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Thoughts Archived > Satan Tempts Jesus....And You


29 Jan 2012

                                                                                              

 

January 29, 2012

Satan Tempts Jesus....And You

Luke 4: 1 - 13 

 

 

Luke

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River.  He was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, where the Devil tempted him for forty days.  He ate nothing all that time and was very hungry.

Then the Devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, change this stone into a loaf of bread."

But Jesus told him, "No!  The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life.'

Then the Devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  The Devil told him, "I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them - because they are mine to give to anyone I please.  I will give it all to you if you will bow down and worship me."

Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the Lord your God, serve only him.'

Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off!  For the Scriptures say, 'He orders his angels to protect and guard you.  And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.''

Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'Do no test the Lord your God."

When the Devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

 

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Thoughts.....

 

In looking at the short length of the scriptures today, you might think this will be an easy morning.  Nothing could be further from reality.  Because you will be forced to think back.....way back.  And that could take some time. 

Up to this point, we've learned Jesus 'arrived on the scene' ready to begin his new life.  What was his new life?  That of ministry.  He was baptized with water and then received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  He was prepared to go forth.  Are you prepared to begin your new life?  Have you been baptized with water?  Have you been baptized with the Holy Spirit?  If yes, then you are prepared to go forth according to God.  But was Jesus ready to begin his ministry?  Are you? 

In todays scriptures we see that Jesus was tempted by Satan.  This is when God strengthened him.  And he'll strengthen you, too.  Let's look at todays scriptures in depth.  It shows us the difference between being prepared and being ready. 

The first paragraph tells Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit.  Are you FULL of the Holy Spirit?  Without him, your personal journey will be impossible.  The road rocky, the terrain uphill, the ascent tortuous.  And you may descend without him.  So the first lesson today is to make sure you are FULL of the Holy Spirit. 

When someone gives you a gift, do you only accept part of that gift or the whole thing?  It is expected that we receive the whole thing.  God, too, expects us to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in his fullness....all he has to give us....we are to receive.  So, we are to receive ALL the gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14) and receive ALL the fruit (Galatians 5:16-26), so we can BE the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the world.  We are to accept Holy Spirit as Teacher (1 John 2:27) to learn all things....so to preach to others about the Trinity and 'how great thou art'. 

Next we learn that Jesus was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, where the Devil tempted him for 40 days,  and during that time he at nothing and became hungry.  The MOMENT we accept Jesus into our hearts, receive God in all fullness with Holy Spirit, we ARE IN the wilderness.  And we WILL be tempted.  So we 'MUST feed on every word of God' as in indicated in Matthew 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3, or we will fall, fail, not measure up, be doomed at the onset.  This is not a 'God will carry me' moment.  This is a crucial moment where we MUST follow Jesus' lead to KNOW scripture.  'The road is long, with many a winding curve'. 

As Jesus was tempted by Satan with food, we, too, will be tempted with any variety of things to partake of, but listen to what Jesus says to Satan:  "NO!"  We might think we could say ONLY that, but we learn more.  Jesus goes on to say, "The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life.'  Here, as in Matthew, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.  Matthew completes the thought with, we 'must feed on every word of God'.  KNOW Scripture.  Yes, I am repeating myself....on purpose.  This is paramount.  We also know now, JESUS is the bread OF life. 

Then the Devil took him up.....here it says 'up'....Matthew tells us he took him to the peak of a very high mountain.  Satan told him he would give Jesus the glory of the kingdoms and authority over them believing they were his [Satan's], and told him he would give it all to him if he would bow down and worship him [Satan].  Jesus rebukes him saying 'you must worship the Lord your God, serve only him'.  I'm thinking Jesus knew that there was a vast difference between receiving the glory of kingdoms and BEING the GLORY.  I read along and I'm like...'Dude, do the right thing here...make the right choice."  Silly me.  Not a novel.  Documented history....and we read it DONE...not in the making. 

So he made the right choice (of course)....he told Satan to 'worship the Lord your God, serve only him.'  How are you doing with this?  Do you read the Scriptures, do you know them?  Are you worshiping the Lord your God and serving only him?  Lots to think about.....to go back in your memory about.  Ask God to bring to mind those times when you didn't worship him, serve him.  Then ask his forgiveness.  Then ask him what he would have you to do now....how to best worship him and how to best serve him.  Can't hear, aren't listening?  Get into the Word of God, the Bible.  Turn to the New Testament and see how Jesus did it.  Today we learn he told Satan "NO!"  And that means he told God, "YES!"  He affirmed, reaffirmed....confirmed his position with God every time he rebuked Satan and thwarted Satan's advances.  It's a job you MUST step forth doing...go forth in the name of God, for God, to be with God.

Next we learn that the Devil, Satan, took Jesus to the highest point of the Temple and told him if he was the Son of God he should jump off.  Clearly the guy is an idiot, enforcer, abuser of the worst kind.  Who does that?!  Satan....and his assigns.  Those who are NOT of God....obviously.  Jesus merely responds by saying "The Scriptures also say, ' do not test the Lord your God'.  Ahhhhhhh.....he's found his strength.  He's had it all along.  But now, Satan goes away, defeated....temporarily.  Point:  KNOW Scripture, so that you can defeat Satan with the Word. 

