Putting God To The Test
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Learning to identify and avoid the subtle ways we put God to the test.
Text: Luke 4:9-13
Date: 10/03/2021, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 35
Description:
In this message we wrap up our study of the temptations of Jesus by turning to His third and final confrontation with the devil in the wilderness (according to Luke's ordering). Dramatically set at the Temple in Jerusalem, satan tempts Jesus to manipulate His Father by forcing His hand and once again accomplishing His mission and purpose without going to the Cross. Amazingly, the devil sets the standard for all heretics to follow by arrogantly quoting God's Word (to the Living Word!), while taking it out of context to suit his nefarious scheme. After watching this epic confrontation and Jesus' pristine response, we will explore some of the many and subtle ways we as Christians are also tempted to force God's hand. Ultimately we will learn from Jesus that true faith does not need proof of what it all ready knows to be true, and avoid the egregious sin of putting God to the test.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 4:9-13.
A. Context
1. Overview
2. Why did Luke switch the order?
B. The temptation to put God to the test.
1. The location of the temptation, vs. 9a.
a. The significance of Jerusalem.
b. The significance of the Temple.
i. Determining the exact location.
ii. Jesus as the new Temple, John 2:19-21, Matt. 1:23.
iii. Satan's plan of corruption, John 2:16-17.
2. The substance of the temptation, vs. 9b.
a. The false condition.
i. Trying to create doubt, Gen. 3:1.
ii. Another faulty premise.
iii. A nuance of difference.
b. The challenge, Psa. 91:4.
3. The perversion of Scripture, vs. 10-11.
a. The essence of heresy.
i. Satan knows Scripture.
ii. An astounding arrogance.
iii. The heretic's favorite verse.
b. Putting God to the test.
i. A Psalm of trust and encouragement, Psa. 91:9-12,14-15.
ii. A selective quotation, Psa. 91:11.
iii. Diabolical brilliance.
4. Jesus' response to the temptation, vs. 12.
a. Understanding the quote.
i. A selective quote, Deut. 6:16, Ex. 17:2-3.
ii. To grumble is to doubt God's promises.
b. The essence of the third temptation.
i. Testing God is doubting God, John 7:17.
ii. The sinister reversal of roles.
5. The aftermath of the temptation, vs. 13.
C. Interpretation.
1. Pondering satan's objective.
2. The "cross-less" Messiah.
a. Setting the groundwork.
b. Satan's "win-win" scheme.
i. He will die.
ii. He will force the Father's hand.
c. He can be the Messiah without the Cross.
III. Application
A. Overview
B. The many ways we put God to the test.
1. Testing God by grumbling, 1Cor. 10:9-10, James 5:9.
2. Testing God by trying to force His Hand.
a. The extreme example, John 16:23.
b. The more subtle example.
c. A prolific error.
3. Testing God by trying to improve His Gospel.
4. Testing God through indolence.
IV. Conclusion
