Obstacle Course – Week Two

When we begin to live life according to the path we believe God is leading us toward, we can face many obstacles along the way. We’ll discuss what God is teaching us through these obstacles by examining: 

1. The temptation of Jesus and the characteristic of dependence.
2. The story of Gideon.
3. Where we struggle the most.

• Jesus’ ministry began with His temptation where we learn about the characteristic of dependence.

James 1:13-14 This tells us that God doesn’t tempt anyone, but God can use temptations in our lives to teach us something or to grow us.

Venn diagram 

The circumstances where God can prepare you the best are also the circumstances where Satan can tempt you the most.

Luke 4:1-2 God’s plan was for Jesus to go into the wilderness where He would be tempted.

  –  Jesus was hungry at the end of the 40 days. He is fully God and still fully human.

  –  Jesus was tempted over and over again for 40 days.

Luke 4:3 Satan is trying to get Jesus to question God, to doubt God’s goodness.

  –  Satan wants Jesus to provide for Himself and not depend on God.

  –  This is a tactic used on us all the time.

  –  This brings us to the characteristic of dependence and how we need to depend on God.

• The story of Gideon shows us how the Israelites learned to depend on God.

Judges 7:1-3 God reduces the army of Israel by 22,000 until only 10,000 remain.

Judges 7:4-6 God reduces the army again until only 300 remained to fight a massive army. 

God showed them how He would take care of them no matter the circumstances. 

(Back to the temptation of Jesus)

Luke 4:4 Jesus knew that it didn’t matter how hungry or weak He was because He was depending on God.

Judges 7:17-21 Gideon and the Israelites won through no skill of their own. It was because God provided, and they depended on Him.

(Back to the temptation of Jesus)

Luke 4:14 Jesus returns to begin His ministry in the power of the Spirit.

  –  Through weakness, God provides strength. God accomplishes His plan through the dependence of His followers.

• The areas in your life that you are struggling in the most are not the areas where you are too weak. They are the areas that you are still too strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 … “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”