Preparing to Proclaim

Introduction

Find .

(Thank you for celebrating 10th ministry anniversary at Open Door!)

Looking at Luke, he presents Jesus the Son of God as “The Son of Man.” He emphasizes the humanity of Christ as well as the humanity of mankind. I believe this was intentional.

“The Son of God became the Son of Man, so the sons of men could become the sons of God.”

I believe that Jesus’ earthly life was a model for us to live by. The victory, the relationships, the holiness, the joy…all reveal what is also ours in Him, IF we follow Him.

Is that not the call of every believer, as Jesus said to “Follow me...”? And now, we are going to get introduced to our theme for this year, “Proclaim!” and then we will see how God prepared Him, in part, for this task.

Stand and read text, at . Pray.

Jesus was beginning His ministry, which we will look at more fully next time we look at this text, but God allowed some things to happen in Jesus’ life, as He does in ours, to prepare us, so we can proclaim His Good News!

What led to Jesus’ ability to be claim that He had the Spirit of the Lord upon Him to proclaim the Gospel, that the broken hearts could be mended, that the blind would soon see, that release was coming to those in bondage, and that the time of God’s work was come?

Is there a connection that we can claim that brings us victory over temptation, as Christ was victorious?

We see that follows the triumphant baptism of Jesus a chapter earlier, but all a part of the same story.

Note the words of God at Jesus’ baptism.

King James Version Chapter 2

11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

, “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”

King James Version Chapter 3

22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

King James Version Chapter 3

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

As we move from Jesus’ baptism to get ready for His ministry, do you know what got stuck in the middle? Problems. Temptations, to be exact.

Read .

If Jesus was the Son of God, He was going to have to prove it!

By the way, if you are saved, you are also a child of God. Understandably, you are not perfect like Jesus, but you have His nature in you. As such, if you CLAIM to be a child of God, you are going to be tested, and the Devil is going to tempt you.

May it be that the one thing we do not want is the biggest thing we need to confirm the message we hope to proclaim?

May it be that the one thing we do not want is the biggest thing we need to confirm the message we hope to proclaim?

The health & wealth/prosperity Gospel reduces the effectiveness of the True Gospel by reducing it to temporary things found in this life.

If we are to “seek ye first the kingdom of God,” then we must know our place in this world includes trials, temptation—adversity and suffering!

As Satan spoke to Jesus at the beginning of the temptations saying, “If thou be the Son of God…,” he also looks at us and says, “If you be a child of God...” then he tempts us! Why? Because he is battling God, not us!

Which is why he comes back at God accusing us as His children:

, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

Oh, if only we had the faith to believe and stand as God’s children!

Proposition: Stand in temptation as God’s child.

1.

Introduction: 6 Realizations

6 Realizations

Realization 1: The Spiritual War Is Real

Satan is more than a force or a concept, he is real.

Realization 2: We Are in a Spiritual War

Recent surveys indicate that as much as 57% of Americans believe in the Devil—but whether he is believed in or not, the spiritual war is real!

Realization 2: The Battle Is Between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan

It’s more than a Yin-Yang balance of forces. Christ won on the cross, and the Devil is biding his time, but he is going kicking and screaming!

Realization 3: Our Enemy Is Powerful

Satan is more than a force or a concept, he is real, and he is deadly.

, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

Realization 4: The Results of the Spiritual War Are Eternal (Heaven and Hell)

, “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

Realization 5: The War Is Universal

Every planet, nation and person has been touched by sin, and the Devil seeks to destroy while God seeks to save!

, “For God so loved the world...”

, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

Realization 6: Our Involvement Matters

Our involvement means proclaiming the Gospel and helping people follow Christ.

Transition: What can stop us are the obstacles if we let them.

The new life in Christ is supposed to be powerful, joyful, peaceful, holy, but how well we know that our faith will be tested!

We’ve all had “bad days”!

If we are not living in a way that will overcome in the battles, we will succumb to the battle!

“You are on the verge of wrecking your life, especially if you don’t know it.” (Dr. Russ Moore)

The adversities of life in the spiritual war can make you or break you. They can prove you or punish you. And many times we are asleep and ignorant of the Devil’s devices.

The adversities of life in the spiritual war can make you or break you. They can prove you or punish you. And many times we are asleep and ignorant of the Devil’s devices.

Jesus demonstrates to both what the temptations are, and then how we may stand in His strength, the power of the Gospel.

