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Baptized and Tempted the Baptism of Jesus

Baptized and Tempted the Baptism of Jesus

WITH US GOD WITH US Part 8: Part 8: JESUS

Message 4 – Baptized and Tempted Message 4 – Baptized and Tempted

Introduction Introduction The public ministry of Jesus was preceded by the ministry of John The public ministry of Jesus was preceded by the ministry of , who was called by God to prepare the way for the the Baptist, who was called by God to prepare the way for the . John stirred a massive following of ordinary people who Messiah. John stirred a massive following of ordinary people who came out into the wilderness of Judea to hear his prophetic messages came out into the wilderness of Judea to hear his prophetic messages concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God. When Jesus concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God. When Jesus arrived, John pointed the multitudes and his own disciples to follow arrived, John pointed the multitudes and his own disciples to follow Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. John was soon imprisoned by Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. John was soon imprisoned by and disappeared from public view, while Jesus’ Herod Antipas and disappeared from public view, while Jesus’ popularity and following grew rapidly. John himself said: “He must popularity and following grew rapidly. John himself said: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). The of Jesus The Baptism of Jesus Jesus did not need to be baptized for the same everyone else Jesus did not need to be baptized for the same reason everyone else was being baptized. The multitudes were confessing and repenting was being baptized. The multitudes were confessing and repenting of their sins in preparation for the arrival of the Savior and Messiah. of their sins in preparation for the arrival of the Savior and Messiah. Immersion in water was a symbolic way of declaring that one’s sins Immersion in water was a symbolic way of declaring that one’s sins were ‘washed away.’ Jesus was baptized to identify Himself with were ‘washed away.’ Jesus was baptized to identify Himself with the community He came to save. He would be taking their sins the community He came to save. He would be taking their sins upon Himself at the cross. Thus, His immersion in water pictured upon Himself at the cross. Thus, His immersion in water pictured the sins of the people washing over Him. the sins of the people washing over Him. 1. John the Baptist begins baptizing: Matt.3:1-6; Lk. 3:1-6 1. John the Baptist begins baptizing: Matt.3:1-6; Lk. 3:1-6 John appeared in the wilderness of Judea, east of by the John appeared in the wilderness of Judea, east of Jerusalem by the . He looked and acted like the from of Jordan River. He looked and acted like Elijah the prophet from of old. Many thought he was Elijah raised from the dead. He began old. Many thought he was Elijah raised from the dead. He began calling people to “repent” (a change of mind leading to a change in calling people to “repent” (a change of mind leading to a change in actions) to prepare for the soon arrival of the kingdom of God. actions) to prepare for the soon arrival of the kingdom of God. Multitudes were going out to him and being baptized in the Jordan Multitudes were going out to him and being baptized in the Jordan River. His ministry was in fulfillment of Isaiah 40. River. His ministry was in fulfillment of Isaiah 40. “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation’” (Isaiah 40:3-5). God’s salvation’” (Isaiah 40:3-5). 10/21/18 930 10/21/18 930 2. The leaders from Jerusalem question John: John 1:19-28 2. The leaders from Jerusalem question John: John 1:19-28 The Jewish leaders (, , scribes, ) did not The Jewish leaders (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, priests) did not like it when the common people flocked to John the Baptist. They like it when the common people flocked to John the Baptist. They went out to interrogate John as to his identity and mission. John told went out to interrogate John as to his identity and mission. John told them that he was the voice that Isaiah had prophesied, the one that them that he was the voice that Isaiah had prophesied, the one that would “make straight paths for the Lord” (Isa.40:3). He then told would “make straight paths for the Lord” (Isa.40:3). He then told them that someone greater than he was about to arrive: them that someone greater than he was about to arrive: “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26,27). whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:26,27). 3. John rebukes the leaders: Matt.3:7-10; Lk.3:7-9 3. John rebukes the leaders: Matt.3:7-10; Lk.3:7-9 John knew that the religious leaders were trying to maintain their John knew that the religious leaders were trying to maintain their power. As they mingled with the crowds and pretended that they power. As they mingled with the crowds and pretended that they also were “repenting,” John called them out on their motives. also were “repenting,” John called them out on their motives. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘ have as our father.’ I tell you that out of yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matt.3:7-10). (Matt.3:7-10). Children of Abraham? Yes, by Jewish descent. But in their hearts Children of Abraham? Yes, by Jewish descent. But in their hearts these proud leaders were children of ! John did not mince these proud leaders were children of snakes! John did not mince words. If these leaders came out to partake of John’s baptism, this words. If these leaders came out to partake of John’s baptism, this confrontation stopped them in their tracks. According to Luke 7:30, confrontation stopped them in their tracks. According to Luke 7:30, the Pharisees refused to submit to baptism by John. the Pharisees refused to submit to baptism by John. 4. John tells the crowds what repentance involves: Lk. 3:10-14 4. John tells the crowds what repentance involves: Lk. 3:10-14 When the common people who were sincere heard John’s warning When the common people who were sincere heard John’s warning about the judgment of God falling upon the “children of snakes,” about the judgment of God falling upon the “children of snakes,” they feared and asked: “What should we do?” John told them to be they feared and asked: “What should we do?” John told them to be charitable to those in need (3:11); he told tax-collectors to collect charitable to those in need (3:11); he told tax-collectors to collect only what was due (3:13); soldiers to refrain from using their power only what was due (3:13); soldiers to refrain from using their power unjustly and to be content with their wages (3:14). True repentance unjustly and to be content with their wages (3:14). True repentance always involves action. always involves action.

