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This is the first sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Waiting Prophet’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 2:21-28
This is the second sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Evil Tempter’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
CONNECT: As we think about encountering Jesus, what opportunities do your friends have this year to encounter Jesus through your words, invitation, or your actions?
WARM-UP
What do you think most Australians would think about the devil? How about evil more generally?
Is evil real? Why is it equally in error to either: disbelieve in evil or be excessively interested in evil?
Read Luke 4:1-2
Where did the Holy Spirit actively lead Jesus? What would it have been like? Why was this necessary?
How is it evident that there werenʼt just a few temptations but that Jesus was constantly bombarded over this entire 40-day period? What do you think this would have been like?
What is meant by Jesus being tempted? Have you ever had a time of particular testing/temptation?
What is the parallel between Jesusʼ 40 days in the wilderness and Israelʼs 40 years of wandering?
How would Jesus faithfully fulfil what Israel had failed to do?
How is Jesusʼ humanness evident in these verses? Why is this of great encouragement to us?
Read Luke 4:3-13
Preceding this passage (i.e., 3:21-22), who did the Father just declare Jesus to be? Why does Satan repetitively seek to undermine this truth? What is the enemyʼs goal?
How would you describe the three tactics used by the enemy? Are any a challenge for you?
Do you think the enemy ever uses similar tactics to tempt us away from Godʼs plan and will?
Under what conditions are you most susceptible to succumb to temptation?
How does Jesus confront each of the three temptations? How is this a model for us?
What resources has God given us to resist temptation? What does he provide when we fall short?
What have you found most helpful in resisting temptation? What do you find most challenging?
Why does verse 13 mean? When would be the most opportune time?
How is Jesusʼ death and resurrection the ultimate triumph over the schemes of the evil one?
APPLY: How can Jesusʼ example better equip you to actively resist the temptations of the enemy?
Gracious God, thank you that whilst Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, he did not sin. Please help
us to identify temptation, rely on your strength, flee from sin, and rejoice in your forgiveness. Amen.
On Your Frontline This Week: In February, where do you see Jesus’ priorities on your calendar?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
SERIES Resources:
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful): https://bit.ly/341gAdI
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright: https://bit.ly/3Iexkgh
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook
Listen to the latest sermons and talks from St Bart's Anglican Church located in Toowoomba, Australia. Visit www.stbarts.com.au for the latest news and information.