1. 3 Temptations

As one preacher wrote (David Platt): “I feel this at every moment in my life. I’m prone to sin at every point of my life. My mind is susceptible to wandering and I’m tempted to think unimaginable thoughts when I see an attractive woman who is not my wife. My heart is bent toward pride and I am tempted to compete with other pastors over who is more spiritual and more successful. I am tempted to cut moral corners in order to gain personal advantage over others. I’m prone to pretense and hypocrisy. I’m tempted to lie to make myself look better and to call people to do what I’m not willing to do myself. I’m prone to value appearance over authenticity; my wants over other people’s needs. And I am prone to desire the glory that is due God alone. I am keenly if not frighteningly aware that one wrong look, one inappropriate meeting, one rash decision, one fleeting moment could wreak spiritual havoc on my life, my family, and this church, and bring untold disgrace on my God. [Platt, D. (2012). Triumph through Temptation. In David Platt Sermon Archive (p. 3308). Birmingham, AL: David Platt.”]

Jesus shows us the mine field of temptation. There are 3 classic temptation types that have been around since the Garden of Eden.

(Paul addresses the church knowing the dreadful results of an unforgiving heart that Satan may get a believer to have)

Platt, D. (2012). Triumph through Temptation. In David Platt Sermon Archive (p. 3308). Birmingham, AL: David Platt.”

, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

Authorized Version Chapter 2

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

What types of temptations are we drawn to in the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life? ()

Temptation #1: Self-Gratification

Read

This is what John calls the lust of the eyes. Satan tempts us to doubt God’s will and provisions and to go after our wants.

God created out bodies with natural feelings and cravings, and He wants us to seek His will in them according to His Word.

Whether someone is tempted to overeat, release themselves to alcohol, be lazy, go into debt, commit adultery, view pornography, or live a homosexual lifestyle, it’s because we doubt God’s provisions.

Satan is really good at this. He makes us feel like the desires you have are just the way your are. No, you’re not—you’re a new creature in Christ—all things are become new ()!

You may battle those desires for 40 days or 40 years, but Jesus won by trusting the Father!

Know that God is good!

, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.”

While we know God is good, we know the fruit of giving into temptation is destructive and empty. Don’t let the Devil deceive you!

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

Temptation #2: Self-Protection

This is what John calls the lust of the flesh.

Why would it be tempting to jump off the temple? This is not the root of the temptation. It is like the the Israelites in the wilderness doubting God and putting Him to a test. They demanded God to do something, then they would trust Him.

The temptation to doubt God’s presence causes us to doubt God’s promises.

Satan’s temptation of Jesus was to twist God’s arm into doing a miracle to deliver the Son—asking God for proof that He hasn’t left Him and forsaken Him.

We do this when we warp the Bible for our preferences. When things go wrong, we want signs that He still there.

Christ defeated this temptation with a faith in God’s unshakable presence and security.

As a dad, I try to do all I can for my sons, but God still calls me an “evil” father in . Everything He does for us is for our good—even the bad stuff! He is a good, good Father! And I am loved by Him!

Temptation #3: Self-Promotion

This is what John calls the pride of life.

Satan took Jesus up to a tall mountain where He could see far and wide, and Satan said he’d let Jesus have all the kingdoms NOW if He would worship him.

We look at it and think Jesus would be crazy to be tempted by that! But who among us hasn’t been tempted to want to be recognized and be in charge of something now?

If you were Jesus, knowing you’d suffer shame and bear a terrible weight on the cross, would you want to bypass that and move right on into being the king now?

David Platt Sermon Archive The Third Temptation: Self-Exaltation

“Jesus refused to exchange the end-time exaltation by the Father for a right-now exaltation of a snake. Jesus, the beloved Son, knew the supreme duty of every single person on the planet is to worship God. And He knew that everyone who humbles himself before the Lord will be exalted, so He chose to live a life of suffering obedience to the Father instead of sinful submission to Satan. And in the end, all authority in heaven and earth were given to Him.”

Satan told Adam and Eve, “You’ll be like gods,” and they believed him.

Do you see these temptations in your own life?

Transition: Jesus shows us the temptations, but, even more, He shows us how to survive them successfully!

2. 4 Ways to Stand

Remember, Jesus’ life is an example for us to follow.

Because of Jesus’ success and by His victory on the cross and through His resurrection, Paul wrote

Authorized Version Chapter 10

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14

, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., 1 Co 10:13–14). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

There are specific parallels comparing Jesus with people to emphasize His manhood. the person of Adam and the people of Israel I wish I could develop more fully. But think quickly of these:

Jesus is called the last or second Adam—The first was used by God to give physical life, the second gave spiritual life! (1 Corinthians 5:22, 45)

Jesus is also the true Son, Who not only journeyed with the Israelites, He suffered through their story.

, “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn.”

, “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, ”

Exodus is Israel going through the wilderness for 40 years.

