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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Luke 4:1-13

We began a new sermon series Sunday focused on “Extending Grace,” the first two words of our vision statement. In order for us to extend grace, we must understand what it is. Grace is God’s saving initiative in our lives. It is undeserved. It always starts and ends with him. We contribute nothing. It is motivated by his love for sinful people. In our preaching text, we see Jesus doing what we couldn’t do: defeating temptation.

Jesus did what we couldn’t do, so in him, we could: defeat temptation.

He was tempted in every way we are, except did not sin. Jesus was not like Superman, human in appearance only. Instead, Jesus was fully human (and also fully divine) and actually suffered when he was tempted. Satan’s lies and deceptions were actually attractive. Satan three times says, “If you are the Son of God…”. Jesus was tempted to defend his true identity as the Son of God. He was hungry and could use his power to manifest bread from stone. He was destined to rule the nations and was being offered a path around the cross. He loves people and could have garnered crowds with a spectacular display in the temple. But none of this was his Father’s will.

Jesus was fulfilling the call of Adam in the Garden of Eden. He did what Adam failed to do. Adam gave in to Satan, whereas Jesus withstood him. Jesus did what Israel, also wandering in the wilderness, failed to do. They grumbled about food, practiced idolatry and tested God. Jesus trusted God’s plan fully. Jesus proved to be the perfect man. He defeated the world, the flesh and the devil for our sake. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to draw near to him to find grace to help us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God will provide a way out of temptation. All of this is God’s grace for us.

Taking it home: Make and discuss a list of the things God has done for you to which you couldn’t contribute anything. For instance, he gives you life and breath.