Friday First - Unbreakable Savior

During the month of October we are taking a look at Jesus’ faithfulness to the Father and how that inspires us on our own pathway to victory. Last week we examined Matthew 3.13-17 looking at Jesus’ baptism. That event was a proclamation that the Messiah, our King, has come. In it he proclaimed that he was about the embark upon the greatest mission ever conducted …. The mission of delivering humankind from sin.

If Jesus’ baptism was a proclamation, then the story shared with us in Matthew 4.1-11 is a demonstration of Jesus’ authority and power over Satan and temptation. Jesus is bold enough to confront Satan by facing the ugliness and disorder he created. Truly, our Savior is unbreakable … even after Satan gave it his best shot. The events of the opening verses of Matthew 4, which no human ever witnessed, have been recorded for us to show how Jesus struggled with temptation just like we do. It also sheds light for us on our path to victory. Victory comes by keeping our eyes on Jesus.

On Sunday we’ll examine Matthew 4.1-11 in detail and discuss:

• The occasion of Jesus’ temptation
• Satan’s three-point strategy of temptation
• How Jesus triumphed over Satan

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• Why do you think Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness?
• Does Hebrews 5.8 stir your emotions? Have you ever connected Jesus’ suffering to His having to endure temptation?
• How intense do you think Satan’s tactics were upon Jesus?
• How can Satan press us into taking shortcuts in order to get us what we want?
• How does Jesus’ triumph over Satan inspire you to persevere?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Dave Pennington

LORD'S SUPPER
Paul Braden

SCRIPTURE READING
Matt Ringle
Matthew 4.1-11
 
PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Cain Atkinson / Pat Reeder

USHERS
Chris Fles / Justin Spargo

HEALTH SCREENING (arrive @ 08.45)
FRONT ENTRY: Connie Curry
REAR ENTRY: Jessica Grushon