Sermon for the First Sunday in Lent

 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Mathew 4).   

Jesus is our example to follow when it comes to temptations. But a better way to look at it is Jesus is our Champion and Victor when it comes to temptations. 

The first thoughts that come from hearing of the temptation of Christ in the wilderness is to say to ourselves, “Let’s be like Jesus. Don’t be like the devil.”

A tall order to be sure – be like Jesus. He is the Son of God and the perfect Son of Man. None on earth can pretend to be divine or perfect.  Nevertheless, the life of Jesus is shown to us that we may see an example of righteousness and holy living. As it is said, in the book of Hebrews, we have “one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So follow Jesus example when tempted in the following ways:

• ·        Be like Jesus and know your enemy. Be aware of the unseen tempter. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
• ·        Be like Jesus and use the word of God. So like Jesus, we have the words of God, written for our learning and our defense against temptation. When Jesus was tempted three times, three times He responded by proclaiming the word of God. Hear the Word. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest it. That when temptations come to your mind, you can push them aside and replace them with what is true and eternal, namely, the law and promises of God.
• ·        Be like Jesus and expect there will be temptations. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the temptations he necessarily had to face. Let that be a lesson for you. Followers of Jesus do not expect a happy easy life. But there will be attacks of the evil one, ungodly desires of the flesh, and pressures from the unbelieving world.
• ·        Be like Jesus and be intentional in your fight against temptation. We see in Jesus words and actions, intentional obedience to that word of God that He knew and used so well. So also, in your temptation, commit to total obedience – no compromises.
• ·        Be like Jesus and remember your baptism.  Notice this also, the Spirit was on Him. This event followed right after the baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River. We follow Jesus in this baptized life, with the Holy Spirit on each of us who believes. You are united with Christ in your baptism, so also in your temptation.

 

So what are your temptations? They are unique to each of us. You have to recognize them on your own, in each specific setting. Is it like some forbidden fruit, something that looks desirous but in reality is bad for your body and soul? We can hear what was going on in Eve’s head when she was tempted. Not just the fruit, but underlying that physical temptation was the more serious to doubt God. Did he really say, that you can’t eat that fruit? It was tempting to think she knew better than God. She thought she would put God to the test. She and Adam could be gods themselves.

When you are tempted let God be God and you be you, under His care and control.

Let Jesus Christ be Jesus Christ. Here’s where He is more than just a good example to follow. He is your solution to temptation. He is your Champion and Victor.

Jesus Christ gives us Christians certainty even and especially in times of temptation.

We pray fervently “lead us not into temptation.” When you say this, don’t just have in mind the low hanging fruit. But also plead for Christ’s help for the underlying, more deadly temptations. that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Temptations ultimately lead us to doubt God, ignore His commandments, and second guess His holy word.

Oh how, our temptations can be demoralizing and discouraging! What wretched, miserable sinners we are, that just when we think we’ve got one temptation put away, a new one pops up seemingly out of nowhere to torment us!

But our Lord and Great Example has become for us so much more than an example – He has given us victory over all evil, and over every temptation. By His death on the cross and by His blood shed for us, He has won for us the eternal prize of life, forgiveness from the guilt when we’ve fallen for temptations, righteousness and freedom from the pestering of the devil, the world and our sinful flesh. More than a pattern to follow, He brings us through temptations.

For those of us who can’t win at sin, for us fights the Valiant One. He gives us the Vicory. Amen.