Sermon for the Watford church of Christ
“Testing, Testing…”, Matthew 4.1-11
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matthew 4:1–11)
- What is the real test for Jesus?
- How will passing this test prepare Jesus for his calling?
- What application does this have for our own lives?
Bread, vv3-4; Temple, vv5-7; Mountain, vv8-10
A. Lie
B. Test
C. Result
D. Parallels
Conclusion, v11
- Luke 4:13
- Adam / Jesus
- QUESTION: In what ways are their situations and the way they respond similar/different?
- Welcome testing – a sign of God’s love, (Heb 10)
- Cooperate with testing – a sign of trust
- Use the tools – a sign of faith
QUESTION FOR TODAY:
“What test is going on in your life today that might be God preparing you for greater Christ-likeness and preparedness for him to use you to help others in the future?”
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
