The text this week is Matthew 4:1-13, the remarkably practical account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. The visual theme will be desert (wilderness) sunrises and the worship theme is “Thy Word,” since Jesus shows us how to use the Word of God, the Spirit’s sword, to fight temptation.
Here is the link to the YouTube Playlist: 190120 Heart Prep
Worship:
Psalm 138:1-2 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Ephesians 6:14-17 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Transition to Communion:
Jesus Paid It All – Hymn #210
Closing Worship:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God – Hymn #26
Scripture for Meditation
James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.