So what have we learned so far?  Satan did Jesus a favor.  Satan's actions strengthened Jesus' convictions.  Jesus confirmed his choice time and again by saying 'no' to Satan and 'yes' to God to believe in and follow him.  Have you also learned that a desert life can make you very spiritually hungry?  And what you need to do to be fed?  Have you learned that you cannot just receive Jesus, but you must learn the Word of God?  Do you understand that being baptized with the Holy Spirit is not a choice, but necessary to grow with God?  Have you learned that it is not right to test God?  And that if you fed on the Word of God you would know the right and wrong paths of life, so as to not test him, but make wise choices with him?  Do you get that what we are called to do once we receive Jesus and Holy Spirit is to go forth to preach and teach?  Jesus taught Satan.  And know this:  Satan knows Scripture....did you get that?  So it is not enough to know THAT the Word says something, you MUST know WHAT the Word says and how God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit want you to apply it.....that's wisdom.  Wisdom is the application of knowledge.  Are you wise or are you knowledgeable? 

We learn from Matthew that the angels came and cared for Jesus.  I'm guessing a journey with Satan was a bit tough.  I know it is for me when he knocks.  What about you?  Can you expect angels to come and care for you?  Yes.  And though it would be wonderful to be ministered by angels at any time, let us be strong in our conviction to follow God, know the Word, and be able to rebuke Satan with Holy Spirit.....putting on our armor so we are ready for the next time he tries to huff and puff and blow our house down....that which is the Temple of God. 

To that thought there is something else you need to be aware.  Luke tells us "When the Devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came."  Satan messes with your head, your life, Holy Spirit within.  You may not be able to KO him in the first round.....Jesus didn't.....why would you expect to do so?!  But Jesus was ever at the ready to take him out.  The point being, Satan is always pounding at the door trying to get you away and keep you away from God.  Do not test God.  Do not let Satan tempt you.  Know who you are....a child of God.  Know what you are....a promise child....a child of the Living God.

Don't think you are a child of God?  Haven't made that commitment yet?  Take time to read the text above todays scriptures, or if you are reading this from archives, go to the church home page and read the beginning of the page.  Consider praying (communication between you and God so he hears you and you listen to him) to God to ask him, Jesus, and Holy Spirit  into your life and to forgive you of your sins.  You've only to ask, and it shall be done.  If you haven't been baptized with water, and you are involved in a church, go to your pastor and ask him to do this for you.  If you are not involved in a church, try to find one that preaches the Word of God with emphasis on the New Testament.  If you are not near, or it is not safe, for you to attend a church, God knows your heart.  Take a shower, or lower yourself in water and rise up out of it, or sprinkle yourself with water asking God to cleanse you and make you clean from a past of sins without him, show him your are willing to follow him now.

Then ask Jesus to baptize you with Holy Spirit.  No matter how old we are, we all have so much to learn and Holy Spirit is more than willing to teach us.  He is also the Comforter.  He'll comfort you when things don't go the way they should.  No one is perfect....God knew this.  He loves you still...all the way to heaven.  But only if you continue to ask him to lead you.  He knows you will not always make the right choices, but as long as he is in your choices, you are carrying him in your heart, and trying to stay focused on him and what his will is for your life, will he be there every step of the way to help you.  Remember this scripture when it's hard to keep trying:  "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God.  Phillipians 3:14.  Let it become the word that keeps you going, if necessary.  The mark?  Being known as God's by forgiven sin and living a life with  Christ that is obvious to all by how you live with and for him....preaching his word in season and out.  Living by it is your testimony.  The talk is great, but the walk proves the mark.  The prize?  Heaven....being in his arms at the end.  THAT is true glory....for God.  Glorious for us. 

So, like Jesus was tempted, you will be also.  Jesus gave it all he had....the Word....his Life.  You can give it all, too,  just like Jesus.....by giving Satan and his assigns the Word!  Keep him off the beaten path.......LIVE the Word of God! 

 

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Let Us Pray

 

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you.  But I wish to receive you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Please forgive me of my sins.  Please baptize me in your name and with Holy Spirit.  I wish to be all I can be for you and do all I can do for you.  Help me grow in and with you, and, by my testimony of words and deeds, point the way to you.  I want to testify that you, Jesus, are indeed, THE Messiah for the world!  My Lord, my Savior, Son of God.  I want to block Satan before he gets to me, help me to learn the Word and keep it in my mind and in my heart.  Help me to live with you so others can see you.  Help me to breathe in Jesus and breathe out stress.  Help me live my life so as to receive the final prize.  Thank you for this lesson.  Give me more to learn, so that I can be empowered to battle Satan when he knocks, but help me live, so he sees I am strengthened by you God, girded up, full to overflowing, so he won't be tempted to bother me anymore....or any of my family or things that surround me.  And grant me wisdom, that I not make further mistakes, or wrong choices in my life.  I know I am human, but with you and your Word in me, I stand a much better opportunity with the gift of you in my life.  Carry me when I cannot move on, send your angels to minister to me when I am weakened from battle.  But never ever leave me.  Please.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.            

  

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

 

More love.... 

  Benediction....Blessing

 

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

 

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

 

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

 

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

 

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  Our Current Cause

 

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you!   

 

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    One last thing....

 

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

 

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

 

  Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

 

And the people said,

"Amen."

 

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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Bible Authors and Minister