10/21/18 931 10/21/18 931 The Greek word “hypocrite” means “to speak from under a mask.” The Greek word “hypocrite” means “to speak from u nder a mask.” It was the term used to describe Greek stage players. God can see It was the term used to describe Greek stage players. God can see right through the masks people wear. He is looking for sincere right through the masks people wear. He is looking for sincere hearts, not good acting; for hearts that want to have a relationship hearts, not good acting; for hearts that want to have a relationship with Him and to walk in fellowship with Him. And such hearts will with Him and to walk in fellowship with Him. And such hearts will always maintain a disposition of repentance – sorrow over sin, always maintain a disposition of repentance – sorrow over sin, confession of sin, and a desire to change. We will never achieve confession of sin, and a desire to change. We will never achieve perfection in this life; but we can seek to become more and more perfection in this life; but we can seek to become more and more like Jesus. Ask God to help you see clearly what He sees in you. like Jesus. Ask God to help you see clearly what He sees in you. Pray for insight as to what changes He wants you to make. Pray for insight as to what changes He wants you to make.

5. John says Jesus is greater than he: Lk. 3:15-17; Matt.3:11,12 5. John says Jesus is greater than he: Lk. 3:15-17; Matt.3:11,12 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the and fire. worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them (Luke exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them (Luke 3:15-18). 3:15-18). What did John mean when he said that the coming one (Jesus) What did John mean when he said that the coming one (Jesus) would baptize them “with the Holy Spirit and fire?” Based on would baptize them “with the Holy Spirit and fire?” Based on Jesus’ later comment (Acts 1:5), the baptism with the Holy Spirit Jesus’ later comment (Acts 1:5), the baptism with the Holy Spirit occurred on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) when the was occurred on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Church was born. At that time, there were also “tongues of fire” that fell upon born. At that time, there were also “tongues of fire” that fell upon the disciples; but it is unlikely this was what John was referring to the disciples; but it is unlikely this was what John was referring to when He said that Jesus would “baptize with fire.” In the when He said that Jesus would “baptize with fire.” In the immediate context of John’s words (Luke 3:15-18), he used the immediate context of John’s words (Luke 3:15-18), he used the imagery of the threshing floor being cleaned with the wheat being imagery of the threshing floor being cleaned with the wheat being gathered in and the chaff being burned up with fire. This end-times gathered in and the chaff being burned up with fire. This end-times judgment imagery occurs again in Jesus’ parable of the wheat and judgment imagery occurs again in Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares (Matt.13:24-30 and 36-43). Thus, when John said that the tares (Matt.13:24-30 and 36-43). Thus, when John said that Jesus would baptize with the Spirit and fire, he was predicting both Jesus would baptize with the Spirit and fire, he was predicting both the beginning and end of the Messianic age: The Church was born the beginning and end of the Messianic age: The Church was born when Jesus baptized people with the Holy Spirit, and the end of the when Jesus baptized people with the Holy Spirit, and the end of the age will culminate when Jesus judges the world (baptizes the world age will culminate when Jesus judges the world (baptizes the world with fire). with fire).

