Learning From Temptation | Matthew 4:1-11 | Pastor Neil McClendon

Aug 17, 2025

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church


Matthew 4:1-11
Learning From Temptation


In the wilderness they should have learned three things:

 1) not to depend on bread alone but on Gods’ word
 2) not to put God to the test
 3) to worship God alone

1. Temptation comes around our biggest appetites, v. 2-4

Our appetites do four things…

 1) create opportunities- so we must learn to ask, “What opportunity does  this appetite present?”
 2) remind us of our responsibility
 3) reflect our identity
 4) give somebody/something glory


2. The enemy attacks the last thing you believed, v. 3

Genesis 3:1     
Matthew 3:16  
Matthew 4:3     


3. Our response to temptation is often times a test, v. 5-7

Exodus 17:1–7


4. Temptation is an opportunity for God to see what you will settle for, v. 7-10


Mental worship…

1. Do you have any appetites in your that concern you? 
2. Is there anything you once believed but now you doubt it? 
3. Is there anything the Father says about you that you find hard to accept?
4. When you are tempted does God have to prove himself all over again or have you tasted enough of His goodness to trust Him?