Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Gospel Lesson just read, from Luke 4. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- We all face a great deal of temptations. Some of these may be serious, inducements to serious sin, cravings for things forbidden, allowing ourselves to become enslaved to something – drugs, alcohol, sex, or even food.
- More likely, we face a barrage of smaller temptations – doubts, a weak commitment to growing in faith and love, wasting time with frivolous things, apathy toward the growth, health, and vitality of the church.
- Now, these may be less significant and impactful as serious temptations, but they are nonetheless encounters with demons and our sinful flesh. As such they should be taken seriously – for they are violations of our Savior’s good and gracious will for us.
- If you are like me, you doubtless have had times where you determined to struggle against temptations, but had little success. If so, there is great good news in our text for tonight! “JESUS SHOWS US HOW TO WIN” in the battles against demons and temptations. First:
I. We Should Follow The Spirit As Jesus Did
Text: “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, He was hungry.”
Statement: We might wonder why the Spirit led Jesus into such temptations, and why Jesus would allow Himself to be led into them. This can’t be good, to be in the wilderness, eating nothing, growing weaker and more vulnerable to temptation. And right into a place where the devil himself could get at Him!
Application: We do not have an inner “guiding” by the Holy Spirit, at least not apart from the Scripture, the written Word of God. Still, even when following the written Word of God dangers can skulk around, and we recognize that we are close to evil. It doesn’t matter. If we have a Word of God that we are following this is a good thing – even if it draws us into places of temptation, or even “the valley of the shadow of death.” God will be with us to protect us and to enable to overcome and obtain the victory.
Transition: But there is more that Jesus shows us, in order that we win!
II. We Should Live By Every Word Of God
Text: “Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word which proceeds from the mouth of God.”'”
Statement: These words were first spoken by Moses to the children of Israel, near the end of their time in the wilderness. They had doubted Moses, doubted God. They had rebelled and been insolent. Yet God continued to love them and care for them. When they had no bread, this was no problem for God. He fed them manna in the morning and quail at night. He taught them that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Application: Jesus extends this Word of wisdom to His own circumstance in the wilderness. He keeps faith with God, knowing His promise and His power. He does not need “bread.” He needs the Word of God. And so do we! Jesus, by example, is showing us “HOW TO WIN,” how to defeat the devil and temptations. Know that God is going to provide for you, protect you, and bless you in all circumstances. Trust and hold fast to the Word of God! Remember His promises, His instructions, His presence, and His love.
Transition: And as we live by the Word of God:
III. We Remain Humbly Devoted To The Lord Our God
Text: “And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” . . . And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Statement: You see how Jesus answered each temptation with the written Word of God. Particularly poignant are these last two quotations. They direct us remain devoted and worshipful to God alone. We are to serve Him alone. And we are not to put the Lord to the test. Rather, we are to remain in humble submission to Him, and to His Word.
Application: This is not because He desires little robots to observe doing His will, but rather because He loves us as His dearly beloved children, and He wants only what is best for us. God is love. His Word is love. His instructions guide and protect us from danger and evil. Every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God is intended to guide us into greater and greater blessedness and joy.
Conclusion: If we can remember these three things whenever we are facing temptations, we will have much greater success in overcoming them. Follow the Spirit Of God, As He Directs You In God’s Word; Live By Every Word That Comes From The Mouth Of God; Revere and Honor God Alone, With Your Worship, Praise, Service, And Obedience.
Our temptations are not as sore as those Jesus endured. He overcame and showed us the proper way to also overcome our temptations. When we fail He is sure to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity. Thanks and praise be to Him. And in the strength and warmth of His love, may we seek to emulate our dear Savior when we are facing temptations. Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.