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Facing Temptation

Facing Temptation

Oct 29, 2023

Passage: Matthew 4:1-11

Preacher: Rob Holster

Series: Gospel of the Kingdom

Summary:

Last time we ran into John the Baptizer who was baptizing people from all over in the Jordan River. They were coming to him, confessing their sins and repenting. It was a strange time–and it was the time and place Jesus walked in to start his ministry. It was John who came first, but he was the harbinger of who was to come–someone greater. In fact, he even said in Matthew 3:11, "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am–so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." He was speaking about Jesus, of course, who came along around that time after spending the first 30 years of his life living in obscurity. He came–ironically–to be baptized by John. Even though John protested–"I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he did it anyway. And the scene was amazing as the heavens opened up and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove and rested on the Son, Jesus. The voice of God the Father came from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." And that was the beginning of Jesus' ministry. But he would first be tested by the devil in the wilderness. That's what we're going to talk about this week–the temptation of Jesus. We'll talk about how he handled it (he did it perfectly). But then we'll also talk about how imperfect people should handle it–because there's something for us to learn about facing temptation.

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