WEEK 2 - REAWAKENING TO THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
This week, we will focus on various aspects of Christ’s Incarnation—from birth to death and Resurrection. We will turn our eyes to focus on the person of Jesus in all of His glory and continuously pray for deeper understanding of who He is.
DAY NINE - THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST - MONTY WRIGHT
Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
As Jesus broke through the waters of baptism, the Spirit descended upon Him, prophetically remaining with and in Him. The Spirit would be His source of strength, power, discernment, and direction as He began His messianic ministry. There are two primary works for which the Spirit is given: to transform our character toward holiness and to become our source of power for life and ministry.
Following Jesus’ baptism of the Spirit in the Jordan, He entered the arena of character building in the desert of temptation. It was after this trial of temptation that He began His ministry in the power of the Spirit. We follow a similar pattern—regenerated by the Holy Spirit, transformed in character, empowered for ministry, and surrendered in obedience to the commands of the Father for Kingdom service.
Jesus gives us access to the same power to overcome sin and temptation through surrender, obedience, and His Spirit’s ongoing, indwelling presence.
Holiness is our birthright.
Jesus models the normal Christian life of Spirit-empowered life and ministry.
PRAYER POINTS:
1.Ask God to reinforce the truth that you are filled with the same Holy Spirit presence and power that indwelt Jesus.
2. Ask that the Holy Spirit will reveal your sinfulness, redeem your character, and restore your righteousness in Christ.
3. Pray that you will allow the Spirit to lead, guide, and move you into deeper intimacy with Jesus and greater passion to join Him in His work.