Deception & division

trials along the journey

• His mission: “The thief comes only to steal & kill & destroy”

(John 10:10a)

• Satan hates God, God’s creation & everything God loves

– God loves us

– Therefore, Satan hates us.

• How does he fight against us?

– Darkness, destruction, deception, division, distraction

Some background:

Setting up Act 2• Two topics today:

– Jesus’ Baptism

– Jesus’ Temptation

• For about 30 years prior to Jesus’Baptism, Jesus lived a quiet & private life in Nazareth as a carpenter’s son.

• Very important event!

• Done by cousin John (the Baptist) in the Jordan River

• Big Time Public Proclamation – This is the One!– John – “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away

the sins of the world!”– Jesus – (implied) “Here I Am to do the work of the

Father.”– God the Father – “This is My beloved Son, in

whom I am well pleased.”– Holy Spirit – descends as a dove and lights Him

up

• Significance of Event:– Not for sin cleanse (why?), but saying, “I can

relate with you” – to connect.• For declaration to the world• To be a model for future generations as well

• Jesus had set aside His power as God and lived life just as we do…– Now, He offers Himself to the Father

• Jesus implies – “I depend on You, Father” in this moment and says it multiple times in the Book of John

– And the Father empowers Him with the Holy Spirit to do the works He has set out for Jesus to do.

• Immediately after the baptism, the Holy Spirit drove Jesus to the wilderness.

• Matthew 4:2 “And after He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He then became hungry.”– Ya think? Wow…

• And THEN, the tempter came to Him…

• Jesus state of mind:– Tired– Near death from hunger & thirst– Totally alone – no person to sympathize with Him– When at His weakest, a small voice comes and whispers in

His ear…• Deception & Distraction!!

• The enemy is a liar at the core of his being

• However, he tries to make his lies look absolutely true…

• There is always enough truth in his lies to hook us; hard for us to discern when he attacks us.

– We must Learn to Discern!!

• God’s Voice from Satan’s Voice

father of lies

Flashback

Learn To DiscernGod’s Voice vs. Satan’s Voice

• Gentle Shepherd – thoughts are gentle, not demanding. Builds you up.

• Light of the World – His thoughts make things clear and are uncomplicated. Not in a hurry.

• The Truth – The Word – His thoughts will confirm the written word 100% of the time. Others-centered.

• Encourages – He wants you to forget the past and live in the moment with Him.

• Butcher – Driving, demanding, pushy, critical & harsh.

• Prince of Darkness – his thoughts will lead to confusion. Do it NOW!

• Snake – He will distort scripture’s truth condemning you or others. He emphasizes my wants.

• Discourages – He will distort the past, bring guilt, and tell you what a sinner you are.

• Three Times:– The 1st Temptation (Luke 4:3-4) – Food

• Jesus’ Answer: “Man does not live by bread alone…”

– The 2nd Temptation (Luke 4:5-8) – Power• Jesus’ Answer: “Worship the Lord your God…”

– The 3rd Temptation (Luke 4:9-12) – Privilege• Jesus’ Answer: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

• Jesus’ Keys to Success in the Trials:– Depended on Power of Holy Spirit– Knew God’s Word/Scripture – therefore knew what God was

like– Prayed/Talked with God – Knew God’s Voice and the difference

between truth & counterfeit

• INTENSE FOCUS! Didn’t stray from the Power Source!– What gets your attention, gets you!

Independent vs. Dependent

• When “plugged in” – no power shortage!

• When “unplugged” – no workie…

What is your focus?

• “Me” focus?– The enemy can have a

field day with you…

• “Others” focus?– Can be good, but if working

“cordlessly” can wear you out!!

• Jesus Focus! (Hebrews 12:1-2)– Plugged in through:

• Prayer

• Scripture

• Holy Spirit

• Temptation is not sin! It’s what you do with temptation…

• Jesus loved the Scriptures

• Jesus was “plugged in” to the power of the Holy Spirit, knew God’s voice (audibly & Scripture) & character

– Made it easier to focus on God and His will for Jesus