Week Commencing Sunday 7th February 2021

Michael Saward

In heavenly armour we'll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honour
Power and strength to the Lord
[repeat]

When the power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord

When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord

Jamie Owens- Collins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9-81wKQJCQ

Sermon. ‘’Jesus encounter with the devil.’’ Part 2

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. Now he faces the devil’s temptations.

We saw previously that the devil’s first temptation was to play on the severe hunger Jesus must have felt at that time. The temptation to turn stones into bread (2-4). The devil appeared to be looking out for Jesus’ best interests. 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.

This kind of temptation is an appeal to what has been called the lust of the flesh. The temptation to allow our physical appetites to dominate; to idolise these rather than accept material blessings with gratitude but in their proper place under God.

We saw that this first temptation was also an attempt to make Jesus doubt his Father’s goodness. The idea God must be unkind to let him suffer in the desert. But Jesus replies with Scripture, “It is written “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”.

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.

A jump to fame. (5-8)

The devil has tried to make Jesus doubt his Father’s goodness. Now he tempts Jesus to presume on his Father’s power.

 Jesus has shown that he trusts the Father implicitly. So the devil says “let’s see if he will trust the Father enough to throw himself off the highest pinnacle of the temple. “Throw yourself down” He even quotes from a Psalm. Psalm 91:11, 12; “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”. This Psalm celebrates the safety of the person who trusts in the Lord. Satan quotes it while tempting Jesus to do just the opposite. The devil wants Jesus to make a public exhibition of himself. He would either kill himself- which would suit Satan, or else Jesus would become a 5 minute wonder. He would win the superficial admiration of the people through in effect having become a performer. This action would appeal to the crowd, but as a stunt it would have done nothing to make any change at a deeper level in their hearts and minds. This action would not turn people from their sin, neither make it possible for them to be put right with God. The people who watched would still be in the devil’s camp.

Jesus’ response is short and sharp “It is also written. “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (7)

Notice Jesus uses Scripture- the Word of God- in the way he defeats Satan’s attacks. He does this in all three temptations. Ephesians 6:17 tells us the word of God is the sword of the spirit. It is essential we know our Bibles if we are to successfully rebuff Satan’s advances. The Word of God is the only offensive weapon in our armour when we fight spiritual warfare. Sometimes people say you cannot trust the Bible because it says different or contradictory things. But this is a lazy excuse to try and avoid true Christian discipleship. Like the devil, some use the Bible in a mistaken or superficial way- sometimes in an attempt to justify some sin. Rather we must diligently study the Scriptures and meditate on them, we must be open to see how they will change us. There is a right way to handle the Word of Truth which pays attention to its obvious meaning and the wider context. Interpretation that aligns itself with a number of other biblical references. (See also Updates on ‘The accuracy of the Bible’ 10/1/21, 17/1/21).

And this is how Jesus uses the Scripture in his reply: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test”. Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6:16. In this passage, Moses was referring to an incident during Israel’s wilderness wanderings, recorded in Exodus 17:1-7.The people were thirsty and ready to mutiny against Moses and return to Egypt if he did not provide them with water. God supplied the water, but only after the people had “tested the Lord by saying “Is the Lord going to take care of us or not?” The people were challenging God- they were presumptuous in their attitude. Jesus knows that throwing himself off the building in order to see what God would do- would also be presumption.

Now Jesus humble day to day trust in God’s provision was not presumption. Jesus trusted His Father would provide for him though he had nowhere to lay his head. He expected the disciples to leave their nets and follow him, not worrying about tomorrow but trusting God for their daily provision. This looks dangerous to us, but that’s because we want everything buttoned up financially from the beginning. Hudson Taylor would never have launched the great chapter in mission history called the China Inland Mission if he waited for the money to be in place. He was an ordinary person with few resources. But once he had determined that God wanted him to go he went. This is not testing God. Rather he acted according to the belief that the Lord, and not Money, should be master in his decision making.