10/21/18 932 10/21/18 932 6. John sees Jesus arriving: John 1:29-34 6. John sees Jesus arriving: John 1:29-34 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to .” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from as a dove and remain on him. And Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (1:29-34). have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (1:29-34). John the Baptist made many clear declarations about Jesus: John the Baptist made many clear declarations about Jesus: - One more powerful than I. - One more powerful than I. - One whom you do not know. - One whom you do not know. - One whose sandals I am unworthy to untie or carry. - One whose sandals I am unworthy to untie or carry. - One who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. - One who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. - One who will bring judgment on earth. - One who will bring judgment on earth. - One who takes away the sins of the world. - One who takes away the sins of the world. - One who is God’s chosen servant. - One who is God’s chosen servant. 7. John baptizes Jesus: Matt.3:13-15 7. John baptizes Jesus: Matt.3:13-15 When Jesus came forward to be baptized, John tried to stop him, When Jesus came forward to be baptized, John tried to stop him, knowing He was the Messiah. But Jesus told him it was necessary. knowing He was the Messiah. But Jesus told him it was necessary. Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented (Matt.3:15). fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented (Matt.3:15). Hebrews 2:17 says: “He had to be made like His brothers in every Hebrews 2:17 says: “He had to be made like His brothers in every way… to make atonement for the sins of the people.” Jesus was way… to make atonement for the sins of the people.” Jesus was baptized so that he could identify with those He came to save. They baptized so that he could identify with those He came to save. They were baptized as a sign of repentance from sin. He was baptized as were baptized as a sign of repentance from sin. He was baptized as a sign of coming to remove their sin by taking it upon Himself as a a sign of coming to remove their sin by taking it upon Himself as a sacrificial lamb. sacrificial lamb. 8. Jesus anointed and affirmed: (Lk.3:21,22; Mt.3:16,17) 8. Jesus anointed and affirmed: (Lk.3:21,22; Mt.3:16,17) After Jesus was baptized, he was praying. God the Spirit and God After Jesus was baptized, he was praying. God the Spirit and both moved in this moment to anoint and affirm God the the Father both moved in this moment to anoint and affirm (a display of the tri-unity of God). Son (a display of the tri-unity of God). When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.

10/21/18 933 10/21/18 933 And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21,22). pleased” (Luke 3:21,22). Jesus was uniquely affirmed as the beloved Son of the Father. Jesus was uniquely affirmed as the beloved Son of the Father. Yet, each of us are affirmed as beloved children IF we have Yet, each of us are affirmed as beloved children IF we have received Jesus as Savior (Jn.1:12). “For you have not received a received Jesus as Savior (Jn.1:12). “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God…” (Romans 8:15,16). Do you feel the are children of God…” (Romans 8:15,16). Do you feel the Father’s affirmation over you? Do you rest securely in His love Father’s affirmation over you? Do you rest securely in His love for you? Your relational world may you up to feel unloved for you? Your relational world may set you up to feel unloved and unaccepted. Through time focusing on ’s words you and unaccepted. Through time focusing on Christ’s words you will grow to experience God’s unconditional love. will grow to experience God’s unconditional love.

The of Jesus The Temptation of Jesus The baptism of Jesus prepared Him publicly – by identifying Him The baptism of Jesus prepared Him publicly – by identifying Him with the repentant community that He came to save. The temptation with the repentant community that He came to save. The temptation of Jesus prepared Him privately – through prayer and fasting, in His of Jesus prepared Him privately – through prayer and fasting, in His obedience to the mission given to Him by the Father and His obedience to the mission given to Him by the Father and His determination to do battle with the . determination to do battle with . 1. Jesus led into the desert: Lk.3:1; Mk.1:12,13; Mt.4:1,2 1. Jesus led into the desert: Lk.3:1; Mk.1:12,13; Mt.4:1,2 “Then Jesus was carried up into the wilderness by the Spirit to be “Then Jesus was carried up into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted of the devil: and having fasted forty days and forty nights, tempted of the devil: and having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterwards he hungered” (Matt.4:1,2). afterwards he hungered” (Matt.4:1,2). Several things become clear when you compare the accounts: Several things become clear when you compare the accounts: - Jesus was “compelled” by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness. - Jesus was “compelled” by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness. - He was tempted by the devil throughout the 40 days. - He was tempted by the devil throughout the 40 days. - He was with the wild beasts of the wilderness. - He was with the wild beasts of the wilderness. - ministered to Him the entire time. - Angels ministered to Him the entire time. - He fasted and prayed and became very hungry. - He fasted and prayed and became very hungry. - Three culminating temptations came at the end of the 40 days. - Three culminating temptations came at the end of the 40 days.

