Series: MetaChristmas
Sermon: Prince of Heaven
Scripture: Luke 4:5-8
ICE BREAKER: What is your LEAST favorite Christmas song, and why?
REVIEW:
This week, guest speaker Tony Albano brought a new perspective to the Christmas story. By looking at the life of Jesus, we saw that His time on earth was a battle against his primary enemy - Satan!
Jesus called Satan the "Father of Lies," a name revealing Satan's primary offensive weapon against us, deception. We are in a war for our minds that goes back to the beginning. Scripture tells us that the first sin occurred when the Father of Lies convinced Adam and Eve to go against God's plan for their life.
Today we are surrounded by false truths and manipulation. Everyone, and everything, is fighting for our attention and using whatever tactics necessary to engage us. Often, we feel run down, distressed, and exhausted for this very reason!
In what ways have you experienced the battle for your mind this year?
What lies do you see the world trying to convince you of in your own life?
Satan tried this same deception on Jesus himself during his time on earth. While Jesus was in the desert, fasting and praying, the Father of Lies came and tempted Jesus to bow down and worship him. This epic moment reveals the battle that was taking place:
JESUS - The Prince of Heaven
VS
SATAN - The Prince of the Earth
Where Adam and Eve faltered, Jesus stood firm. When tempted, Jesus stood strong by clinging to THE TRUTH.
We are often overcome in the War for our Minds because we cannot tell the truth from the truth. We have no standard, no measurement for what is real and what is manipulation. Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." However, that truth is not abstract - it isn't a "thing" at all! Jesus said:
"I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE..."
Truth is found in Jesus!
APPLY:
When Jesus was tempted, he quoted scripture every time! If truth is found in Jesus, and Jesus is discovered in scripture, then we would be wise to invest time in the written word of God!
Paul wrote to the church in Rome:
Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
If we want to win the War of Lies, we must be able to test and approve what God's will is for our life. If we don't know Jesus, we will not have the standard to filter out the deceptions all around us!
Jesus came at Christmas to fight for you! To help you win the war for your mind, heart, and soul!
HERE IS THIS WEEK'S APPLICATION QUESTION:
What is ONE WAY you are going to seek the truth of Jesus this week?
PRAY:
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any lies you have been believing in your own life. Spend time reflecting on Jesus and commit yourself to spending more time in His word.
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