Point of Grace Worship 2.6.22 Sermon Notes – “Under Attack-4!”

Temptation?

The temptation of Jesus shows us that Satan will ultimately tempt us to “forsake the Father and take control ourselves” in order to get for ourselves the life we think we deserve.

His goal is to drive an eternal wedge between us and our Father in heaven!

James 1 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Satan will

- Cast doubt on the Father’s goodness, His trustworthiness and our “beloved” identity in Him,

- Deceptively present alternative routes to the good life and

- Lie about the reality of consequences.

Luke 4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.

I get a new mindset to face temptation because Jesus is the One who won!

In Christ, I am not a victim of darkness but a bearer of Light!

Matthew 16 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The church is not hunkered down and hiding but invading and prevailing!

21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

In Christ, I am not a victim of darkness but a bearer of Light!

1 Corinthians 10 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

When tempted I get to lean into my God’s faithfulness and look for His way of escape!

1Peter 5 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, James 4 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

In Christ, I am not a victim of darkness but a bearer of Light!

A Very Helpful Prayer

I now bring the kingdom of God, the authority rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ against Satan and against His kingdom and against every force of evil coming against me, my family, my kingdom and domain. I renounce all sin and all evil (name it if you can) and bind and banish evil away from me in Jesus name! Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Matthew 16:13-20 Tue – Matthew 16:21-26 Wed – Luke 4:1-13 Thu – 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 Fri – James 1:9-15

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.