This period of testing not only prepared Jesus for His immediate This period of testing not only prepared Jesus for His immediate mission; but it also prepared Him for His future role as our great mission; but it also prepared Him for His future role as our great High in heaven, who is now faithfully interceding for us. High Priest in heaven, who is now faithfully interceding for us. “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). 10/21/18 934 10/21/18 934 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15,16). help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15,16). Jesus experienced all forms of temptation so that He can now Jesus experienced all forms of temptation so that He can now sympathize with us and intercede for us. When you are being sympathize with us and intercede for us. When you are being tempted, talk to Him. He knows what you are feeling. He can help tempted, talk to Him. He knows what you are feeling. He can help you. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to you. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1Corinthians 10:13). Your merciful High Priest cares for you! (1Corinthians 10:13). Your merciful High Priest cares for you!

2. The three final temptations: Matt.4:1-10; Lk.4:1-12 2. The three final temptations: Matt.4:1-10; Lk.4:1-12 Three specific temptations occurred at the end of the 40 days. Three specific temptations occurred at the end of the 40 days. Matthew and Luke have them in different orders, based on what Matthew and Luke have them in different orders, based on what they wanted to emphasize. A more accurate of Satan’s they wanted to emphasize. A more accurate translation of Satan’s temptations would be: “SINCE you are the Son of God, then do x, y, temptations would be: “SINCE you are the Son of God, then do x, y, z.” Satan was not questioning “IF” Jesus was the Son of God. Even z.” Satan was not questioning “IF” Jesus was the Son of God. Even the would later say: “We know who you are. You are the the demons would later say: “We know who you are. You are the Holy One of God!” Satan was tempting Jesus to use His identity Holy One of God!” Satan was tempting Jesus to use His identity (His divine authority and power) in the wrong ways . (His divine authority and power) in the wrong ways . - Stones to bread (EAT and LIVE): Matt.4:3,4; Lk.4:3,4 - Stones to bread (EAT and LIVE): Matt.4:3,4; Lk.4:3,4 Satan was saying: Since you are the Son of God, you have the right Satan was saying: Since you are the Son of God, you have the right and ability to assert your power to change stones to bread and and ability to assert your power to change stones to bread and satisfy your hunger. Do it! satisfy your hunger. Do it! Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Mt.4:4). but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Mt.4:4). Jesus cited Deuteronomy 8:3. He was submitted to the Father’s will Jesus cited Deuteronomy 8:3. He was submitted to the Father’s will (He lived by every word that came from God’s mouth). Later in His (He lived by every word that came from God’s mouth). Later in His ministry Jesus would say: “My food is to do the will of Him who ministry Jesus would say: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34). sent Me, and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34). Satan will tempt us today to “eat and live.” To look for ways to Satan will tempt us today to “eat and live.” To look for ways to “self-fulfill” instead of trusting our Father to meet our needs “self-fulfill” instead of trusting our Father to meet our needs (Matt.6:25-34). Satan’s original lie to and was: “God (Matt.6:25-34). Satan’s original lie to was: “God is not looking out for you. Look out for yourselves. Eat and live!” is not looking out for you. Look out for yourselves. Eat and live!” (Genesis 3:1-5.) When Satan says, “eat and live,” he is really (Genesis 3:1-5.) When Satan says, “eat and live,” he is really saying, “eat and die.” (“” = alienation from Go d.) saying, “eat and die.” (“Death” = alienation from God.) 10/21/18 935 10/21/18 935 - Temple-top dare (JUMP and SHINE): Matt.4:5-7; Lk.4:9-12 - Temple-top dare (JUMP and SHINE): Matt.4:5-7; Lk.4:9-12 Satan transported Jesus (in spirit, in vision) to the of the Satan transported Jesus (in spirit, in vision) to the pinnacle of the Jerusalem temple. From that height to the ground below was a drop Jerusalem temple. From that height to the ground below was a drop of between 300-600 feet (a 30-60 story building). of between 300-600 feet (a 30-60 story building). “Since you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down “Since you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’” their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’” (Matt.4:6). (Matt.4:6). Satan used Scripture (Psalm 91:11-12) to tempt Jesus. Satan was Satan used Scripture (Psalm 91:11-12) to tempt Jesus. Satan was saying: You have the position to display your grandeur, and you saying: You have the position to display your grandeur, and you know you will be protected by the Father. So, do it! Jump! know you will be protected by the Father. So, do it! Jump! Jesus knew that His purpose was to serve humanity by dying on a Jesus knew that His purpose was to serve humanity by dying on a cross; not to look wonderful by jumping off a temple and having cross; not to look wonderful by jumping off a temple and having angels give Him a safe landing! He cited Deuteronomy 6:16. angels give Him a safe landing! He cited Deuteronomy 6:16. Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God’” (Matt.4:7). your God’” (Matt.4:7). Scripture says: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, Scripture says: “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you at the proper time” (1Peter 5:6). and He will exalt you at the proper time” (1Peter 5:6).

