Temptation on SermonAudio

In Chapter 17 of The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, John Owen addresses the severe danger of spiritual decay—a spiritual condition worse than mere slow growth, where a believer's initial love, vigor, and affection for heavenly things gradually wane over time. Owen carefully distinguishes between perceived decays (caused by temporary seasons of severe temptation or natural changes in emotional expression due to aging) and genuine spiritual decline, warning that true backsliding provokes Christ's displeasure, grieves the Holy Spirit, destroys spiritual assurance, and often exposes a superficial initial conversion. Rather than leaving the reader in despair, he offers a compassionate pastoral path toward recovery: urging backsliding Christians to actively recall their former communion with God, lay firm hold of merciful gospel promises, and pursue thorough, unwavering spiritual renewal before their hearts become irreparably hardened.

Galatians 4:7-21 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 12 ¶ Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? 17 ¶ They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. 18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. 19 ¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 21 ¶ Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

The sermon centers on the concept of God as a 'buckler,' a small, personal shield that protects the believer from the enemy's attacks. Drawing primarily from 2 Samuel 22:31, the message contrasts the fleeting security of worldly defenses with the eternal reliability of God's Word. Through the examples of David and Ahab, the text illustrates that while human efforts and status can fail, God remains a constant protector for those who trust in Him. The preacher encourages the congregation to hold up the shield of faith against the fiery darts of the devil, emphasizing that this spiritual defense is essential for navigating life's trials and temptations. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging believers to rely on God's unchanging nature rather than their own strength or the shifting circumstances of the world.

The sermon explores the life of Caleb as a model of wholehearted faith and obedience, contrasting his steadfast trust in God's promises with the fear and unbelief of the other Israelite spies. It highlights how Caleb's unwavering commitment to follow the Lord enabled him to claim his inheritance in Hebron, even at the age of eighty-five, demonstrating that spiritual vigor persists through physical aging. The message connects this biblical example to the Christian life, urging believers to resist the temptation to settle for partial obedience or comfort, which leads to a lack of full possession of their spiritual inheritance. By emphasizing that faith is the antidote to fear and that true discipleship requires giving God one's entire heart, the sermon encourages a life of continuous, undivided devotion to Christ.

God always gives good gifts. Man's response to these good gifts is one of sin and rebellion since the fall. The end of man's sinful works is death. God gives the perfect gift of Jesus Christ to deliver his beloved people from death, and gives them eternal life in Jesus Christ the perfect gift of God for all our needs.

Our Consolations in the Afflictions and Temptations from our adversary, the devil.

Theme: Jesus Succeeds in Answering Satan's Temptations where Adam Failed. I. The Son of God Tempted by Physical Needs – vv. 1-4 A. The Son of God Lead by the Spirit to be Tempted by the Devil – v. 1 B. Jesus was Hungry after Fasting 40 days and nights – v. 2 C. The Devil Tempts Jesus to Supernaturally Fulfill His Physical Needs – v. 3 D. Jesus Responds that God's Word is More Necessary than Daily Food – v. 4 II. The Devil Tempts Jesus to Die Early – vv. 5-7 A. The Devil Set Jesus on the Pinnacle of the temple – v. 5 B. The Devil Quotes Scripture Concerning Trust in God's Protection – v. 6 C. Jesus Responds that Trusting is not Tempting God – v. 7 III. The Devil Tempts Jesus to Obtain His Deserved Glory by Avoiding the Cross – vv. 9-11 A. The Devil Shows Jesus the Glory of the Kingdoms of the World – v. 8 B. The Devil Promises Jesus the Honor He deserved by Avoiding the Cross – v. 9 C. Jesus Responds that We are to Worship and Serve the Lord Only – v. 10 D. Jesus Ministered to by Angels – v. 11

Beloved in the Lord Jesus: You saw Jacob's wisdom in dealing with his brother Esau, a known rebel against God, a man destined for perdition. Jacob was friendly with Esau but not too friendly. He kept Esau at bay, using friendliness to disarm him so he would not kill him and hinder his plan to settle Canaan and wait for Messiah. But would Jacob's sons have the same level of wisdom as they interacted with the world and waited for Messiah to come? Or would they make life difficult in the land? Would they know how to live with the Canaanites and preserve their Christian testimony? See today how Jacob and his sons began their stay in Canaan with foolish actions, actions that posed a threat to the coming of Jesus to save sinners from hell and misery. Our headings are: 1. Harming a Covenant Child 2. Hurting a Covenant nation Our goals are: That you will be wise in your actions, knowing the building of Christ's kingdom is at stake.

This sermon examines the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, emphasizing that His voluntary submission to the Father's will was the cost of human redemption. The text highlights the theological depth of Christ's humanity, noting that He experienced genuine fear and physical distress, symbolized by His sweat becoming like drops of blood, yet remained perfectly obedient. The preacher contrasts this intense spiritual struggle with the disciples' failure to pray, urging believers to prioritize prayer as a defense against temptation. Furthermore, the message encourages Christians to embrace submission to God's sovereign plan, even in suffering, trusting that all things work together for good. Ultimately, the sermon points to Gethsemane as the definitive proof of Christ's sacrificial love, assuring believers that He bore the curse of the law on their behalf.