Image by: Ezyan Y.

Introduction

Jesus is the greatest leader that ever lived on this earth. In today’s sermon we are going to focus on our attention on how Jesus overcame the temptations of leadership.

Related Bible verses: Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Samuel 2:12-25, 1 Samuel 2:27-34, 1 Samuel 4:10-11, 1 Samuel 4:14-18, 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 2 Samuel 11:6-27, 1 Samuel 28:7-25, Proverbs 3:7

1. Jesus did not abuse his power, v.3-4

Jesus was hungry after fasting and praying for 40 days. He was like any other human us and this is natural. The Tempter seized this opportunity and said to Jesus,

“if you are really the son of God turn these stones in to bread”

Jesus’ answered

“man does not live by bread alone but every word that departs from God”.

There were two pitfalls in Satan’s proposal.A. Abuse of power

B. Not depending on God

With great power comes great responsibility. (Spider Man 2002)

Today many Christian leaders have been exposed for abusing their power, authority and privileges.Leaders are accountable to God about the way they handle their authority and power. Failure to handle the God given authority faithfully means bringing severe judgment upon our selves. This is what happened to Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 2:12-25, 1 Samuel 2:27-34, 1 Samuel 4:10-11, 1 Samuel 4:14-18). Later they all died. King David, abused  his royal power to have sex with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-5) and to murder Uriah her husband (2 Samuel 11:6-27). The commentators say Bathsheba went to David out of fear for her family and loved ones. Not because she enjoyed such relationship with the king or expected special favor before the king.

Jesus instead of using the power to satisfy hunger chose to depend on God. King Saul hardly sought to depend on God. He made the first mistake of this kind by counting the soldiers and assessing his military strength against the enemy. Then he consulted a witch at Endore (1 Samuel 28:7-25). Seeking the advice of men and trusting our own strength is a sin against God. Always wait upon the Lord.

2. Jesus said no to “celebrity mentality”, v.5-7

Satan said to Jesus,

“if you are the son of God jump and the angels of God will rescue you…”

The angels will come and save Jesus indeed, but no one would want to crucify Him, and God’s plan for redemption will be sabotaged. Jesus sticked to His goal. Jesus knew He came to the world to do the Father’s will not to become a stunt man or a super star. Pride is one of the deep pitfalls leaders must be aware of. Now it is not wrong to feel joyful when you have accomplished something for God. He wants you to enjoy your ministry. But we must discern between pride and sense of achievement.

People see Leaders under the lime light as “Christian Celebrities” whom they exalt consciously or unconsciously. Young women might like the worship Pastor for his talent in music and older people might love the senior Pastor for his eloquent preaching. Whoever you are careful with people’s responses. I know glorious Christian leaders who got into trouble with young women who adored them for their performance behind the pulpit.

3. Jesus did not compromise, v.8-10

Satan knew that Jesus came to this world to claim the world, it’s people and creation for God. He wanted to spoil the plan so he offered a proposal. A little compromising will earn Jesus everything. Sounds good, but that wasn’t God’s way of doing it.

Consider the true stories of these Christian leaders who compromised (names are not real).

• Helen had always assumed that life would get easier as she got older. After all, her husband, Bob, had a good job, they went to church, and they were both genuinely committed to Christ. But Bob and Helen had a little secret. Bob was hooked on gambling. He called it “gaming” and would defend himself by saying, “I just need to blow off some steam. It’s harmless fun. Why can’t I spend my money doing what I really enjoy? Besides, I may win.” Spend he did, but win he didn’t.) That’s when Helen got desperate. As the accountant at their church, she found herself tempted to “borrow” funds from the church for temporary support-fully intending to pay them back. But could never paid until her sin was exposed.
• Shawn a youth pastor, wanted to help Jenifer. She was trapped in destructive dating relationship and had no support at home. Her divorced parents were so busy trying to hold their own lives together that they had no time for their daughter. Shawn began to spend a disproportionate amount of time with Jenifer. He was warned about his risky behavior; He justified his actions saying that Jenifer needs to know Christ’s love, and he wasn’t about to let her down as everybody else had. Several years later, after Jenifer had gone away to college, the head of Shawn’s church board received a call from Jenifer’s campus Pastor. Jenifer had experienced a significant spiritual awakening and had confessed to being sexually involved with Shawn. The consequences were devastating to Shawn, to his wife and young child, to Jenifer and her family, to the church and the community, and to the denomination in which Shawn was just beginning to move into significant leadership. He was removed from the church, and his ordination was revoked. He would never again serve in ordained ministry. (taken  from “Moody Magazine”, January/February 2001)

Satan will always encourage us to compromise, to make a deal with him so that we can reach our goal much faster and easier. But at the end there’s nothing but disaster. Jesus said,

For what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life? (Mark 8:36)

4. Jesus resisted the Devil v.10-11 (Conclusion)

Jesus resisted the Devil and rebuked him and the Devil left Jesus for some time. James said,

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV) James 4:7.

Sometimes the best strategy temptation is to resist the tempter. He can tempt us but he can not force us in to temptation. Falling into temptation is sin, but to be tempted is not a sin. We will be tempted until we die. But let us keep in mind and live the way that Jesus tackled the temptations of leadership.

Recommended reading: 7 Tips to handle temptation