Jesus Uses Scriptures in His Obedience

Introduction (Matthew 4:1–11):
Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness by relying on the word of God. His example shows us that obedience is rooted in knowledge, trust, and proper use of Scripture.

The Word Gives Power to Obey
When Jesus faced the devil’s temptations, He did not hesitate or wonder what God required of Him. He quoted God’s word with certainty. Many today claim obedience without knowing the Scriptures. Some even minimize study as though it is unnecessary. Yet David said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Knowledge of the word empowers us to obey, because it teaches us clearly what is right. Without it, obedience becomes impossible.

The Word Gives an Excuse to Obey
Sometimes people feel weak when pressured by others. Jesus’ knowledge of Scripture gave Him the words to stand firm: “It is written.” In our lives, Scripture provides the reason to resist temptation. Just as children may lean on their parents’ rules to avoid doing wrong, Christians can lean on God’s authority. We can say, “My God forbids this,” or “The Bible teaches me otherwise.” The word provides the defense we need when our will feels weak.

The Word Is to Be Obeyed in Hard Circumstances
Jesus had fasted forty days, and Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread. From a human view, satisfying hunger seemed reasonable. But Jesus knew that circumstances do not determine right and wrong—God’s word does. He answered, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Our trials do not excuse disobedience. Instead, Scripture gives us strength and assurance that God provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

We Must Study All of God’s Word
Jesus said that man must live by “every word” of God. Paul declared the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:26–27, 31). Partial knowledge produces partial obedience. To serve God faithfully, we must learn all that He has revealed. Neglect of any part of His word leaves us vulnerable to sin.

We Must Rightly Divide God’s Word
Twice Satan quoted Scripture to tempt Jesus. Twice Jesus corrected him with other passages. This shows us the need to rightly divide, or accurately handle, the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible never contradicts itself. Careful study harmonizes passages so that we understand the whole message. One who knows only Ephesians 2:8, without also knowing 1 Peter 3:21, lacks the complete picture of salvation. Diligent study prepares us both to obey and to give an answer for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).

Conclusion
Jesus defeated temptation by wielding the sword of the Spirit. His example teaches us that obedience depends on knowledge, faith, and proper use of Scripture. Let us live by every word of God and be strengthened to obey Him in every situation.

Jesus Uses Scriptures in His Obedience Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Matthew 4:1–11)

  • Jesus’ example in the wilderness.

  • Scripture as the foundation of obedience.

• The Word Gives Power to Obey

  • Jesus answered temptation with Scripture.

  • Obedience requires knowledge (Psalm 119:11).

• The Word Gives an Excuse to Obey

  • Scripture provides a reason to resist temptation.

  • Words like “It is written” strengthen us when weak.

• The Word Is to Be Obeyed in Hard Circumstances

  • Jesus refused to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:4).

  • Right and wrong determined by God’s word, not circumstances.

  • God provides strength in temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

• We Must Study All of God’s Word

  • Live by “every word” (Matthew 4:4).

  • Paul declared the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:26–27, 31).

• We Must Rightly Divide God’s Word

  • Satan misused Scripture; Jesus harmonized it.

  • Scripture must be studied carefully (2 Timothy 2:15).

  • Full obedience requires the whole truth (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Peter 3:21).

  • Be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15).

• Conclusion

  • Obedience comes through knowledge, faith, and correct use of Scripture.

  • Follow Jesus’ example and live by every word.

Call to Action
Let us follow Jesus’ example by studying and applying God’s word daily. Strengthen your heart with Scripture so that when temptation comes, you can answer, “It is written.” Do not rely on partial knowledge, but live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Key Takeaways

• God’s word empowers obedience (Psalm 119:11).

• Scripture gives strength to resist temptation (Matthew 4:4).

• Hard circumstances never excuse disobedience (1 Corinthians 10:13).

• Faithful living requires the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26–27).

• Rightly dividing Scripture ensures harmony and truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 4:1–11 – Jesus tempted in the wilderness.

• Psalm 119:11 – Word hidden in the heart prevents sin.

• Matthew 12:34 – Words flow from the heart.

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides escape from temptation.

• Acts 20:26–27, 31 – Declaring the whole counsel of God.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 – Rightly dividing the word of truth.

• 1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give an answer.

• Ephesians 2:8 – Salvation by grace through faith.

• 1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism as part of obedience.

Prepared by Mike Glenn