Sunday 03:10:13

When you read Matthew, you cannot forget the importance of this story. You must grasp the depth of the problem that Jesus was born into. Since the fall of mankind, demonic powers have ruled over the creation. Christianity agrees… this universe is at war. But it does not think this is a war between independent powers. It thinks it is a civil war, a rebellion, and that we are living in a part of the universe occupied by the rebel. Enemy-occupied territory – that is what this world is. – C.S. Lewis This “enemy occupation” of creation came when the man, Adam, was deceived by the serpent. Adam was given dominion over the creation, but surrendered it on that day when he chose the temptation of Satan over obedience to God. Paul wrote in Romans that all of creation, not just Adam, not just mankind, was affected by Adam’s sin. All of creation is waiting for the restoration of God’s appointed rulers. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. – Romans 8:19-21 Creation is under bondage to Satan because creation’s appointed rulers (mankind) follow him. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. – Ephesians 2:1-3 This is the world that Jesus was sent into, born into. He would be born of a woman, born under the same curse of sin as the rest of mankind. Before Jesus ministry started, he was first tested. After he was baptized, but before he taught or healed or served, he was tested. Jesus would be tempted by Satan, like Adam was. The temptation and the choice to sin overcame Adam – and all of creation suffered. To restore God’s order of creation, a man would have to overthrow Satan’s rule over creation. Matthew 4:1-4 If Satan could tempt Jesus to sin, he could solidify his rule over creation. He could thwart God’s created order. If Jesus sinned, mankind would be forever lost, creation would never escape decay. v. 3 – Satan did not tempt Jesus at his baptism or in the temple, but when he was needy and alone. He is a crafty, scheming enemy. He tries to take you subtly. v. 4 – Jesus was in need of food. Satan tempted him to use his power for himself. Jesus’ response – he was dependent upon God, not just food, not just his own power. Jesus knew this was not the time or the way for him to have food. He was there to fast, to experience fully what it is to be human, to experience extreme hunger and weakness. Adam had been tempted by Satan to be like God. Here Jesus was tempted to show his God nature, but he would not. Matthew 4:5-7 The second temptation, Satan tempts Jesus with these doubts: would God protect him? Was he really the prophesied Messiah? Would he prove it or trust God’s timing? Matthew 4:8-11 The third temptation Satan tempted Jesus to rule over the earth. God’s plan was for Jesus to rule over the earth. Satan’s temptation: skip the pain, forget God’s plan, worship me and I’ll make you ruler. God’s plan was for Jesus to rule over creation by first giving his life. As you read Matthew, you will continue to see him overcome the enemy. You will read about him defeating demonic powers, demonstrating his authority over nature and speaking of his crucifixion as casting out of the ruler of this age. Now is the time for judgment of this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. – John 14:31-33 I want to remind you as we read in Matthew this month that Jesus is the King of Glory. He is the triumphant King, the victorious King. He defeated Satan. He overcame temptation and all the powers of darkness. When you are tempted, Jesus, the victorious king stands ready to help. Hebrews 4:15-16