I. Intro
Big Idea: Jesus was tempted to deliver us from temptation.
II. The Wilderness
A. Jesus was tempted for us. Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 4:15
B. The enemy attacked when Jesus was weakest. Matthew 4:2
III. Every Word
A. The devil wanted Jesus to depend on Himself. Matthew 4:3
B. Jesus fed on the Word and will of His Father. Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; John 4:27-38
IV. Test
A. The devil wanted Jesus to perform. Psalm 91:11-12; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 4:5-6
B. Jesus trusted His Father no matter what occurred. Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7
V. Worship the Lord
A. The devil offered his temporary splendor. Matthew 4:8-9; John 14:30-31; Ephesians 2:1-2
B. Jesus dismissed the devil through worship. Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10-11

The Next Step Life Group Follow Up
§ What’s something you once wanted but now you’re glad you never got?

§ What’s something from Sunday’s message on Matthew 4:1-11 you hope we talk about as a group?

§ Why do you think Matthew include the account of Jesus’ temptation at this point in his Gospel?

§ How can knowing that Jesus overcome the devil’s temptation help us when we struggle?

§ What can we learn from Jesus’ example of overcoming temptation?

§ Any specific examples of how God has delivered you lately?

§ How can our worship as a church help people to know Christ’s salvation?

§ How is God calling you to respond to Matthew 4:1-11?

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I. Intro
Big Idea: Our King has come to identify with us, to save us.
II. Baptized
A. God planned for Jesus to go to the Jordan. Isaiah 42:1-5; Matthew 3:13a
B. Jesus wasn’t baptized as a sinner, but for sinners. Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 53:2; Matthew 3:13b; 1 Peter 2:22
III. To Do This…
A. John recognized Jesus is greater than him. Matthew 3:14, 11:2-4; John 1:29
B. Jesus’ baptism points to His death. Matthew 3:15; Romans 6:3; 1 Peter 3:18
IV. Descending
A. Jesus’ baptism points to His resurrection. Matthew 3:16a; Luke 17:33; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-2
B. Our life is in the presence of the Trinity. Matthew 3:16b
V. From Heaven
A. God has the final word. Matthew 3:17a, 16:1-4
B. The Son conquers through love. Psalm 2:7-9; Matthew 3:17b

The Next Step Life Group Follow Up
§ What was a high and a low of your last week?

§ What was something from Sunday’s message you found compelling, comforting, or confusing?

§ How did Christ’s baptism encapsulate His ministry on earth?

§ Why do you think John was hesitant to baptize Jesus at first? Can you relate to John’s sense of unworthiness in serving Jesus? Explain.

§ Why do you think it was important that God the Father told Jesus he was well please with Him, and the Spirit descended on Him at this point?

§ How can Jesus’ baptism encourage us in faith?

§ What’s a specific step you can take in response to Matthew 3:13-17?

I. Intro Big Idea: Jesus makes it possible for us to return to God.
II. Repent
A. John the Baptist had a simple message. Matthew 3:1-2
B. Jesus prepared the way for us. Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3; John 14:6-7
III. Baptized
A. John was the prerequisite prophet. 2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4; John 17:10-13
B. Confession and baptism are signs of new life. Matthew 3:5
IV. Coming Wrath
A. There will be a reckoning. Matthew 3:7, 12:3-37; Romans 10:9
B. Only genuine faith saves. Matthew 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
V. Spirit and Fire
A. God is different than us. Matthew 3:11a; John 3:30
B. We can: Be covered in God’s presence. Matthew 3:11b-12

The Next Step Life Group Follow Up
§ What was a high, and what was a low, of your 4th of July holiday?

§ If you had to give an abbreviated version of Sunday’s message on Matthew 3:1-12, what would you make sure to focus on?

§ Why do you think so many people were going out to hear John speak?

§ In what ways is repentance a good thing? Why is it so important?

§ Why do you think John was so harsh to the Pharisees and Sadducees? What, if anything, can we learn from his example?

§ How has the Holy Spirit challenged or changed you lately?

§ Read John 3:27-30. What are some specific ways we can decrease, and Christ increase, as we live as His witnesses?

§ Pray for each other.