Matthew 4:1-11
“Who’s Word, Which Voice?”
God’s Word creates and sustains our new life in Jesus Christ. But God’s Word is not the only word. There is the word of a fallen and sinful world. Its chief spokesman is Satan. And the message of this world - tries to snuff out the new life affected in us by God’s Word.
Satan's temptations get immediately to the core question of Jesus' identity. They call into question Jesus’ relationship with the Father. Beginning with the provocative question, "If you are the Son of God." Individually, each temptation invites Jesus to turn away. From trusting in God in a different way.
God’s Word creates and sustains our new life in Jesus Christ. But God’s Word is not the only word around. There is the word of a fallen and sinful world. Its chief spokesman is Satan. And the World’s word tries to snuff out the new life affected in us by God’s Word. The question our Gospel lesson asks of us is this, “whose word, which voice are you willing to take?”
1. The first word that man hears concerns how he receives God’s Word.
A. Through
Satan the world says, “doubt it!” (v.3) “The tempter came to him and said,
"If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread"
1. Without
any doubt Jesus is the Son of God. There should be no doubt.
2.
Satan plants the seeds of doubt
for when and if they come to fruition, he will use them along with fear to
drive us away from the safety and comfort, which we have in Christ.
B.
But God says, “trust Me!” (v.4)
“Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on
every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
1. Jesus
quotes Scripture (Deut. 8:3) Scripture – God’s direct Word is Jesus’ only tool.
What other tool do you have at your disposal? You can’t by your own reason or
strength come to Him. All you have in warding off Satan’s arrows is the truths,
which come from the Father’s inspired Word.
2. You cannot live on anything except God’s final Word. Anything else will come up short and will not satisfy. You do not live on the mere “bread” of this world – but on the Father’s promises.
Transition: There is the issue of receiving God’s Word.
There is also the issue concerning how we apply it to our lives.
2. The second word that man
hears concerns how he uses God’s Word.
A. Through
Satan the world says, “Misuse it” (Vv. 5-6) “Then the devil took him to the
holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ” If you are
the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. 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.”
1. The
Devil uses Scripture also. Psalm 91:11, 12 He’s good a quoting it. And he uses
it to his advantage every time he can.
2.
Yet he will put a little truth
in every lie and a little lie in every truth to deceive us in to false belief,
despair and other great shames and vice.
B.
But God says, “Use it properly”
(v. 7) “Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your
God to the test”
1.
Jesus responds again using God’s
Holy Word Deut. 6:16
2. You must have a proper understanding of God’s Law and Gospel and use it correctly.
Transition: Use and application of God’s Word is necessary. The proof is how God’s Word is carried out in our day- to- day living.
3. The third word that man hears concerns how he is to live out God’s
Word.
Through
Satan the world says, “Disobey it” (Vv.8-9) “Again, the devil took him to a
very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their
splendor. ” All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down
and worship me.”
A. This was
the temptation to surrender all to the Devil.
B. This
is his temptation on us to this very hour. Take the credit, go for the gusto,
after all you deserve it!
C. But God says, “Submit to it” (v.10)” Jesus
said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your
God, and serve him only.”
1. Jesus’
final Word to Satan is with the Word alone! He quotes Deut. 6:13 2. Can you do
any better? May you have proficiency and a proper use and understanding of
God’s Holy Word.
Whose word are you going to take? Which voice will you listen? God’s or the world’s? May you always look to Jesus for our example and for our strength. In life and death, He took God’s Word and followed it. In this way He brought you grace to do the same.
Words – 955
Passive Sentences -6.1%
Flesch Reading Ease – 87.1%
Flesch – Kincaid Grade Level –5.0
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