Satan will tempt us today to “jump and shine.” To determine our Satan will tempt us today to “jump and shine.” To determine our own agenda and then to jump into action, expecting God to show up own agenda and then to jump into action, expecting God to show up to support us and help us succeed. But Satan knows that God does to support us and help us succeed. But Satan knows that God does not exist to serve our agendas or to make us look great. God is not not exist to serve our agendas or to make us look great. God is not interested in helping ‘our will’ to be done on earth. So, when Satan interested in helping ‘our will’ to be done on earth. So, when Satan tempts us to “jump and shine,” he is really inviting us to “crash and tempts us to “jump and shine,” he is really inviting us to “crash and burn.” burn.”

- Worship me (BOW and WIN): Lk.4:5-8; Mt.4:8-10 - Worship me (BOW and WIN): Lk.4:5-8; Mt.4:8-10 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours” give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours” (Lk.4:5-7). (Lk.4:5-7). Spiritual conflict is a key theme in Luke, therefore he gave more Spiritual conflict is a key theme in Luke, therefore he gave more attention to Satan’s offer to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the attention to Satan’s offer to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Elsewhere Satan is called “the ruler of this world” (John world. Elsewhere Satan is called “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 16:11) and “the god of this world” (2Cor.4:4). 12:31; 16:11) and “the god of this world” (2Cor.4:4). 10/21/18 936 10/21/18 936 Satan was saying: If you want this kingdom, you don’t have to fight Satan was saying: If you want this kingdom, you don’t have to fight me for it. Bow down to me and you can have it all, right now. me for it. Bow down to me and you can have it all, right now. Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (:8). your God and serve Him only” (Luke 4:8).

Satan will tempt us today to “bow and win.” To take shortcuts to get Satan will tempt us today to “bow and win.” To take shortcuts to get to the goal, rather than staying on God’s path; to look for the easy to the goal, rather than staying on God’s path; to look for the easy road rather than endure hardship; to cheat just a little (or a ) to road rather than endure hardship; to cheat just a little (or a lot) to get ahead, rather than doing things in a God-honoring way and get ahead, rather than doing things in a God-honoring way and trusting God to measure out to us His blessings in His time. Satan trusting God to measure out to us His blessings in His time. Satan will whisper: ‘You can have the gain without the pain.’ ‘You can get will whisper: ‘You can have the gain without the pain.’ ‘You can get rich, fast.’ Beware of Satan’s “bow and win” propositions. What he rich, fast.’ Beware of Satan’s “bow and win” propositions. What he really means is: “Follow me and l ose.” really means is: “Follow me and lose.”

