Sermon Central
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When The Valley Comes
Contributed by William Rushing on Jun 20, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus was tempted by the devil but he resisted. From Jesus, we can see the three temptations that Jesus resisted and learn how we can resist our temptations.
I. Introduction (1)
a. Ill. Thetis held the young Achilles by the heel and dipped him in the river Styx; everything the sacred waters touched became invulnerable, but while she was dipping him in the water she had to hold him by the heel so the heel remained dry and therefore unprotected.
b. After Revival we feel that we are spiritually unstoppable.
c. We all must go through a Valley.
d. The Spirit lead Jesus into his valley
II. The first temptation is to rely on our self and not on God. (2-4)
a. We must realize that we can do nothing without God.
b. 2 Cor 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
c. We are all sinners.
d. Represents Physical desires
i. Jesus had the ability to turn the stone to bread.
ii. But Jesus was willing to trust God.
III. The second temptation is not trust in God’s word. (5-7)
a. God’s word must be trusted when properly interpreted.
b. Doctrine is important!
c. Heb 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
d. Represented Power
i. We are tempted to follow after power rather than God.
IV. The third temptation is believe that the world has more of offer than God. (8-10)
a. Three times in the gospel of John, Jesus refers to Satan as the prince “of this world” (12:31;14:30; 16:11)
b. Glory or Fame
i. Sometimes we seek the glory and fame of this world.
ii. Even in church positions.
V. Conclusion (11)
a. Jesus’ temptation was to be the messiah that the people wanted him to be.
b. Heb 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin.
c. Aren’t you glad we have a savior who has been in the valley.
d. We was tempted to
i. Trust in self (physical needs)
ii. Discount God’s word (power)
iii. Trust in the world (glory/fame)
e. The valley is there so that we may prove our faith