Temptation is nothing new; the first couple "discovered" it in Paradise. Through all this time, we have struggled with temptation. With the Lenten season having begun, we confront this tough subject for every believer.
Lent is a time of spiritual preparation which includes personal examination, and work toward strengthening our spiritual foundation. Recognizing the points of our temptation is a reflection of our spiritual weaknesses as well.
In the early church, there was a major movement to withdraw into the desert wilderness to remove oneself from the distractions and corruptions of common life, particularly in cities where the church flourished. In the wilderness, the faithful would be focused on identifying their demons and conquering their desires in a quest for spiritual purity.
Lent reminds us that we don't need a desert wilderness to do this, but can attune our spiritual sense with disciplines that will reveal plenty to us in the course of our daily lives.
Going over the familiar story of Eve (and Adam) and the serpent in Genesis 3 reveals ways we can deceive ourselves and explores what actually underlies our decision making process.
Similarly, reviewing Jesus' encounter with the Tempter or devil in Luke (paralleled in Matthew), we find even more in Jesus' decision making that draws out the nature of temptation for everyone.
Check out the sermon video below and the downloads below the video panel.
Lent is a time of spiritual preparation which includes personal examination, and work toward strengthening our spiritual foundation. Recognizing the points of our temptation is a reflection of our spiritual weaknesses as well.
In the early church, there was a major movement to withdraw into the desert wilderness to remove oneself from the distractions and corruptions of common life, particularly in cities where the church flourished. In the wilderness, the faithful would be focused on identifying their demons and conquering their desires in a quest for spiritual purity.
Lent reminds us that we don't need a desert wilderness to do this, but can attune our spiritual sense with disciplines that will reveal plenty to us in the course of our daily lives.
Going over the familiar story of Eve (and Adam) and the serpent in Genesis 3 reveals ways we can deceive ourselves and explores what actually underlies our decision making process.
Similarly, reviewing Jesus' encounter with the Tempter or devil in Luke (paralleled in Matthew), we find even more in Jesus' decision making that draws out the nature of temptation for everyone.
Check out the sermon video below and the downloads below the video panel.
| 02-14-16-ff-answers.pdf |
| 02-14-16-wilderness_of_temptation.pdf |