“Fighting Temptation”
Matthew 4:1-11

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Pastor Kevin Vogts
Trinity Lutheran Church
Paola, Kansas
First Sunday in Lent—March 9, 2014

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Our text is today’s Gospel reading from the fourth chapter of Matthew, the example of Jesus “Fighting Temptation.”

It seems that the very notion of “Fighting Temptation” is passé, old-fashioned, obsolete.  Instead of “Fighting Temptation,” our attitude is, “—’t fight it.  If it feels good, DO IT!”  don’t worry about the consequences, DO IT!  don’t think about the hurt to yourself or others, DO IT!  don’t consider whether it’s right or wrong, DO IT!  don’t be bothered by God’s commands, DO IT!    Instead of “Fighting Temptation,” we WELCOME the devil and his wicked ways in our lives. 

Paul warns in Romans, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of men.”  That is what we deserve on account of our wickedness, the wrath of God.  But, in mercy and love, God does not mete out upon us the punishment our sins deserve.  Instead, our punishment was meted out upon his own Son, as Isaiah says, “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him.”

In today’s Epistle Reading, Paul compares Jesus and Adam and explains how Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death saves you: “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.  For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

Jesus’ resurrection is God the Father announcement to the world that he has accepted his Son’s perfect life and sacrificial death as payment in full for the sins of the whole world.  The book of Acts says, “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins in his name. . .  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.”  Trust Jesus, he is your Savior; he forgives you all your sins; he has prepared a place for you in heaven and he will take you to be with him there.

But, as long as you remain here on earth, Peter warns, “Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”  Jesus shows you the greatest weapon of all for resisting your adversary the devil, the greatest weapon of all for “Fighting Temptation.”  Paul calls it “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

In today’s Gospel Reading each time Jesus is tempted by the devil he replies: “It is written.”  He fights back with God’s Word.  Martin Luther says: “Nothing is so effectual against the devil, the flesh and all evil thoughts as to occupy oneself with the word of God, talk about it, and meditate on it. . .  [There is nothing] more potent against the devil than to busy yourself with God’s commandments and words, and to speak, sing, and meditate on them.  This . . . defeats the devil and puts him to flight. . .  For he cannot bear to hear God’s word . . . we must [therefore] use it every day against the daily, unending attacks and ambushes of the devil . . .”  (Large Catechism).

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you will follow his example, “Fighting Temptation” with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  “Take up the sword of the Spirit” by coming to God’s house to hear his word, in worship, Sunday School, and Bible Class.  Right now in Bible Class we’re studying the events of Holy Week, our Lord’s suffering and death for our salvation.  “Take up the sword of the Spirit” by attending our special Lenten services on Wednesday evenings.   “Take up the sword of the Spirit” in your own house, by your personal devotions and reading and studying of God’s word.  Portals of Prayer available in the back of the church is a wonderful devotional guide.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, you will follow his example, “Fighting Temptation” with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Are you tempted to be absent from God’s house?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.”  “I rejoiced with those who said unto me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.”  “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”

Are you tempted to neglect reading and study of God’s word?  IT IS WRITTEN: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.”  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Are you tempted to forget prayer in your everyday life?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”  “Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you.”

Are you tempted to ignore Christ’s gracious invitation to his Holy Supper?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Take, eat . . . take, drink . . . THIS DO in remembrance of me.”

Are you tempted to withhold from the Lord the offerings he is due?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Bring an offering and come into his courts.”  “On the first day of the week each one should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up for the collection.”  “Give to God what is God’s.”

Are you tempted, parents, not to make a priority the spiritual upbringing of your children?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done.”

Are you tempted, children, to be disrespectful t your parents?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Honor your father and your mother.”  “Obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

Are you tempted to gossip?  IT IS WRITTEN: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

Are you tempted to cheat or steal?  IT IS WRITTEN: “You shall not steal.”  “He who has been stealing must steal no longer.”

Are you tempted to lie?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Do not lie to each other. . .  put off all falsehood and speak truthfully to one another.”

Are you tempted to take the Lord’s name in vain, to use curse words and other improper language?  IT IS WRITTEN: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.”  “Nor should there be obscenity foolish talk, or coarse joking.”  “Cleanse yourselves of filthy language from your lips.”

Are you tempted to lust and adultery, to join in the wicked ways of the world?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires.”   “Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent.”  “You shall not commit adultery.”

Are you tempted anger and hatred, to get revenge and hold a grudge?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. . . be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”   “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge . . . but love your neighbor as yourself.”  “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” 

Are you tempted to worry and despair?  IT IS WRITTEN: “Do not let your hearts be troubled; trust in God.”  “Cast your burdens upon the Lord, for he cares for you.”  “Fear not, for I am with you.”

When you are tempted, resist the devil, standing firm in your faith.  And if you fail, if you fall, turn the Lord, confess your sin, receive his forgiveness, continue the struggle, following Jesus’ example, “Fighting Temptation.”