Devotional Materials. Week commencing Sunday 31st January 2021
Call to worship
‘’The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.’’ 1 John 3:8
‘’Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.’’ Ephesians 6:10, 11
Today we will be thinking about the temptations Jesus faced and how he overcame them when he encountered the devil. Our opening hymn is ‘Soldiers of Christ arise and put your armour on.’ It includes the phrase ‘take to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God.’ Panoply means ‘magnificent array.’ In other words ‘take all the marvellous weapons the Lord has given you to fight this spiritual battle’. A list of these weapons are given in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Opening Hymn (piano)
1 Soldiers of Christ, arise,
and put your armour on,
strong in the strength which God supplies
through his eternal Son.
Strong in the Lord of hosts,
and in his mighty power,
who in the strength of Jesus trusts
is more than conqueror.
2 Stand then in his great might,
with all his strength endued;
but take, to arm you for the fight,
the panoply of God.
Leave no unguarded place,
no weakness of the soul;
take every virtue, every grace,
and fortify the whole.
3 To keep your armour bright,
attend with constant care;
still walking in your Captain's sight,
and watching unto prayer.
From strength to strength go on;
wrestle and fight and pray;
tread all the powers of darkness down,
and win the well-fought day.
Charles Wesley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LbytKB5vCY
Opening Prayer
Lord you are our refuge and strength. We acknowledge that we can only stand as Christians in your great might. We overcome through Christ alone. We are strong only in the strength that you supply,
Please forgive us those times when we have imagined we can live our lives without remaining in you, without praying or obeying your word- paying no attention to the pieces of armour you have provided for us. Not only that we might properly defend ourselves, but also take the ground you have commanded us to do.
Without your strength and truth we are not even aware of who our enemies truly are. Keep us from presumption. We don’t want to be civilians naively enjoying a leisurely walk through a battlefield.
Stir us to stand firm for what is true. You call us to your service, give us strength to put on the armour you provide, that we may resist the assaults of the devil, and ever trust in the salvation which you have promised us. In Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading. Matthew 4:1-11
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship
the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Hymn (Recording)
There's a sound on the wind like a victory song,
Listen now, let it rest on your soul.
It's a song that I learned from a heavenly King,
It's the song of a battle royal.
There's a loud shout of victory that leaps from our hearts
As we wait for our conquering King.
There's a triumph resounding from dark ages past
To the victory song we now sing.
Refrain. Come on heaven's children,
The city is in sight.
There will be no sadness
On the other side.
There'll be crowns for the conquerors and white robes to wear,
There will be no more sorrow or pain.
And the battles of earth shall be lost in the sight
Of the glorious Lamb that was slain.
Now the King of the ages approaches the earth,
He will burst through the gates of the sky,
And all men shall bow down to His beautiful name,
We shall rise with a shout, we shall fly!
Refrain
Graham Kendrick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K14qaX0Yl0
Sermon. ‘’Jesus encounter with the devil’’ (Part 1)
We will look at the first temptation brought against Jesus today and the other two next week. First I want to explore the wider picture suggested by our title. The wider picture presupposes
The reality of the devil.
There are many references to the work of the devil in the Bible. For example, Ephesians.6:11 says put on full armour against “the devil’s schemes” and verse 12 “our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Elsewhere the Bible teaches the devil is the one who opposes God and tempts God’s people. He is described as the ruler of this world” who seeks to influence Governments, world powers and prevailing thought forms. He is the “god of this world” who blinds the minds of unbelievers. An “angel of light” and “father of lies”, making evil attractive and saying right is wrong and wrong is right. He is “the accuser of the brethren” He is a “roaring lion” who looks for someone to devour. The Bible warns us we are not to be ignorant of his devices.
Nicky Gumbel gives further reasons for the devil’s existence
“Well, the first reason is that it makes sense of the world—reason. Looking around at our world, we see evil regimes, institutional torture and violence, mass murders, brutal rapes, terrorist atrocities on a scale unimaginable a few years ago. Sexual and physical abuse of children. These things litter our newspapers daily.
Some of you may remember an incident that took place on 13th March 1996: Thomas Hamilton, aged 43, entered the primary school gym in Dunblane and opened fire on a class of five- and six-year-olds. Sixteen children and their teacher were killed; seventeen other children and teachers were wounded. The head teacher said this: `Evil has visited our school.’
Any kind of theology or worldview which ignores the existence of spiritual forces of evil has a great deal to explain.
And then there’s Christian experience—church tradition. The early church theologians, the Reformers, the great evangelists like Wesley and Whitefield, and the overwhelming majority of men and women of God, knew that there were very real spiritual forces of evil around them. As soon as we start to serve the Lord, his interest is aroused. ‘The devil only tempts those souls that wish to abandon sin…the others belong to him: he has no need to tempt them.’ Jean-Baptiste Vianney.So Scripture, tradition and reason all point to the existence of the devil. But that doesn’t mean that we should become kind of obsessed by this subject. C.S. Lewis said this: `There are two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence; the other is to believe and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors.’ (‘Questions of Life’ Nicky Gumbel).
