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| One of the basic principles of my teaching is "TEST EVERYTHING BY THE WORD"! Father God we bless your holy Name tonight! Thank you for all your blessings. You are awesome Lord, and we rejoice in your presence. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to study your Word. Jesus we appreciate the blessings you heap upon us daily. We are so happy you gave your life for us! We worship you and exalt you on high! satan we come against you and bind all your power and schemes against the Word tonight, before, after and during the study. We rebuke you and cast you out of this place in Jesus Name. We command you to leave our connections, cables, PCs and any equipment involved in Jesus Name. Father God we rebuke the spirit of confusion and ask for the Spirit to order our minds and help us focus in Jesus Name. OlePappy - Father, I ask that you take the distractions away from all of our minds so that we can more fully receive the blessings of Your Holy Word. I ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN Holy Spirit we invite you as our teacher. Instruct us in the ways of righteousness. Teach us how to fight temptation and how to minister to the hurting in Jesus Name. AMEN Last time we were studying about Jesus temptation. He had been driven or led into the wilderness by the Spirit after His baptism, and had fasted 40 days. Who can tell me what the first temptation mentioned in Luke 4:3? Jesus was very hungry, and what did satan tempt him to do? What did Jesus say?
Right, "It is written, Man does not live on bread alone". And then what was the second temptation in Luke 4:5-7? satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would bow down and worship him.
And how did Jesus answer in Luke 4:8? Luke 4:8 "Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only'." What was the third temptation in Luke 4:9-11?
Luke 4:9-11 "The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. For it is written: " ' He will command his angels 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'" Now satan decides to play the game by Jesus' rules "It is written". Does it surprise you that the devil can quote scripture? Up to this point Jesus has been fighting temptation with the Word, "It is written". Now satan decides to try to do the same - to twist scripture to his own ends, one of his favorite tricks. satan actually misquotes Psalm 91:11-12. He says "guard you carefully" instead of "guard you in all your ways". Many false cults today "hide behind" scriptures, but they are always taken out of context, and coupled with lies. This was a test of Jesus' spirit - to prove His Sonship by forcing God to protect Him with a show of power. This also relates to 1 John 2:16 -the pride of life, boasting of what he has and does.
satan was saying, "Come on show me you are God. Jump off this pinnacle and command the angels to rescue you." The pinnacle was the highest point on the temple, kind of like a steeple on a church today. It was about 700 feet from the pinnacle of the temple to the valley below. Some rabbis taught that Messiah would be revealed on this very pinnacle. What a temptation for Jesus to reveal Himself! But He answered again, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6:16. Why did the scripture that satan quoted (Psalm 91:11-12) NOT apply to the temptation of Jesus throwing Himself off the pinnacle of the temple? Psalm 91:11-12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91 is a beautiful song about God's protection of those who dwell in Him. It contains marvelous promises we can all claim about safety in God from satan's attacks, including "you will trample the . . . serpent." (v. 13). But these promises do not apply to someone out of the will of God. Jesus recognized that to follow satan's command would put Him out of God's will. What do you think is the difference between trusting God and tempting or testing Him? Trusting God is knowing that as you do His will He will protect and guide you. Tempting God is trying to make Him conform to your will, do things your way. Trusting God would be to pray and drive as safely as possible. Tempting God would be to assume He would keep you safe on the highways even though you are driving recklessly and failing to keep a proper lookout. Tempting and testing God are really the same - to try to force God to do YOUR will your way.
What would be another example of tempting or testing God? What about "believing" God for a pink Cadillac and expecting it to appear in our driveway tomorrow? What about presuming to tell someone else what God's will is for THEM? As Windy says, we really need to pray and read the Word to be sure we are doing GOD'S will and not expecting Him to do OURS. Like if Jesus threw Himself off the pinnacle at SATAN'S command, then expected God to catch up, well, that would be tempting God.
