Grace Church
Walking with Jesus - #4 Jesus TEMPTED in the Wilderness
The focus of this series is to look at the life of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. We'll slowly and simply examine the life of the Lord, from His first movements to His last and it will be as though we were walking alongside Him.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
The focus of this series, Walking with Jesus, is to look at the life of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. We'll slowly and simply examine the life of the Lord, from His first movements to His last and it will be as though we were walking alongside Him.
Pastor Don started us off with Jesus INCARNATED on Earth.
Ryan shared with us how Jesus PREPARED for Ministry.
Nick shared how Jesus was COMMISSIONED by the Father.
Today we will look at Jesus TEMPTED in the Wilderness.
Ryan shared with us how Jesus PREPARED for Ministry.
Nick shared how Jesus was COMMISSIONED by the Father.
Today we will look at Jesus TEMPTED in the Wilderness.
As we look at how Jesus was tempted we can gather clues on how we can battle Satan in our daily walk with Jesus.
First we need to look at the difference between temptation and sin.
Temptation itself is not sin. Hebrews 4:15
First we need to look at the difference between temptation and sin.
Temptation itself is not sin. Hebrews 4:15
Definition of Temptation: What happens when we feel the pull toward violating God's commands. The desire to do something wrong or unwise. Temptation can also be defined as testing. This is something every believer should expect to experience. John 16:33b
Definition of Sin: Sin is defined as an act; a transgression that goes against moral or divine law. In Scripture the word sin actually means to "miss the mark." This definition is important for two reasons: 1) There is a target we are aiming for 2) It speaks to our intention.
The target is God's Word or commands. When we miss the target we have committed sin. If we know what we are supposed to do and choose not to do it, then we have engaged in sin. James 4:17
The target is God's Word or commands. When we miss the target we have committed sin. If we know what we are supposed to do and choose not to do it, then we have engaged in sin. James 4:17
God has written a moral code on everyone's heart. For example, when Cain killed his brother Abel, there was no written law that said you should not murder, but the moral code of not committing murder was written in Cain's heart. Genesis 4:6-7 [NLT]
Sin wants to dominate and take control of our lives and sin wants to separate us from God and His love.
We can know if something is a sin by the Word of God and the Spirit of God.
Galatians 5:16-17 [NLT]
We can know if something is a sin by the Word of God and the Spirit of God.
Galatians 5:16-17 [NLT]
The Reality of Temptation: If we continue to walk too close to the line of temptation, it will lead to the trap of sin.
Monkey catching example.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us in their Gospel accounts that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the Wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights after He had just been baptized by John. This time consisted of scorching heat, extremely cold nights, and very little food or water.
Mark 1:12-13
Monkey catching example.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us in their Gospel accounts that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the Wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights after He had just been baptized by John. This time consisted of scorching heat, extremely cold nights, and very little food or water.
Mark 1:12-13
Many times temptation comes after a high point in our spiritual lives and ministry; Jesus just experienced that. It was necessary for Jesus to be tempted because temptation is part of the human experience and Jesus, being fully human, needed to experience this to understand us completely.
Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when He entered the wilderness and that is the key for us as well...being full of the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:1
Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when He entered the wilderness and that is the key for us as well...being full of the Holy Spirit. Luke 4:1
In Genesis 3, Satan describes his 3-fold tactic he used on Eve:
- The Lust of the Eyes - the fruit was pleasing to the eyes
- The Lust of the Flesh - the fruit was good for food
- The Pride of Life - the fruit was desirable for gaining wisdom.
Satan also uses these same tactics with Jesus and with us.
- The Lust of the Eyes - the fruit was pleasing to the eyes
- The Lust of the Flesh - the fruit was good for food
- The Pride of Life - the fruit was desirable for gaining wisdom.
Satan also uses these same tactics with Jesus and with us.
1st Temptation:
Luke 4:2b-4
The word "if" is translated "because."
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"
The Lust of the Flesh
Luke 4:2b-4
The word "if" is translated "because."
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"
The Lust of the Flesh
2nd Temptation:
Luke 4:5-8
Satan is offering Jesus a shortcut to His Kingdom.
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'"
The Lust of the Eyes
Luke 4:5-8
Satan is offering Jesus a shortcut to His Kingdom.
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'"
The Lust of the Eyes
3rd Temptation:
Luke 4:9-13
Here we see Satan quoting Scripture to Jesus (Psalm 91:11-12).
Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
The Pride of Life
Luke 4:9-13
Here we see Satan quoting Scripture to Jesus (Psalm 91:11-12).
Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
The Pride of Life
When we can expect Satan to tempt us:
1. Satan attacks when you do MINISTRY for the glory of God.
1. Satan attacks when you do MINISTRY for the glory of God.
2. Satan attacks when you are in the LONELY places of your life.
3. Satan attacks when you are the most VULNERABLE (point of strength or weakness).
4. Satan attacks to cast DOUBT on God's character and promises.
5. Satan attacks the IDENTITY of who we are.
6. Satan attacks to DISTRACT our attention from the ministry we've been called to do.
Application:
We give in to temptation because we're not prepared or ready for it. That is when Satan will attack. Have you ever pre-decided something? It's good to make an escape plan ahead of time.
When faced with ____________, I have pre-decided to ____________.
We give in to temptation because we're not prepared or ready for it. That is when Satan will attack. Have you ever pre-decided something? It's good to make an escape plan ahead of time.
When faced with ____________, I have pre-decided to ____________.
1. Move the line -
We have to pre-decide ahead of time to move the line. Anytime there's a line, we seem to always want to get as close to the line as possible.
