12th April 2020 - Overcoming the Special Temptations of This Time - Zac Poonen
12th April 2020 - Sunday Church Service - CFC Bangalore. For more sermons please visit https://www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The message draws parallels between the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness and the temptations faced in the current time, particularly in the context of global trials. The speaker emphasizes that any trial experienced while walking in God's will is guided by the Holy Spirit, contrasting this with temptations that result from disobeying the Spirit. The core message encourages believers to approach God boldly, remembering that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses and provides mercy and grace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Following Jesus through temptationBecause Jesus understands our weaknesses and faced the same temptations without sinning, we can approach God's throne boldly to receive mercy and grace in times of need.Hebrews 4:15–16
Looking at the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4In light of global worries about the coronavirus, we look at the three temptations of Jesus in the wilderness to understand how they apply to our lives today.
The first temptation: Survival and depending on God's wordJust as Jesus refused to turn stones into bread when hungry, true survival during a crisis is not merely physical preservation, but living by every word that proceeds from God's mouth.Matthew 4:4
Using God's power for others, not ourselvesThe subtle side of the first temptation was Jesus using the power given by God to satisfy his own needs; instead, God's power and spiritual gifts are meant to serve others.
Maintaining a clear conscience to hear God's voiceTo hear God's voice clearly and avoid becoming dull of hearing, we must maintain a blameless conscience before God and men at all times, just as the Apostle Paul did.Hebrews 5:11
The second temptation: Avoiding shortcuts and tempting GodSatan tempted Jesus to jump from the temple pinnacle and presume upon God's protection, but faith does not mean acting foolishly or ignoring the means God has provided.Matthew 4:6
Refusing to seek honor through foolishnessThe second part of this temptation involved seeking personal honor by doing something spectacular; believers must instead respect governing authorities and obey reasonable safety rules.
Combining faith with common senseJesus used common sense and reason alongside faith, avoiding danger when not led by the Father, proving that faith and practical wisdom are not opposed to each other.John 7:1
The third temptation: The lure of the world and moneySatan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship, illustrating how a craze for money, power, or pleasure often compromises a person's walk with God.Matthew 4:8–9
Moses as an example of rejecting worldly wealthMoses successfully overcame the temptation of sin's passing pleasures, the honor of Egypt, and its treasures by choosing to suffer with the people of God instead.Hebrews 11:24–26
Getting the right thing in the wrong wayAnother subtle trap of the third temptation is trying to achieve a legitimate goal through compromised or sinful shortcuts rather than waiting on God's timing.
Following the faithful example of early believersConcluding with a reminder of early Christians who stood firm for the Lord even in the Roman amphitheater, believers are encouraged to remain faithful and not yield to temptation.
