from obedience, not charisma.

️ Application for Men’s Ministry

Discipleship Tracks: Use Luke 4 as a framework for identity, temptation, and spiritual warfare.
Resistance builds spiritual muscle.

This passage is tailor-made to restore men’s spiritual health and moral agency Curriculum Books to Read: @ amazom.com/Download

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