We have to pre-decide ahead of time to move the line. Anytime there's a line, we seem to always want to get as close to the line as possible.
2. Magnify the cost -
Anytime we are tempted to give into temptation, there is always a risk. Stop and ask yourself, "What could go wrong? What is the worst case scenario?" Five minutes of sin could wreck a lifetime of pursuing Jesus.
Anytime we are tempted to give into temptation, there is always a risk. Stop and ask yourself, "What could go wrong? What is the worst case scenario?" Five minutes of sin could wreck a lifetime of pursuing Jesus.
3. Plan your escape -
Decide ahead of time how you will get out of any temptation that Satan brings your way.
The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis is a good example of this.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Decide ahead of time how you will get out of any temptation that Satan brings your way.
The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis is a good example of this.
1 Corinthians 10:13
This week:
Read and pray over Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 until you can answer three questions:
a) What did God say? (The meaning of the passage in your own words)
b) What is God saying to you? (Specifically, what is God telling you to do?)
c) What will you say about this passage to someone? (Think of one person)
What are some specific doubts or questions that you have struggled with in your faith journey?
What limits your growth and chokes out your relationship with Jesus? What will you specifically do about it this week?
Think about who you could ask to be your accountability partner as you “Walk with Jesus.”
Read and pray over Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 until you can answer three questions:
a) What did God say? (The meaning of the passage in your own words)
b) What is God saying to you? (Specifically, what is God telling you to do?)
c) What will you say about this passage to someone? (Think of one person)
What are some specific doubts or questions that you have struggled with in your faith journey?
What limits your growth and chokes out your relationship with Jesus? What will you specifically do about it this week?
Think about who you could ask to be your accountability partner as you “Walk with Jesus.”
Breeze Church Management
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account.
Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.org/login/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://gc3.org/cjs/Meet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet will be held today, January 26th following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
H.O.M.E. Groups
H.O.M.E. Groups are underway. Now is a great time to jump in and be part of a group! Joining a group will help you grow in your walk with Jesus and give you a group of people that will walk alongside you through the journey. You can learn more about groups, which ones are available, and/or sign-up for a group at the link below. Please contact the church office if you have any questions about what group would be a good fit for you. (grace@gc3.org)
https://gc3.org/home-groups/Read the Bible this year
Pastor Don is encouraging us to "THRIVE in 25." Part of Thriving in your faith in 2025 will include time spent in God's Word. We encourage you to read through the Bible this year by using the Bible Project plan "One Story that leads to Jesus" on the YouVersion Bible app.
You can find this plan at the link below.
Contact Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org) if you have questions.
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22273Marriage Conference
Jeff and Mary Burpee would like to invite all couples of the church to prayerfully consider attending the Never Alone Marriage Conference on February 7th and 8th at Peace Church in Middleville, MI. This conference is designed to encourage and equip married couples in their journey with Christ. The keynote speakers are Jimmy and Kelly Needham. Registration is $99 per couple through January 26th. After that it is $125 per couple. To learn more and to register, visit the link below. If you'd like to talk with Jeff and Mary more about this, you can email them (jburp24@gmail.com).
https://www.peacechurch.cc/marriageconWednesdays in the Winter
We invite you to Grace Church every Wednesday night for some mid-week fun and fellowship. CJ's coffee shop will be open and we'll have a featured game available from 6:00-7:30 pm each week. Bring a snack to share if you wish. This is a great opportunity to bring someone you want to spend time with, get to know better, or introduce to other Christians. Contact Lisa Sterkenburg if you have questions (lisa@gc3.org).
January's Schedule
January 29th: Blank Slate
February's Schedule
February 5th: Skip-Bo
February 12th: Yahtzee
February 19th: Sorry
February 26th: Everybody Knows (trivia)
January's Schedule
January 29th: Blank Slate
February's Schedule
February 5th: Skip-Bo
February 12th: Yahtzee
February 19th: Sorry
February 26th: Everybody Knows (trivia)
Time to Walk!
Are you trying to get more steps in but don't want to walk in the cold? Come on in where it's warm and walk inside the church! We'll make sure the building is open and ready for you...
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm
Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm
Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Wood Cutting at Grace Church
As part of the property maintenance at Grace Church, we have wood that needs to be cut on the back property. We've set aside each Saturday in February from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to cut and stack wood. Bring a chain saw if you have one as well as work gloves. Contact Ryan Hickey if you have questions or if you are in need of wood - 517-852-4800 / ryan@gc3.org
Annual Helping People Rummage Sale
Once again we'll have two shopping opportunities: Friday, February 21st 5:00-7:30 pm and Saturday, February 22nd 9:00 am to 11:30 pm.
This is an annual event for Grace Church where you can clean out your closets and storage areas and give what you don't need or use to a good cause. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Samaritan Fund that helps our community and those in need.
If you'd like to participate, there is a form to fill out (see link below). Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You will need to mark all of your items and set them up on your designated table(s) before the sale begins (anytime during the week of February 17th)
- You will need to return at the end of the sale to collect any unsold items you wish to keep. Anything not picked up at Noon on Saturday will be donated to local charities.
- If you don't have items to donate but still want to help out with this event, we will need a few people to work the payment table during both days of the sale as well as clean up on Saturday. You can also help us out by advertising!
What we need to know from you:
Would you like a table or two?
Want to help with this event?
Let us know by filling out this FORM.
Have questions? Contact Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org)
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/rummageBirthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Monday, January 27th - Khaia Hunt
Thursday, January 30th - Chris Webster
Thursday, January 30th - Chris Webster