When Dorothy, the tin man, scarecrow and the cowardly lion come before the Wizard of Oz, they are given a fearful reception. He puts on a tinselled display of power, strength and dominion. But actually it is all feeble noise and phoniness. Behind the stage is a weak wizard; the insignificant, powerless, bespectacled little bald headed creature pushing buttons and pulling levers.
The devil is like that. Now the devil is real, not symbolic. The devil is a fallen archangel who fights against those who follow and obey God. He is the accuser. But he is no match for God’s power.
Now let’s look at our passage from Matthew 4:1-11.
Notice it was the Holy Spirit who led Jesus out into the desert to be tempted by the devil (1) God permitted this to happen.
Now it’s tough when it feels like you are in a desert situation and being tested. Emotionally it’s tough. But we need to see that God is in control of what is going on. Indeed, when God permits us to be tempted then we should count it an honour. We are told to rejoice when we experience various trials (Luke 6:23, James 1:2). It’s a complement. He permits these temptations to test us. To see what is in us. What we have learnt. It’s an opportunity to grow in our faith and recognise what is of true value and what is not. He wants us to learn to rely on his power and build our lives according to His word. As we do we will see the devil flee. It is God’s way of saying to us “Satan is powerless, he is not what he claims to be. He wears a false mask and shoots out fiery darts that fizzle and die in the presence of truth. But you must discover this for yourself”.
The timing of this period of temptation is very interesting. It came after Jesus had been baptised. Jesus’ baptism had been a wonderful moment for him. The Father Himself had spoken from heaven “This is my Son, my beloved in whom I am well pleased” Tremendous encouragement for Jesus- This is my Son, and that phrase “with whom I am well pleased” is found in Isaiah’s description of the suffering servant: “Behold my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom I am well pleased, I have put my spirit on him” (Isa 42:1) The Father had publicly identified Jesus as His Son but Jesus also knows he is this suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah. Even at his baptism, the outset of his mission, Jesus knows he must die in our place. He must be sinless if the sacrifice is to be acceptable.
It’s within this context that the devil attacks Jesus. He wants to dissuade Jesus from carrying out his mission as Messiah. (He will try and do it later in Jesus’ ministry- through Peter, after Jesus explained he must be rejected and killed, Peter tried to dissuade him and Jesus had to say “Get behind me Satan”, again this attempt to keep Jesus from going to the cross, so too in Gethsemane. But here he attacks Jesus at the beginning of his ministry.)The devil wants Jesus to sin against God so he will be incapable of being a sacrifice for sins. How does he try to make Jesus sin against God?
He tries to drive a wedge between Father and Son:
In the first temptation the devil tries to make Jesus despair of His Father’s goodness. In the second he tries to make Jesus presume on his Father’s power. In the third he attempts to make Jesus disregard His Father’s honour. Today we look at the first.
Stones into bread (2-4)
Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights. During that time he had prayed and taken time to be with God in order to prepare for his mission. In this sense he was in a good state of mind to face the devil’s temptations. He had spent time in communion with God, meditating on His Word, dependent on the Father. But in another sense it was an opportune time for Satan to attack. Jesus was obviously famished. His status as God’s Son did not make the fast any easier; his physical body suffered the severe hunger and pain of going without food and drink.
Notice first how the devil acts as though he is looking out for Jesus best interest and cares for Jesus’ welfare, “turn these stones into bread” he says. Jesus is very hungry and it seems quite proper for him to do this for his necessary support. But behind this idea is the temptation that any principle or law of God can be ignored if you are in some kind of material crisis or your desires are somehow being thwarted.
The material meeting of your need or desire is all that counts.
Isn’t that a prevalent temptation for us in these Covid days?
I had the privilege of hearing the Romanian Pastor Josef Ton speak. He faced many crises for his faith where it would have been easier to disobey God and look after his material well- being instead. On one occasion Ton was arrested and beaten by a Communist General for preaching the Gospel. Ton was told that if he did not accept a civilian job instead he would be beaten again and the General said he would finish him.
Ton reflected on this and said to his wife that he might take the civilian job. His wife said to him ‘You must be prepared to be a martyr for Christ. Go and do it, you must be willing to die!’ Ton, with his wife there at the meeting, smiled and reflected about how many wives would be prepared to say that! But he knew she was right. He returned to the General and told him ‘I will go on preaching until you kill me’ He explained to the General he had a problem. The issue was whether to make the General or God angry! Ton said to the General ‘It will have to be you’
From that point Ton saw a change in the General, the General said ‘You will not die, go and preach.’ After that Ton was able to preach and saw a period of revival over a 4 year period. The General didn’t let anyone bother him during that time.
The devil can certainly seem to be so understanding of what we need or desire- especially putting our own personal comfort/desire above God’s will.
And the devil really gives the temptation a twist when it comes to Jesus. He says “If you are the Son of God turn these stones into bread” “If you’re the Son of God.” Look, he says, haven’t we heard at your baptism that you’re the Son of God? Well if that’s the case how is it you’re in this awful condition? Aren’t you entitled to more than this? Aren’t you the heir of all things? Why is God allowing you to suffer in this desert? You know either God is not your Father, or He is a very unkind Father.’
