MESSAGE DETAILS

In this message from our Matthew series, we continue with Jesus in the wilderness as He faces the second temptation from Satan. After showing Himself to be the righteous King who trusts God, Jesus is now tempted to misuse God’s Word and presume upon the Father’s power and protection. Satan takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and quotes Psalm 91, urging Him to throw Himself down in order to force God to act. Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6, making clear that God is not to be tested. This sermon explains that to test God is to place arrogant, inappropriate demands on Him, attempting to manipulate His character, timing, or power for selfish ends. The message places this temptation within the broader biblical story, drawing parallels to Israel’s testing of God at Massah and Meribah, Moses’ failure in striking the rock, and ancient idolatry that sought to control the gods through ritual or magic. In contrast, Jesus shows what true sonship and kingship look like: humble submission, obedience to Scripture in context, and waiting for the Father’s initiative rather than forcing His hand. The sermon also warns believers, especially those who value the work of the Holy Spirit, not to confuse genuine faith with arrogant presumption. Isolating Bible verses or misusing Scripture can leave us vulnerable in our own wilderness seasons. Instead, we are called to walk humbly with God, seek His wisdom, and trust His will and timing. The central call of this message is clear: God is God, and we are not. We are to bend to His will, not demand that He bend to ours. Like Jesus, we must resist the temptation to test the Lord and learn to trust Him faithfully as He leads us through the wilderness.