Desert Survival Tactics

Extreme ExamplesExtreme Examples

• Fast slowly and look to God. v.2; Lk. 4:1-2

– Strive to be filled with the Spirit! Eph. 5:17-21

– Spiritual focus takes focus off the temporal, lets us draw nearer to God. Matthew 6:17-18

– Used in turning to God… Joel 2:12; Jas. 4:8

– Fasting & Prayer go together. 1 Cor. 7:5

– Certain things are accomplished only by prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29


• Be hungry -- but be full. 1 Pet. 2:21– God’s Word as a type of food v.4; 1 Pet. 2:2– “It is written,” filled spiritually & combat ready– Like Jesus, Paul knew how to abound and

suffer need. Phil. 4:11-12 – Through it all, Jesus pointed to spiritual truths

which sustained him in his time of need.• He did not fall but stood firm. 1 Cor.16:13-14


• Watch out for snakes (foes) and bite back.

• Not if -- but when they come. v.3– Ephesians 5:11– 1 Peter 3:15– Ephesians 6:17 – 1 Tim. 6:12 Fight! Use it or lose it.

• Stay alert -- they will come back!

Luke 4:13; 1 Peter 5:8

Imitate Christ!Imitate Christ!

• God made us to be conformed to Christ’s image. Romans 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 11:1• Survive hardships.

• Poor… 2 Cor. 8:9• Homeless… Luke 9:58

• Work… • Physical Labor: 2 Thes. 3:10• Mind: worship Mt. 4:10; Study Acts 17:11

• Can do… Phil. 4:13

Imitate Christ!Imitate Christ!

• Like Jesus we will avoid the things of this sinful world. 1 Jn. 2:15-17• Lust of the flesh – Mt. 4:3-4• Lust of the eyes – Mt. 4:8-10• Pride (vainglory) of life – Mt. 4:5-7

• Notice Jesus took the way of escape. 1 Cor. 10:12-13 …was thru the Word of God

• We must survive in this desert without becoming like the “evil” world. Jn. 17:14-15

Survival Qualities:Survival Qualities:

• Desire to live by God’s word. Mt. 4:4– Spiritual will win over physical

2 Cor. 4:16-18

• Desire to faithfully trust in the Lord– Trust in God always, be not swayed by

presumptuous questions. Eph. 4:27

• Desire to worship & serve God only– Undying allegiance to God… Eph. 6:6

Are You Prepared Are You Prepared For The Test?For The Test?

Have you heard and

learned the gospel truth?

Jn. 6:45; 1 Cor. 15:1-4

Believe it? Rom. 10:9

Repentant living? Lk. 13:3

Confess Jesus? Acts 8:37

Been Baptized? Acts 22:16

Faithful? Rev. 2:10