Proving is not the same as tempting. We prove the Word of God by putting it into practice and believing that God will do what He says He'll do. Tempting is trying to make God do your will - trying to use the Word for your own gain. Gideon was allowed to "put out a fleece" because he lived in a time of terrible idolatry and didn't have access to God's Word. I wouldn't go so far as saying putting out a fleece is tempting God, but I would wonder, with God's Word, the church and prayer available, why it would be needed?
That's what Malachi 3:10-12 says.
Satan here was trying to put Jesus on the defensive: "Prove your sonship by special demonstration of God's protection. Be reckless and make a side-show of your power." But Jesus refused to be forced into a corner; He took the offensive with the Word of God. Don't waste time arguing with the devil or trying to defend yourself: you will only get confused. Slip into God's armor and get on the offensive! Don't "dialog" with the devil! When he tries to tempt you, rebuke him with the Word. Don't listen to his arguments. Take the offensive! If the devil is trying to put fear in you, find verses that fight fear and speak them out! James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Windy - Amen OT. He can't stay in the same room as we stand on God's word and act in faith. Jesus was tempted in all areas of life: Body, Soul, and Sprit: the Whole Man. And how did He overcome temptation? With the Word! The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to learn the Word. It will bring you success in every area of life. It cannot fail! So what are YOU gonna do when the devil starts to tempt ya?
Use the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God - find the verses that fight that temptation and let the devil have it. RESIST him and he will flee from you!
Hey, to fight temptation, you gotta get mad about it. Here you are going about your everyday life, trying to serve God, learning the Word, trying to do right, and BAM! the devil throws a lustful or hateful or envious thought into your mind. That foul-mouthed liar! What right does he have to trip you up and try to destroy your salvation? NONE! Tell him to shut up, get out, and go away in Jesus Name! Luke 4:13 says: "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." The devil's temptation is not continuous, but it is unrelenting. As long as we are in the flesh, we will have to fight temptation. But if we stay in the Word, and are alert in prayer, we will always get the Victory! Now every time Jesus said "It is written", He was quoting from the Book of Deuteronomy. Why did Jesus keep quoting from Deuteronomy? Deuteronomy is the Book of the Law. Jesus came to fulfill the Law. Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." When satan tempted him, Jesus quoted from the Book of the Law, proving that the Law was effective in overcoming temptation. "Temptation is the stirring up of natural desires to go beyond the boundaries set up by God in His Word. In order for the believers in Christ to resist temptation we must have a working knowledge of the Word of God. " Only in the Scriptures are we able to see clearly God's perspective on life. Only with this perspective can we adequately deal with the pressures, tests, and problems that we face. It is good to remember two basic facts about temptation when it comes our way:
Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. †Cowgirl† - Revelation time praise God! I just never thought of satan tempting God with his mind, you know thoughts so every thing satan tempts us with he's already tried it first with Jesus right? Jesus understands! He was tempted in every way that we are! Remember that the devil tempted him for 40 days before the last three we just studied. No matter what you face, Jesus has faced it and WON!
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. God is faithful! He will not let us be tempted beyond endurance. He will ALWAYS provide the way of escape THROUGH THE WORD so that we can bear it! In fact, satan has to petition God to be able to tempt the believer. Remember when Jesus told Peter that satan had asked to sift him like wheat? And when satan petitioned God to tempt Job? Satan cannot do anything he desires with us. We are followers of the Victor. Why does God allow temptation?
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Testing shows what our faith is made out of. Testing shows if our commitment is genuine. Testing develops perseverance, endurance and other qualities that good soldiers need. So when you are tempted, FIGHT it with the Word. And ask the Lord, what are you trying to show me here?????
Amen, what does the song say? If I never had a problem, I wouldn't know that He could solve them! Glory! I have more about temptation on my web site, called MIND GAMES - How to fight temptation.
