Podcast Summary: How to Fight Temptation and Live in Freedom
Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin – Matthew S1E3
Host: Pastor Joby Martin
Guest: Pastor Chris Brooks, staff/guest contributors
Date: January 26, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode centers on Matthew 4 and the temptation of Jesus, using this passage as a model for understanding how believers can confront and overcome temptation in their own lives. Pastor Joby Martin and Pastor Chris Brooks dive deep into the biblical framework for temptation, the sovereignty of God, practical strategies for resisting the enemy, the ongoing process of sanctification, and living in true spiritual freedom. The discussion is rich with theological insight, transparent personal stories, and actionable advice rooted in scripture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Sovereignty of God Over Temptation
[00:17–07:33]
- Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for temptation (Matthew 4:1), showing that God can use even Satan’s actions for greater sanctification and His glory.
- Pastor Joby Martin: “It doesn't just seem like it [God uses Satan as a pawn]; it says it right.”
- The cross is the ultimate example of God’s sovereignty even in apparent evil.
- Warns against trying to ‘fit God into our pain’ by prioritizing personal circumstances over God’s character and overarching redemptive plan.
Shift from Rule-Following to Heart Transformation
[05:24–07:33]
- Joby reflects on growing up in a church culture focused strictly on “do’s and don’ts,” which only led to “white-knuckling” morality without real victory or freedom.
- Joby: “I can’t remember a time when I was taught how not to sin… It was all, ‘Good Christians are good and don’t do bad things,’ and here's the list of things to avoid.”
- Emphasizes that it’s not just about resisting temptation, but understanding the God-given desires at the root—and how Satan corrupts what God creates.
Life and Death: The True Paradigm of Scripture
[07:33–09:12]
- The Christian journey isn’t a ‘good vs. evil’ yin-yang, but a matter of life and death (John 10: Abundant life vs. killing, stealing, destroying).
- Joby: “The reason [God] doesn’t like [sin] is because he loves you… You having abundant life is having him.”
God’s Perspective, Human Reality, and Faith
[09:12–12:47]
- The gap between God's timeless perspective and our day-to-day experience is bridged by faith.
- Illustrated using Job; God’s plan is always loving, even when we don’t see or understand.
- The problem of evil is placed in the context of ultimate redemption and love through sacrifice.
- Joby: “Is there love without sacrifice? Is there ultimate love without ultimate sacrifice?”
The Process and Evidence of Sanctification
[13:25–20:19]
- Sanctification is “a big soup” where real transformation must be evident; if not, your heart hasn’t yielded to Jesus.
- Joby, citing John MacArthur: “The longer you’ve been a Christian, the less you’ll sin and the worse you’ll feel.”
- Fruit of the Spirit isn’t about checklist morality but about God producing inward change.
Three Evidences of Salvation
[17:14–20:19]
- Conviction for sin
- A desire to know God more
- A heart for the lost
- Staff/Guest speaker: “Conviction of sin is evidence of the Spirit at work inside you… And when you know God, you want more.”
The Cross Frees Us from Ourselves
[20:45–21:48]
- Sin is fundamentally “addiction to self.” The goal of sanctification is to loosen our self-centeredness and shift desires toward God—to “lose your life in Christ to gain it.” (cf. Luke 9:24)
Getting to the Root of Sin
[16:32–17:14]; [21:48–25:54]
- External behaviors and temptations may change over time, but the root issues usually remain unless confronted spiritually.
- Stories about fighting, pride, and self-centeredness illustrate that what once produced external actions (e.g., fighting) can later manifest in subtler ways (e.g., seeking recognition).
- “If you don’t get down to [the root], that’s where the enemy will really get you.” — Joby, 22:03
Practical Spiritual Warfare: Temptation, Oppression, and Strongholds
[29:09–41:58]
- Not all spiritual struggles are the same; temptation, oppression, and strongholds are distinct, with only nonbelievers subject to possession.
- Christians should stay alert to opening “doors” to darkness via seemingly small compromises (amulets, occultic symbols, spiritually charged practices).
- On yoga and gray areas: Intent and definition matter. “If you’re a Christian wanting to meditate on scripture while stretching, call it that—don’t use terminology with serious spiritual baggage.” — Joby, 41:58
Practical Examples to Guard Against
- Occult symbols, idol statues, communicating with spirits, palm readers, etc.
- Social/cultural “flirting with darkness” by participating in things that have demonic origins or associations.