3. The conclusion to the temptations: Matt.4:11; Lk.4:13 3. The conclusion to the temptations: Matt.4:11; Lk.4:13 Matthew and Luke have different notes at the end of their Matthew and Luke have different notes at the end of their temptation narratives. These differences reflect themes that are temptation narratives. These differences reflect themes that are important to each author. As for Matthew: important to each author. As for Matthew: “Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to “Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him” (Matt.4:11). minister to Him” (Matt.4:11). Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish audience, for whom Matthew was writing primarily to a Jewish audience, for whom angels had special significance. The ministry of angels’ points to 1) angels had special significance. The ministry of angels’ points to 1) the depth of the battle Jesus had gone through, and 2) the favor of the depth of the battle Jesus had gone through, and 2) the favor of the Father upon His Son. In the Father’s timing, He did send His the Father upon His Son. In the Father’s timing, He did send His angels to “carry His Son on ’s wings” (Ps.91:11,12). angels to “carry His Son on angel’s wings” (Ps.91:11,12). Luke wanted to emphasize the battle between Jesus and Satan. Luke wanted to emphasize the battle between Jesus and Satan. “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). Luke wants the reader to know that this temptation sequence was Luke wants the reader to know that this temptation sequence was only the beginning of an ongoing conflict between Jesus and Satan only the beginning of an ongoing conflict between Jesus and Satan that would play out throughout the rest of the story. that would play out throughout the rest of the story. Satan is “the father of lies.” Lies are his greatest weapon to Satan is “the father of lies.” Lies are his greatest weapon to mislead and defeat us. Thus, it is important to immerse yourself in mislead and defeat us. Thus, it is important to immerse yourself in God’s truth so that when the devil tries to plant lies in your heart God’s truth so that when the devil tries to plant lies in your heart they won’t stick. “Stand firm (against the devil), having girded your they won’t stick. “Stand firm (against the devil), having girded your loins with truth” (Eph.6:14). Our ability to walk in victory over the lies loins with truth” (Eph.6:14). Our ability to walk in victory over the lies of the One will be directly related to the depth of our devotion to of the Evil One will be directly related to the depth of our devotion to God’s Word. If Jesus had to use Scripture to defeat the devil’s lies, God’s Word. If Jesus had to use Scripture to defeat the devil’s lies, how much more us! how much more us! 10/21/18 937 10/21/18 937 Discussion Questions Discussion Questions 1. Jesus was publicly baptized to identify with those He came to 1. Jesus was publicly baptized to identify with those He came to save. How does His willingness to be baptized impact you? Have save. How does His willingness to be baptized impact you? Have you been publicly baptized to identify with Jesus as your Savior? If you been publicly baptized to identify with Jesus as your Savior? If not, what is holding you back? not, what is holding you back? Jesus prayed, fasted, depended on the Spirit and knew Scripture. Jesus prayed, fasted, depended on the Spirit and knew Scripture. Thus, He countered Satan’s temptations with authority, knowing Thus, He countered Satan’s temptations with authority, knowing that the TRUTH He believed and used was His power to prevail. that the TRUTH He believed and used was His power to prevail. Consider how you might overcome these temptations as Jesus did. Consider how you might overcome these temptations as Jesus did. 2. The 1 st temptation was to turn stones to bread (EAT and LIVE). 2. The 1 st temptation was to turn stones to bread (EAT and LIVE). Have you been tempted to say or do something, but your conscience Have you been tempted to say or do something, but your conscience brought truth to mind and you chose to do God’s will instead? Can brought truth to mind and you chose to do God’s will instead? Can you share an example? you share an example? 3. The 2nd temptation was to leap from the temple (JUMP and 3. The 2 nd temptation was to leap from the temple (JUMP and SHINE), proving that Jesus was God’s Chosen, and worthy of being SHINE), proving that Jesus was God’s Chosen, and worthy of being glorified. How have you ever pressed your own agenda and then glorified. How have you ever pressed your own agenda and then expected God to show up to support you and give you success? expected God to show up to support you and give you success? 4. The 3 rd temptation was to bow to Satan and attain the goal of 4. The 3 rd temptation was to bow to Satan and attain the goal of universal authority, without a painful path, (BOW and WIN). Satan universal authority, without a painful path, (BOW and WIN). Satan often tempts us to avoid the hard path and take the easy road. Think often tempts us to avoid the hard path and take the easy road. Think about a time you took a short cut to avoid hardship and get to your about a time you took a short cut to avoid hardship and get to your goal (at work, school, in a relationship). goal (at work, school, in a relationship).

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