4 x 6 Plan | Read: Matthew 4:1-11 & Romans 1:18-32
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.(Matthew 4:1)
Have you ever found yourself in a tough situation and wondered if God was really there with you? Maybe you’ve faced a difficult decision, a temptation, or a trial that made you question your faith. If so, you’re not alone.
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus faces a similar situation. He’s just been baptized by John in the Jordan River, and as he comes up out of the water, the heavens open and the Spirit of God descends on him like a dove. A voice from heaven says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
But right after this amazing moment, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For forty days and nights, he fasts and prays, and at the end of it, the devil comes to him and tempts him three times.
The devil’s temptations are subtle, but they strike at the heart of who Jesus is and what he’s come to do. First, he tempts Jesus to use his power to turn stones into bread, to satisfy his own hunger. Second, he takes Jesus to the highest point of the temple and tempts him to jump, saying that the angels will save him. Finally, he takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, saying he’ll give them to him if Jesus will worship him.
But Jesus doesn’t give in to any of these temptations. Instead, he quotes Scripture to refute the devil’s lies and says, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”
So what can we learn from this story? First, we see that even Jesus faced temptation and difficulty. But he didn’t give in. Instead, he relied on God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome. Second, we see that the devil is a liar and a deceiver, who wants to steal, kill, and destroy our faith. But we don’t have to listen to his lies. We can resist him, and he will flee from us.
Finally, we see that Jesus is the ultimate example of grace under pressure. He faced temptation and trial, but he remained faithful to his Father and his mission. And because he did, he offers us the gift of salvation, forgiveness, and new life. No matter what you’re facing today, remember that you’re not alone. Jesus is with you, and he has the power to help you overcome.
The “Great” News of the Gospel | Romans 1:18-32
Romans 1:18-32 offers a sobering depiction of humanity’s rebellion against God. It is a grim picture of how sin has infected every corner of our lives, causing us to turn away from our Creator and embrace the brokenness of the world. But even in this dark passage, there is hope.
First, Paul makes it clear that God’s wrath is not arbitrary or capricious. It is not based on his mood or whim. Rather, God’s wrath is the natural consequence of humanity’s sin. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and that sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). But God’s justice is not the end of the story. In his mercy and grace, he has provided a way for us to be reconciled to him through faith in Jesus Christ.
Second, Paul’s description of human sinfulness is not meant to be a hopeless condemnation, but a call to repentance. He invites us to recognize our own brokenness and turn to God for healing and restoration. Through Christ, we can be forgiven, redeemed, and transformed.
Finally, this passage reminds us that the Gospel is good news precisely because it addresses our deepest needs. It offers us the opportunity to be made new, to experience healing and wholeness, and to live in the freedom and joy of knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. In short, the Gospel is the ultimate expression of God’s grace and love, and it is available to anyone who will receive it.
So let us turn to Christ, trusting in his love and grace, and surrendering our brokenness to him. He is the one who can make us new, and he invites us to come to him just as we are.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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