Speaker: Pastor Marty Voltz
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Series: Lessons from the Mountaintop
As we have seen throughout this series of studies, the mountaintop is where God meets with His children to prepare them for life in the valley below. But it is also, on occasion, a place of testing and temptation.
On the mountaintop, we learn that:
- Attaining to life’s heights only increases our felt need to prove ourselves (vv. 5-6).
- Those who rise to the top may be expected to be tempted to "cash in" on their privileged position (v. 6).
- As we ascend the mountain of success, we must keep in mind that the world's kingdoms cannot grant us the fulfillment we seek (vv. 8-9).
- In the end, even those who attain to great heights are permitted no "shortcuts" (vv. 8-10).
Conclusion: It is often the case that we face our most severe temptations when we are lifted up to great heights. But there is no temptation too great for God’s provision.