Well CG, think about secular schooling. Do you start in the 12th grade and then go to the first? Nah, the studies and the tests become harder as we mature. And graduation day is coming! Hallelujah! Then the tests will all be over and we'll fly up to Heaven to always be with the Lord
I asked the Lord one time why I was having such a hard time and He told me, "My servants MUST be pure". Luke then talks about the Beginning of Jesus Public Ministry. (Luke 4:14-44). Early Ministry in Galilee: Luke 4:14-15 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. These summary verses are actually summarizing a full year of the Lord's ministry, also omitted by Matthew and Mark. Only John records information about the early ministry of Christ. During these months, John the Baptist and Jesus were both teaching. John the Baptist, where he was teaching at Bethany across Jordan, introduced Jesus to some of his own disciples as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:35-36 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" What did John mean by "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"?
The lamb of God referred to Jesus being offered on the cross as the sacrifice for ALL sins for ALL mankind for ALL time! As a result, some began to follow Jesus, including Andrew (who recruited his brother Peter) Philip, Nathaniel, James and John, the sons of Zebedee (John 1:35-51). After this, Jesus and His disciples returned to Galilee, where He performed His first recorded miracle at a wedding feast in Cana. Jesus returned to Capernaum and then to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. There Jesus cleansed the Temple, and had his famous dialogue with Nicodemus (John 2:1-3:36). After several months of teaching in Judea Jesus returned to Galilee (John 4), where Luke picks up the story.
Jesus' ministry in Galilee was the fulfillment of the prophecy of great light in the darkness of Galilee. Isaiah 9:1-2 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-- The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (See also Matthew 4:13-16) THERE WILL BE NO MORE GLOOM FOR THOSE WHO WERE IN DISTRESS! Hallelujah. The Light has come! Shining in the darkness. Have you been living in the land of the shadow of death? The Light has dawned upon us! Glory! Are you walking in darkness? The Light has come!
Jesus then began his ministry in Capernaum (Matthew 4:12-17). Luke knew that much ministry preceded the sermon at Nazareth (Luke 4:23), but he put the Nazareth incident at the head of his story as a symbol of the nation's rejection of Jesus, as a shadow of events to come. Jesus' ministry in Galilee had met with wide success. The power of the Spirit was upon Him, enhancing and magnifying His work. News of Him spread rapidly through the area. At this point in His ministry His popularity was on the rise, and the synagogues of the region were open to Him. His reputation preceded Him into Nazareth. No doubt the local citizens were quite pleased that one of their own had received such acclaim. With all the fanfare that surrounded Jesus' birth, why do you think that His mission as Messiah was unknown in Nazareth, His hometown? Remember that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And his parents fled to Egypt to escape Herod's murder of the innocents. They probably didn't move back to Nazareth until Jesus was about 2 or so.
Simeon and Anna, who prophesied in Jerusalem at the Temple, probably died soon after recognizing Him. The shepherds may have lost track of Him after He left Bethlehem. The Magi apparently did not visit again - perhaps they were afraid of Herod. Mary treasured all these things in her heart and did not publicize the fact He was Messiah.
Remember they didn't have CNN Headline news in those days to minutely examine all the ins and outs of a thing, and to play and replay video clips of events! So what seems obvious to us today - Jesus is the Messiah - was not clear to them at all. Johnny is right, they just thought of Jesus as Joseph's son, the carpenter. And Jesus did live a rather ordinary life to identify with us. Luke 4:16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. Jesus arrived in Nazareth without fanfare. He sent no one to prepare the way and there was no welcoming committee. Instead, He simply joined His old friends and neighbors on the Sabbath as they went to the synagogue (assembly, meeting house; used as a school, place of worship, and community center). This was His custom from childhood and continued to be His custom during the years of His ministry.
Right Z. "As was his custom" v. 16. What is the importance of good habits? What are some good habits we should cultivate?
Yes, some VERY good habits are Prayer: reading the Word, regular Bible study, witnessing, going to church, controlling anger, eating right, sleeping regular hours, etc. It takes an average of 28 days to make or break a habit. Have you ever been addicted to anything? The first few days without that thing are awful, aren't they? You feel like giving up and giving in, but if you will stick to it, you will eventually conquer it, with God's help. Take authority over it in Jesus Name. If it has a name it must bow the knee to Jesus! For example, Anxiety is the name for the habit of worry Take authority over it in the Name of Jesus. Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus Name is above every other name. What ever is bugging you, name it and then tell it to bow to Jesus! AMEN
If the Son of God, who was in constant communication with God, felt the need for regular attendance at worship; how do we excuse ourselves from it? Are we "good enough" already? Can we be Christians "on our own"? Can we stay at home on Sunday and watch TV preachers, and "get just as much out of it"? Can we just chat online and that's enough?
