Clayton’s Wilderness Survival School: Jesus in the Wilderness of Testing

Jesus in the Wilderness of Testing

Series: Clayton’s Wilderness Survival School

Dr. Clayton Chisum

October 5, 2025

What can I learn from Jesus’ time in the wilderness?

Matthew 4:1 (NLT)

If Jesus himself was sent into the wilderness to be tested, you can bet the house that you will be, too.

James 1:13 (NLT)

1. The devil to you, but God to you.

James 1:3 (NLT)

Matthew 4:2 (NLT)

2. The wilderness is where you find what you’re

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT)

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

Matthew 4:3-11 (NLT)

3. If Jesus needed in the wilderness, then so do you

Psalm 119:9 (NLT)

Psalm 119:11 (NLT)

Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

Being in the wilderness doesn’t mean you’re defeated, it signals you’re being tested. And what you’re hungry for the most will either lead you to sin or to your Savior.

James 1:12 (NLT)

Hebrews 2:18 (NLT)

Discussion Questions:

1. When have you felt like you were in a “spiritual wilderness”? Why do you think God sometimes allows us to go through those seasons?
2. What’s the difference between a test from God and a temptation from the devil? How have you seen God use a test to grow you?
3. What are you most ”hungry” for when life gets hard?
4. How can our weaknesses become easy targets for temptation?
5. What helps you keep God as your greatest desire?
6. How did Jesus use Scripture to overcome temptation? What verses have been “survival supplies” for you in tough times? How can we better hide God’s Word in our hearts for the wilderness?
7. Where do you need to grow stronger before your next wilderness season?