Jesus, Israel, and the Temptation Narrative
[30:03–34:38]
- Jesus succeeds where Adam and Israel fail: He faces temptations in the wilderness (as hungry and alone) but remains obedient.
- All of Jesus’ scriptural responses in Matthew 4 quote Deuteronomy—tying his obedience directly to Israel’s failures.
- The three temptations mirror stages of Israel’s history and fulfillment (manna, temple, nations) and the schemes of the enemy.
The Devil’s Schemes: Understanding the Lure and the Hook
[43:15–47:42]
- Temptation is not itself sin. It is the “lure,” but there is always a “hook.”
- Joby: “Don’t get so hung up on the lure… what I’m trying to identify tonight is the hook.”
- Satan uses personalized, patient tactics—“Satan’s got a long game too.”
Quote Highlight
“CS Lewis has this great line that… you’re trying to get the right thing the wrong way. And that’s very obvious from how Satan’s tempting Jesus in this text.” — Pastor Chris Brooks, 47:42
The Ongoing Battle & Engaging Against Temptation
[47:42–49:43]
- “Struggle” must be real, active resistance—not just passive suffering.
- Unnamed speaker: “It’s not enough only to identify [the issue]. My agency has got to get involved here to partner with the spirit of God and break this stuff off me.”
Finding True Satisfaction and Freedom in Christ
[50:02–54:43]
- Jesus is the only real answer to deep soul-level cravings:
- Lust of the flesh → Christ gives peace
- Lust of the eyes → Christ gives lasting satisfaction/security
- Pride of life → Christ gives identity as a loved child of God
- Temporary pleasures lose their grip when the believer’s perspective shifts to what God offers.
- Joby (airline illustration): “What you’re offering me is nothing compared to what I have.”
The Power of God’s Word: The Key to Victory
[56:13–58:40]
- The supernatural work of God is accessed through His Word. Memorizing specific verses that counteract your temptations triggers spiritual power in real time.
- Example: Dad struggling with kids—memorize “Fathers, do not exasperate your children” (Eph. 6:4).
- Joby: “The Bible's not there to win the battle—the battle's already won. It reminds you that Christ has won it on your behalf.”
Final Challenge: Reframing Attack as Opportunity
[58:40–59:32]
- Use the enemy’s attack as a trigger to turn toward God’s truth, not your flesh.
- Joby: “Why don't you let the enemy’s attack trigger you… to align yourself with the Word of God.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You live your label.” — Pastor Chris Brooks, 07:01
- “The longer you’ve been a Christian, the less you’ll sin and the worse you’ll feel.” — Joby, quoting John MacArthur, 14:16
- “Is there ultimate love without ultimate sacrifice?” — Joby, 11:46
- “Sin is fundamentally addiction to self. The goal of sanctification is to loosen our self-centeredness.” — Staff/Guest, 20:45
- “If you don’t get down to it, that’s where the enemy will really get you.” — Joby, 22:03
- “Some things must be outright rejected, some things redeemed, some things received. Pay attention.” — Joby, 41:58
- “Don’t get so hung up on the lure… what I’m trying to identify tonight is the hook.” — Joby, 43:32
- “Struggle—fight back! Let’s get in this thing, right?” — Joby, 49:27
Timestamps for Important Segments
- God’s Sovereignty & Temptation: 00:17–07:33
- Legalism to Heart Change: 05:24–09:12
- Paradigm of Life and Death: 07:33–09:12
- Faith Bridges Divine Perspective: 09:12–12:47
- Sanctification & Evidence of Salvation: 13:25–20:19
- The Root of Sin & Temptation: 16:32–25:54
- Practical Spiritual Warfare: 29:09–41:58
- Jesus, Israel, and Fulfillment: 31:28–34:38
- The Devil’s Long Game: 43:15–47:42
- Engaging in the Spiritual Battle: 47:42–49:43
- Freedom in Christ: 50:02–54:43
- Scripture Memorization & Victory: 56:13–58:40
- Final Application—Reframing the Enemy’s Attack: 58:40–59:32
Conclusion
This episode is a guide for understanding the blueprint Jesus sets for victory over temptation. Listeners are challenged to move past superficial morality, recognize spiritual warfare, dig to the root of their struggles, and continuously come back to the truth and person of Jesus for real, lasting freedom. The Word of God, abiding in Christ, and grasping one’s beloved identity are lifted up as the ultimate answers to confronting and overcoming the schemes of the enemy.