But it is presumption when you say God will provide and then you do no work. It is presumption when you pray that God will give you good health and then abuse your body through over eating and doing no exercise. It is presumption when you say you desire to grow as a Christian but then neglect to use the means of grace given to help you do that- such as making time to pray, read the Bible, join in worship, hear the Word taught and live a life for the benefit of others. It is presumption to test the Lord by praying he will make you holy and then you sit down to watch a pornographic film. It is presumption when you make no effort to share the Gospel or invite your neighbour to an event because you think “they will be alright anyway”

Paul warns against the attitude that says- “let us continue in sin that grace may abound”. The idea here is we might as well sin away because God is going to forgive us anyway. Rather like the man who was asked before he would die if he was forgiven, he replied “It’s God’s business to forgive!!” To this kind of presumption Paul says “their condemnation is deserved”

The temptation in all these things is to avoid the personal responsibility God’s Word demands of us and to presume on God’s power instead.

Shortcut to world dominion (8-11).

In the final temptation the devil took Jesus to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory “All this I will give you, “he said, “If you will bow down and worship me”

This was a temptation about ambition. Here the devil was in his element because it was through ambition that he fell. It led him to totally revolt against God.

It is debateable whether the devil had the power to do what he claimed here. It is true John 12:31 describes him as the “Prince of this world” and 1 John 5:19 states “The whole world is under the control of the evil one”. But it could be argued that this merely shows the devil exercises a very powerful influence for evil over the lives of all who belong to him. But these references do not prove that the devil is the ultimate owner and ruler of the nations with the right to give them and their wealth to whoever he pleases. Rather in Matthew 11:27 Jesus says “All things have been committed to me by my Father” and there are many references referring to Christ’s supreme exaltation once he has ascended- “seated at the right hand…..far above all rule and authority, power and dominion and every title that can be given. And God placed all things under his feet.” (Eph1:21,22a) But even in his earthly ministry Satan could do no more than Jesus allowed him to. Jesus could cast out demons and so “bind the strong man”- that is the devil- even during his earthly ministry.

But whatever your thoughts on this the power behind this temptation was to present something that was rightfully Christ’s without him having to go through the suffering of the cross to obtain it. Why wait? The devil says. Take the world now as an earthly kingdom, without carrying out the plan to save the world from sin. Satan was offering a painless shortcut. But Satan didn’t understand that suffering and death were a part of God’s plan that Jesus had chosen to obey.

Jesus dismisses the devil with these words “Away from me Satan. For it is written “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only”. For Jesus to take a shortcut to the goal- ruling the world by worshiping Satan- would be to break the first commandment, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him” (Deuteronomy 6:4,5). Jesus would honour His Father’s name above all things. He would continue to submit himself to the Father. He would not allow himself to be placed in opposition to the Father. The nations had been promised to the Messiah- they were rightfully his, but not for him to seize according to selfish ambition, rather to inherit in God’s way and in God’s time.

In this way Jesus would use his power as the Son of God to serve us and save us. To attend to our best interests and to love us because God loves us. He is the suffering servant. Jesus resisted the temptation to abuse his power by trying to bind us to himself, possess us or forcefully coerce us as the devil would seek to do.

And when Satan tempts us to selfish ambition we must respond as Jesus did and tell him to go. We are here to serve one another. This is what we remind ourselves when we are tempted in this way: “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11, 12). We are not to bind one another into our own image or seek to control one another. But rather serve one another in love- though sacrificial service as Christ has served us.

Others have worshipped the devil in a bid to gain the world. But it is Christ’s kingdom that endures. Listen to this saying attributed to Napoleon:

You speak of Caesar, Alexander, of their conquests; of the enthusiasm they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers, but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests with an army faithful and entirely devoted to His memory? My army has forgotten me while living. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and myself have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force! Jesus Christ alone founded His empire upon love: and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. I have so inspired multitudes that they would die for me- but, after all, my presence was necessary- the lighting of my eye, my voice, a word from me- then the sacred fire was kindled in their hearts. Now that I am at St Helena, alone, chained upon this rock, who fights and wins empires for me? What an abyss between my deep misery and the eternal reign of Christ who is proclaimed, loved, adored, and whose reign is extending over all the earth. (Pierson “Many infallible Proofs” Vol. 2 p 49)

Conclusion

The devil could not dissuade Jesus from his mission. He could not make him sin against his Father. Jesus was able to go to the cross and make the perfect sacrifice in order to save us from our sins and bring us to God.