Isn’t that how he comes to you and me? He takes your eyes off all you have to be thankful for and makes you discontented with your lot. He tries to make us despair of our Father’s goodness.
Does this sound familiar? That’s what the devil did with Eve. He made it seem that somehow God was limiting her life if she couldn’t be allowed to eat of the fruit of that 1 tree. That she would be like God if she did which would somehow threaten God- again hard thoughts about God. God doesn’t care for you. God is holding you back.
Jesus answered “It is written “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.
Jesus is quoting from the book of Deuteronomy. There the Israelites were in the desert and they complained because they did not have the sustenance they had in Egypt. So God fed the Israelites with manna because he wanted to teach them “that man shall not live on bread alone”. (Deuteronomy 8:3).
As men and women created by God we are not to think of life in purely economic terms or what we need materially or naturally- as though our life was all about the meeting of these needs. This is not living. Real life is found-says Jesus- when we direct our choices and actions according to what God says. He is our Creator and Saviour. He has purposes for our lives and how we can benefit others. We are to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness. Then our basic material needs are met anyway (Matt 6:33, 34). As we obey His word we find our Father is the one who really cares for us, and He will provide what we need and more- just as he provided manna for the Israelites. We are blessed when we live our lives His way, not when we take matters into our own hands.
A man spoke to me about going through this kind of testing. He admitted that for quite a lot of his life things had gone smoothly for him. But suddenly he lost his job, in addition one of his sons rejected Christian teaching and made a mess of his life, grieving my friend and his wife. But instead of harbouring hard thoughts of God, this man saw the spiritual battle for what it was. Through that time of testing he saw areas of his own life that need to be submitted to God- particularly how he had used finance in the past, and he began to trust God for the promise of material provision through that difficult time. He also began to pray for his prodigal son and entrust him to the Lord, confident the Lord had the situation in hand. Instead of accusing his son he prayed for patience and longsuffering towards him and so has grown in his capacity to show Christ’s love. Far from doubting God’s goodness in those difficult circumstances, he experienced it more deeply as he leaned hard on God and His word.
In this first temptation the devil tries to make Jesus despair of His Father’s goodness. There is also an appeal to ‘the lust of the flesh’ here- the temptation to allow physical appetites to dominate; to idolise these rather than accept them with gratitude but in their proper place. Indeed we have so much to thank God for, and if we are to know the abundant life he intends for us, then that is only found by living ‘on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’. His words directing our motivations, desires and actions, so we increasingly love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbours as ourselves.
We shall explore the other two temptations next week, but in all three we see the vital importance of knowing the Scriptures. To each temptation Jesus replied, “It is written…it is written…it is written.” (Ephesians 6:17: Take ‘the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’). When we do this we also resist the devil successfully and he has to flee (James 4:7)
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Prayer diary for February
As we enter the shortest month let us pray continually for this land and the whole world, that the COVID 19 pandemic will be overcome, as we turn to GOD in repentance and prayer.
Let us pray for
1. Our Minister Rev. David Barnes, his family and his ministry.
2. The whole church, that we will retain our faith in the Lord.
3. Our church secretary, Wendy Breese; give thanks for her.
4. The treasurership as Dick Gibb gives up this important work.
5. Our deacons, for wisdom and encouragement.
6. St. Margaret’s Church; the Rector, Rev. Mark Standen.
7. The Immanuel Church, its’ leader, Rev. Ben Redding.
8. Tim and Linda Hobson.
9. A strong missionary involvement.
10. Members and friends unwell or housebound.
11. That we will be able to work with children and young people.
12. David and Lorna Sivyour seeking guidance for the future of the Dell Club.
13. Mary and Martin Barber in Madagascar.
14. Members and friends isolating because of COVID19.
15. Our musicians and singers; thank the Lord for them.
16. All who mourn the loss of loved ones.
17. Judy Cook and her work in Thailand and at the Hope Home.
18. Safety and Security in Angmering.
19. The NHS, that COVID19 will not overwhelm it.
20. The vaccination programme will be wholly successful.
21. The church worldwide and all suffering persecution.
22. Paul and Alison Guinness; for their new daughter Lydia.
23. That the Torch Fellowship will soon be able to resume.
24. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff will know God’s strengthening.
25. Our caretaker Rosalyn , and all who care for our premises.
26. The movement of the Holy Spirit in Angmering.
27. Our Government will have great wisdom at the difficult time.
28. As Spring approaches, thank the Lord for signs of new life.
Hymn (piano)
1 Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right:
lay hold on life, and it shall be
thy joy and crown eternally.
2 Run the straight race through God's good grace,
lift up thine eyes, and seek his face;
life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.
3 Cast care aside; upon thy Guide
lean, and his mercy will provide;
lean, and the trusting soul shall prove,
Christ is its life and Christ its love.
4 Faint not, nor fear, his arms are near;
he changeth not, and thou art dear;
only believe, and thou shalt see
that Christ is all in all to thee.
John S B Monsell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YppcFC8mxKM
Ascription
To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask or even think of, to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, for ever and ever. Amen
David Barnes 27/1/21