K Karpen: "Resisting the Devil" (Sermon for February 22, 2026)

"Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil..." Matthew 4:1The devil is clever. Devil in Greek is διαβόλου (diabolos), one who 'throws-across', or 'casts-through'; in other words, one with the ability and the will to distract us, tempt us, test our resolve. Matthew's gospel describes three temptations. Jesus is tempted by money (or physical needs), safety, and power. But Jesus understands that the devil can't (and won't) deliver on these things, and if he could, those things would come at a cost.I hate to judge (not really, that's one of my temptations), but I feel that too many of our fellow Christians have taken the devil's deal. And that makes it all the more important to stick with Jesus. Because his time of trial is ours, as well.Love you,K