Potholes, Sinkholes, and Dead Ends

POTHOLES, SINKHOLES & DEAD ENDSMatthew 4:1-11 Am I on a detour?An unexpected, but required turn16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1Hazards of the journey•Do it yourself2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The temptercame to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Matthew 4:2-3•Force God’s hand5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Matthew 4:5-6•Shift your trust8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9The only reliable guide, the sword of the SpiritYour word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105Respond like Jesus: “It is written”15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15…man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3Do not put the LORD your God to the test... Deuteronomy 6:16Fear the LORD your God, serve him only... Deuteronomy 6:13All the power you needBe strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.Psalm 119:109-110