If you do not feel "connected" to others at church, but ask yourself: Have I prepared my heart to worship? What am I contributing? Am I worrying about what others are thinking? Am I being as friendly as I can be, or might I seem standoffish because I'm shy? And why am I going anyway? Is it to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth? Not to judge ya, at all, just some things the Lord told ME when I felt that way. What are the benefits of regular attendance at worship services?
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." †Cowgirl† - You eat your dinner every night right? Well we have to go to our home (church) and be fed. Glory - we have to eat from the Lord's table I Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. In the early church it says EVERYONE contributed to the worship and instruction and the strengthening of the Church. rabbit - everyone is given a place of service in the church...we must open our hearts and mind for the Lord to reveal that place to us.. Athie - We do fail to show concern for other at church. But we need to remember others come with problems and need to be encouraged. Speak and be friendly. Deuteronomy 32:30 How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? We need the combined strength of the Body to help us fight satan. We benefit from others praying with us at "Open Altar" time. Romans 15:4-6 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Diamond Lady - I love that word encouragement!! that is one of my hearts cries! We need to lift each other up! We need to be ENcouragers, not DIScouragers! We need a spirit of unity among each other as we follow Christ. Listen, the devil is trying to keep us divided! We need to fight to keep unity and peace with each other! A house UNITED CANNOT fall! Glory! Praise the Lord! rabbit - I love ENCOURAGEMENT>>>too Vicky - OT That is so strong. One heart. †Cowgirl† - the Lord spoke to the church Sunday and said in unity there is strength. Amen LilBoo - The word ENCOURAGEMENT is awesome. Let me encourage each of you tonight! Jesus loves you and has a plan for you. Read the Word, do as it says, and you WILL be blessed. Do not weary in well doing for you WILL reap a harvest IF you faint not! ENcourage - to give courage to, to build courage up in! Be courageous soldiers for the Lord Jesus Christ! short stuff - Thank you Old Timer for the word of encouragement Amen Diamond Lady - the root EN means to be with in... to soak up....that means when we do EN courage we put good stuff inside each ones spirit man... dis. means to take out.. to remove,...I don't want to remove any thing.. only what doesn't please the Lord!! Romans 15: 1-2 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Think about it! There might just be someone who needs YOU that won't get that encouragement and help if you are not faithful to attend the Lord's house. But if you go, you might just be the one who keeps a brother/sister from falling! This is the verse that kept me going when I was discouraged and didn't think I was important. Occasionally someone would tell me how much my smile meant, or that they received strength through something I said. We need each other! rabbit - Amen..OT..I was one of those who used to ride by church I go to now thinking they were snobs until the Pastors wife was sent to me on a day when encouragement saved my life.. †Cowgirl† - Like tonight"! Had you not done your studying and preparing for the lessons I never would have received this revelation tonight. OT You are a blessing to me and I love you! OlePappy - or you might be the one that brings a brother or sister in TRUE contact with Jesus...not all christians are Christians ELBIB - perhaps this little poem says much about unity:
Father God bless the Word that has gone out tonight. Help us to fight temptation. Help us to be encouragers of others, faithful servants to your church. In Jesus Name AMEN
Thank you all for your attention and participation. God bless you ALL! |
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Remember,
whenever God gives us a revelation, the devil tries to steal it from us. Guard your hearts
and meditate on what you've learned! |
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Sources: Unger, Merrill F. The New Unger's Bible Handbook. Revised by Gary N Larson. Moody Press, Chicago, 1966: 1984. The Family Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed. by Pat Alexander. Chancelor Press, London, 1988. |
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