And we can derive comfort from the fact that we have a high priest who having been tempted is able to help us in our temptations.(Hebrews 4:14-16)  Jesus is not a dead man. He is risen and ascended and he intercedes for us. It is because Jesus defeated and disarmed the devil through the cross and resurrection that we need not fear the devil.

 As we follow Christ and hold to God’s word the devil has to flee from us because he is a conquered enemy. The devil is not calling the shots as he would like us to believe. He has nothing to offer us. Indeed by not giving in to the devil, Jesus received the very blessings that the devil had promised him. But in a glorious sense and with the Father’s favour he received the strength to endure physically, the ministry of angels and authority over the Kingdoms of the world.

And the same is true for you and me. Acting on the devil’s lies only drags us down and hurts our lives, but as we learn to resist the devil, it’s then we discover God’s comfort and blessing. And we know we will be blessed beyond measure, beyond our wildest dreams, when we are taken home, to be with the Lord in eternity.

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Prayers

Almighty God, how wonderful you are. Creation cries out in awe of your power. The universe shines with your glory and greatness. Almighty Lord, how majestic you are. Each atom and molecule carry a tiny part of your plan. Every microbe speaks of your breath-taking beauty. Almighty Father, how awesome you are. The mountain ranges reflect your heights, and the gentle valleys your mercy. Almighty One, how creative you are. Each tree and flower are filled with your wonder and bounty, each life resounds with intricacy and miracles. I will lift my eyes to you, my wonderful, majestic, awesome God. (www.lords-prayer-words.com)
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust”. Psalm 91:2

Sovereign God, teach us to trust in you in these difficult times, even when we cannot see the way ahead. Help us to walk in faith, even when faith may seem foolish. Grant us grace to entrust ourselves to your everlasting love in the assurance that you will be sufficient for all our needs. Without your light in our lives we walk in darkness, denied the joy, peace, hope, strength and guidance that you alone can give. We ask that the light of Christ might break yet more fully into our hearts and shine more brightly through our lives, to your glory.

We pray for the peace of the world, that respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples. We pray for your Church, that it may share to the full in the work of your Son, and that Christians may be reconciled to one another, loving each other as you have loved us. We remember Christians who are persecuted

We pray for our government as they make difficult decisions amidst ever-changing circumstances. Grant them wisdom as they search for strategies which will be for the good of all

We remember at this time all who are dedicated to serving others, and put the needs of other people before their own. Bless those who minister to the sick in our hospitals, going beyond the call of duty. Give them the skills to cope and grant them strength when they grow weary

Lord Jesus, as you reached out to the sick and suffering throughout your earthly ministry, bring wholeness and healing to those in our communities who are ill, and to our families and friends whose names are known personally to us

Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died of Covid 19, surround us and all who mourn with your strong compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair, and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope in Jesus Christ our Risen Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, may the flame of faith burn brightly within us, and your light shine in our hearts, so that we, in turn, may bring light to others, to the glory of your name. (St Mary’s Church. Mudford)

Hymn (piano)

O Church, arise, and put your armour on;
Hear the call of Christ our Captain.
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given.
With shield of faith and belt of truth,
We’ll stand against the devil’s lies;
An army bold, whose battle-cry is Love,
Reaching out to those in darkness.

Our call to war, to love the captive soul
But to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole,
We will fight with faith and valour.
When faced with trials on every side
We know the outcome is secure,
And Christ will have the prize for which He died,
An inheritance of nations.

Come see the cross, where love and mercy meet,
As the Son of God is stricken;
Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,
For the Conqueror has risen!
And as the stone is rolled away,
And Christ emerges from the grave,
This victory march continues till the day
Every eye and heart shall see Him.

So Spirit, come put strength in every stride,
Give grace for every hurdle,
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful.
As saints of old still line the way,
Retelling triumphs of His grace,
We hear their calls and hunger for the day
When with Christ we stand in glory.

Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQsX8tl9W5Q

Ascription. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.                                    

David Barnes 3/2/21