The Refiner's Fire

INTRO

Understanding the Why (vs. 1)

THE SUBJECT - Jesus

Let’s not forget who this happened to. These events didn’t happen in some stranger’s life, it happened to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s important to remember that because it gives us strength and encouragement to know Jesus faced the same things we do

THE DIRECTOR - The Holy Spirit

It’s VERY important to understand WHO led him into this time. He was led by the Spirit, which tells us:

It was God’s will that he go through this

Which means God is willing to let us go through difficult seasons

THE PLACE - the wilderness

discuss “wilderness” - the holy place where God speaks

THE REASON - Temptation or Testing?

The greek word here, peirazo, has 2 meanings. To be tempted and also to be tested.

It’s clear based on what we read next that the translation should be tempted, for that’s what happened, what GOD ALLOWED, but could he have allowed it so that Jesus could be tested?

When I say “tested” I don’t mean in the sense of are you up to the task, but more in the line of that you are being tested to show your strength.

Psalm 26:2

Think about what was happening those 40 days prior to the temptation/testing - Jesus was dealing with the will of the Father.