We have our small group Thursday 7/31/08 at 8pm at my house. Last week we discussed Matthew 4. Here are the notes in context.

Elevate
7/23/08

Mat 4

1. The Temptation of Christ
2. Jesus Earthly Ministry
3. The Calling of the 4 Fisherman
4. Jesus Itinerary

1. The Temptation Of Christ
Mat 4:1-11 Read
This is really about Obedience
Temptation is not sin-thought of evil
You can’t show true obedience if you have never had an opportunity to disobey.
Your convictions are only strong if they hold up under pressure.
If Jesus would have given in to the pressures, his mission on Earth would have been lost.
So when you are being tempted consider the fact that Satan may be trying to block God’s purpose in your life.
Remember God doesn’t tempt you with evil, Satan does. God leads in Paths of Righteousness.
If you find yourself being led in temptation a lot, chances are you need to run from that arena, and not allow yourself to be drawn into it.
Jesus wasn’t tempted in high moments like in the Temple or at his baptism, but when He was vulnerable, tired, hungry, and alone.
When you are under stress, weighing big decisions, and faced with uncertainty.
You can be tempted through your strengths as well, that can be most susceptible to pride.
3 Areas of Testing
1. Physical Needs and Desires
2. Possessions and Power
3. Pride
Hebrews 4:15 Jesus faced all the same testings we do, yet passed them all without sin.
The way we turn to God for strength is by…OBEYING
Jesus found strength in obedience.
We think the more we resist the better we will be, but that just mentally wears us out.
The more we obey, the stronger we will be!
James 4:7 gives the formula-humble yourselves before God (obedience), resist the Devil (authority), and he will flee from you (freedom and spiritual growth).
Temptation is often the combination of a real need and a possible doubt that creates an inappropriate desire.
James says you are tempted when you are drawn away of your own lust.
3 things against you are the world the flesh and the Devil.
Jesus not only knew the scriptures but he obeyed them.
Many of our desires are God-given, but possibly not to be acted on till the right time.
Jesus was hungry, but He did not make the stones to become bread, meaning He did not fulfill an immediate need just because He was hungry
We may also be tempted to satisfy a perfectly normal desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time.
Trying to fulfill God-given desires in wrong ways is a problem
With desires comes certain ways to fulfill them, and certain times, or the right time.
Not only knowing scripture, but obeying it will help follow God’s desires for our lives.
At times we ask God for signs, but really he wants us to live by faith and trust Him
Duet 6:16 don’t put God to a test, He still may reveal Himself to you at times like that, but don’t try to manipulate God that way or twist scripture to make it say what you want.
If you’re focused on signs, the potential is there to distort your view and not focus on God’s real plans for your life.
Certain blessings could be closed to you because of disobedience in our lives.
But with Repentance, that opens the doors of God’s provision to us.
If you find yourself craving what the world offers remember Jesus’ words when He said, You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.
Big Formula
Worshipping God through obedience can break the cravings of this world.
2. Jesus Earthly Ministry
Mat 4:12-17
Jesus had moved from his hometown in Nazareth to Capernaum about 20 miles N.
Possibly to have the greatest impact on the greatest number of people. The message could spread quickly, and utilize resources and support for His ministry.
Jesus came on the scene preaching, “Repent of your sins, and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
It was great news to know you could be healed, saved, and live eternally with God in Heaven
Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and self control and turning our life over to Christ’s direction and control
3. 4 Fisherman Follow Jesus
Mat 4:18-22
Church, Bible study, spiritual things are the evidence of someone fishing for people.
Ex: up in Houghton lake-go where the fish are.
Ex: movie the perfect storm, steam out to the Flemish cap- even though there were storms, it’s where the fish are.
This is where the fish are.
God calls individuals, families
They didn’t make excuses about why they couldn’t follow Him, they just did it.
4. Jesus Itinerary
Mat 4:23-25
Words about Jesus were out
And people are coming from long distances to hear him and be healed by him.
He proved who He was by doing the work of the Kingdom, preaching, teaching and healing the sick.