Crouching Lion, Hidden Sin
Matthew 3:16-4:11
Introduction: My routines for life
-they guide, assist, facilitate
I. Rules To Live By
A. Cannon Of Life
We all have guides which we use to lead us through life. We try to live by a set of ideals.
Boundaries established in our lives: 1. to plant and build character
2. to prevent harm-emotional, physical,
spiritual
3. to reflect the ideologies we hold as most important
*Code of Conduct
-established by companies to set the tone of a viable work ethic
-by schools to facilitate learning in a positive climate
-by governments
-by the military
B. The Bible Is The Best Cannon; The True Cannon
There is no greater set of ideals by which to live than the ideals established in God’s word
Psalm 119:97-104
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I think about it all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for your commands are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your decrees.
100 I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any path of evil,
that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your laws,
for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste;
they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
(The New Living Translation)
Proverb 6:20-23 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart always; tie them about your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life (RSV)
Provides guidance for every area and every stage of our lives. Guidance for the family or the individual, work, school, marriage, raising children, maturity, death, friendships, hostilities, poverty, wealth, etc.
*Human nature to resist the rules
The more the rules the more difficult to follow
The word of God is a guideline which we have the most difficult trouble trying to follow. No matter how much time, energy, and effort we expend upon the matter we never seem to quite keep all the rules. In every turn, and around every bend, we face temptations.
*Discipleship Journal– Spiritual Challenges
Temptation is a fire which will either burn us, or purify us.
"Temptations from without have no power unless there be corresponding desire within." –Sunshine Magazine
Proverb 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life.
(RSV)
Matthew 6:22-23 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (RSV)
Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have. (The Message)
Transition:
There are a lot of rules in life, and there are a lot of distractions, but we have an example.
Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. (RSV)
We look this morning at the example of Christ and the temptations which he faced
Text Matthew 3:16-4:11
II. Christ Is Our Example
3 Temptations
3 Lessons
A. Situation In Which Temptation Comes
Christ was hungry (Not during 40 days, but after)
1. Temptation comes at our weakest moment
When we can be easily distracted
2. Temptation comes to us through natural urges
James 1:14 Each person is tempted when they are lured and enticed by their own desire.
3. Temptation comes in the low times; not in the high times
-immediately after high times
Sundays are fantastic. We run with the Spirit, but Mondays bog us down in the corruption of carnality
B. Areas In Which Temptation Comes
I venture to say all temptations fall under these three areas
Luke 4:13 When the Devil finished tempting Jesus in every way, he left him for a while. (TEV)
1. Desire of the flesh- SELF SUFFICIENT
After fasting for 40 days the desire for food would supercede all others.
*Ex. -Work–take/steal -"I deserve it"
2. Power of Pride- SELF DELUSIONAL
How arrogant we become when we perceive ourselves as invulnerable
*Ex. -President Clinton/ Monica Lewinsky
3. Lust for Power/ Greed- FALSE HOPE
Power and greed are possibly the most binding forces known to Man
*Mortgage/ Home loans- to get farther into debt
C. Our Available Response
1. Relationship with God Matthew 4:1
-Full of the Spirit
2. Scripture
-Jesus quoted the word of God
3. Community Matthew 4:11
-Ministered to by Angels
