There is an enduring caricature that the successful Christian life is always happy: that if we diligently follow Jesus, then we will have a stellar career, a happy marriage with 2.5 perfect children and everything we need when we need it. Eventually we learn that caricature is a myth, and understand why Scripture describes the Christian life with terms like waiting, suffering and trials.
This series examines the Temptations of Jesus with the goal of learning how to face waiting and affliction with hope, trust and endurance.
Resources: Gospel of Matthew
Genre: Understanding Gospels
For each temptation, we’ll consider
- why is the choice wrong,
- why the choice is attractive to Jesus
- how does Jesus respond
1st Temptation: When God says no
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on January 11, 2009.
For a more complete discussion: 10 Matthew 4:1-4 1st Temptation: Stones to bread
2nd Temptation: When God seems Distant
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on January 18, 2009.
For a more complete discussion: 11 Matthew 4:5-7 2nd Temptation: Jump from the pinnacle
3rd Temptation: When life is hard
Teacher: Krisan Marotta on January 25, 2009
For a more complete discussion: 12 Matthew 4:8-11 3rd Temptation: Bow down
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