The Ups and Downs of Following Jesus

Matthew 3:16 to 4:1

 

Central Theme:  Jesus faced hardship and was tempted after he obeyed God.

 

Introduction

       1.     Bring a small model of a see saw.

       2.     Talk about a see saw. 

       3.     The main problem with a see-saw is that you can only go up and down.  And going up and down can be tiresome.

       4.     In our Christian life do you feel like you are on a see saw?  Up and down, up and down.

       5.     If you do you are in good company.  Have a member read Matthew 3:16 to 4:1.

 

       I.     Jesus had a wonderful moment with God.

 

              A. He obeyed God and was baptized.

              B. God even spoke from heaven, “Follow him.”

              C. Then a terrible thing happened he was forced into the desert to be tempted by the devil.  Up and Down, Up and Down. 

 

      II.     I understand that because some of the greatest things that have happened to me have been followed by tragedy.

              A.  The night I was baptized, I go sick and threw up in the church.

              B. About three weeks after my first book was published, my son started using drugs.  Up and down.

          C. After some of the best times of ministry I have had, Frank and I have had the worst fights.  Up and down.

              C. But I am no different from you.

                   1.  I have watched you get a job at the Patrick, then have tragic things happen.

                   2.  I have seen you recommit your life to Jesus, to have the old   boy friend call you.  You know the one who is not a Christian.

 

     III.     Jesus met temptation head on and so can we.

              A. Jesus did not give into temptation and we can resist also.

              B. Jesus got victory in the desert after Satan came to him; and we   can too.

 

Conclusion–The ups and downs of a see-saw take us no where.  But the ups and down of our Christian life force us to trust God every day.