The New Testament shows us God’s Son here in being tested. Both events were in the wilderness. The Exodus was for 40 years; Jesus was tested for 40 days. All of Jesus’ Bible quotes to Satan are from ; ; —all of which are passages addressing Israel’s testing in the wilderness.

Adam and Israel failed, but Christ did not sin.

, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

How does He teach us to get through the gauntlet, so we can still stand on the other side of the temptation?

The first way to stand is to be saved.

As God, Christ was sinless and did not need to get saved, but He came as the Lamb that would take away the sin of the world!

As we noted earlier, if we are going to stand in time of temptation and adversity, we need to be the children of God.

, “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

The second way to stand is to be filled with the Spirit.

A. In the Power of the Spirit.

Luke 4:14 KJV 1900

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

King James Version Chapter 4

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee

See ,

Jesus entered the temptation and exited the temptation ready to proclaim the Gospel to others because He was filled with the Spirit.

When you get saved, you receive the Holy Spirit. It’s not weird, it’s special!

The prophets, priests, and kings were often anointed with oil to symbolize the presence of the Spirit. The lamps in the temple were fueled with olive oil that symbolized the work of the Holy Spirit.

Practically, to be full of the Holy Spirit means to be completely surrendered to His will.

The third way to stand is to prioritize what is spiritual over what is fleshly.

, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

B. In the Word of God

Note that Jesus was fasting. He was physically hungry, but He was spiritually full.

, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

Jesus trusted the Heavenly Father.

Many times we emphasize our physical needs to the neglect of our spiritual needs.

We may practice physical gluttony and be spiritually famished!

We may exercise physically to the point of being a muscular hulk and still be spiritually weak!

, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

What about Jesus’ mind?

It was ruled by the Word of God! Note that in all three temptations He quoted Scripture! (verses 4, 8, 12)

, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are shonest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

He lived out !

What about Jesus’ will. Satan was testing Jesus’ will, but Jesus wasn’t letting the flesh overrule the Father’s will for His life.

Even in His darkest hour, Jesus prayed saying:

, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (1995). (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.”

If Jesus was going to be able to PROCLAIM the Good News, He was going to need to be a holy vessel through which the message could be heralded!

The fourth way to stand is to remember God wins!

Jesus’ success in the temptations are a predictor of what is yet to come!

Sometimes we give in because we get lost in the here and now!

Authorized Version Chapter 20

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

God is still in charge.

Satan will be defeated.

And the church will rise in victory!

Preparing to Proclaim

Conclusion

When the dust cleared, and Satan left for a while (it sounds like Satan had to rest and recuperate after the battle, too!), Jesus came out as the holy Victor.

I love how the Lord reminds us that the angels ministered unto Jesus after the temptation.

I liken it to a prize fighter returning to his corner after the fight, and the manager is there to take care of the wounds and give a refreshing drink!

Sometimes we feel like the temptation is so strong that we HAVE TO GIVE IN, but WAIT! When you stand, the reward is better, and the angels minister to you! The angels cannot fully understand God’s salvation and love for us, but they do understand the power of temptation because they were once tempted by Lucifer, too!

After Jesus had proven Himself to be the Son of God, then He was able to claim the promise of Scripture and was able to proclaim the Gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, to heal the blind, to set at liberty the bruised, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord!

Do not forget that what sets you apart from the world is the change that Christ makes when He comes in your life. That life is a holy life! It’s a forgiven life!

Are you living a life that is striving every day to be holy?

Invitation

Invitation

Would you pray with me?

Before praying, I would like to speak to those without Christ. You would like to find victory over sin. The surest way to do so is by knowing our loving, all-powerful Savior!

If you would like to know Him, you may. Jesus came, like we talked about today, but He also died on the cross to pay for your sins, and then He rose again showing He is the ruler of life and death and has power over the world, the flesh, and the Devil…(pray)...

Christian, perhaps you’ve been struggling with that sin that “doth so easily beset [you]…,” and you know that to share Christ you must let Christ’s holiness show.

Is that you? Don’t feel alone. The Devil has all sifted us like wheat at one time or another.

Remember, temptation is common to man (). You are not the first person or the last person to deal with it, but when you fail it can make you feel terribly. Giving into temptation will destroy relationships: with God; with people. It will destroy your health and your life.

Would you claim with me today? “If we CONFESS our sin, He is FAITHFUL and JUST to FORGIVE us our sin, and to CLEANSE us from ALL unrighteousness.”

As I pray, you come ask God to help you be holy, to help you wade through temptation and adversity, so you might be able to more brightly and effectively PROCLAIM the Good News of Christ!