Temptation on SermonAudio

The focus is on the significance of Jesus' temptation and Jesus' first temptation.

Even though we know intellectually that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we don't always live in the light of that reality. We, as a church, aspire to be one that resists the temptation to trust in our own strength and that serves with the strength that only God can provide.

This sermon examines Mark 1:35 to illustrate the necessity of intentional, solitary prayer as a characteristic of Jesus' ministry and a model for Christian living. The message argues that prayer is not merely a duty but a vital source of spiritual life, serving as a defense against temptation, a recourse in times of need, and a weapon in spiritual warfare. It emphasizes that believers must make specific time and space for communion with God, rejecting the notion that casual, incidental prayer is sufficient. The preacher highlights that this discipline leads to being filled with the Spirit's attributes of love, joy, and peace, resulting in a fruitful life that glorifies the Father. The tone is convicting yet encouraging, urging the audience to trust in God's promise to reward those who diligently seek Him.

God created man to serve as a priest-king, ruling in righteousness while worshiping and submitting to the Lord. Yet Genesis 14 reveals the consequences of abandoning that priestly calling, as nine wicked kings pursue power, domination, and autonomy from God. In contrast, Abram demonstrates the character of a righteous priest-king, motivated by love and justice to rescue the innocent rather than seeking power or personal gain. His remarkable victory over the kings of the east reveals the power and faithfulness of God Most High. Upon his return, Abram encounters two contrasting kings: Melchizedek, the righteous priest-king of Salem, and the wicked king of Sodom. By honoring Melchizedek and rejecting Sodom's riches, Abram demonstrates his allegiance to righteousness and his refusal to compromise with evil. Yet even Abram acknowledges a king greater than himself, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, the perfect and eternal Priest-King who triumphs over every enemy and grants His righteousness to His people. The passage calls believers to reject the temptation of worldly power, act courageously against injustice, refuse ungodly alliances, and treasure the eternal riches of Christ above the fleeting rewards of this world.

This sermon introduces a series on Ephesians by examining the opening verses to define the identity and sustenance of God's people. It argues that Christians are defined not by moral perfection or self-ownership, but as saints and believers who are savingly united to Christ. The sermon confronts the temptations of self-sufficiency and self-ownership, asserting that true spiritual maturity involves a deepening dependence on God rather than an attempt to sustain oneself through effort or knowledge. The preacher emphasizes that grace and peace are the essential gifts received from the Father and the Son, which sustain the believer's life and standing. Ultimately, the sermon calls the congregation to rest in their identity in Christ, recognizing that their salvation and daily strength flow entirely from the Triune God.

At this time we want to look at the first acts of our Lord as He began His public ministry. We will be looking at Jesus in relation to His beginning to lay the foundation of our salvation. We are going to look at His baptism by John, and His temptation in the Wilderness. In Jesus' baptism we see God's approval of Jesus; the pleasure that God the Father took in observing His holy life. And in the temptation of Jesus, we find the Devil's disapproval, that God's Son had now entered upon His ministry to seek and to save sinners. Even as Jesus, early in His ministry, was observed with pleasure by His Father and with displeasure by the Devil, in terms of His obedience; even so, every true Christian's obedience in baptism, and their resisting the temptations of the Devil are observed with pleasure by God the Father and with displeasure by the Devil. There are lessons that flow from this that every Christian must learn. The question that I want to ask in relation to this subject is this: How are the acts of Christ's obedience and His testing which He went through, lessons to us as Christians in regard what we should expect in living our Christian life to God? The answer is – These acts of Christ's obedience and His testing teach every Christian the following 3 lessons. 1st of all – You should see your own need to be baptized. 2nd – You should see that you will be tested and tempted following your baptism. And 3rd – As a true Christian your faith will be confirmed after you pass the test by Christ's grace.

This sermon examines Proverbs 5, focusing on the warning against the 'strange woman' as a symbol of deceptive influence and spiritual apostasy. It highlights Solomon's personal experience with this temptation, urging listeners to regard discretion so that their lips may keep true knowledge rather than succumbing to smooth talk. The text contrasts the initial sweetness of such deception with its ultimate bitterness, describing a path that leads to destruction and the loss of honor. The message emphasizes the importance of removing oneself from harmful influences and heeding divine instruction to avoid the regret of having despised reproof. Ultimately, it calls for a life guided by wisdom and obedience to God's word to prevent the decay of one's character and future.