Memory Verse – James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
We apologize due to a technical issue we were unable to record the message this week, we are including Pastor’s detailed transcript for you to read here:
Overcoming Temptation
The Setting – Matthew 4:1-2 “1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
First: The Temptation of Appetite: Turning Stones to Bread
Matthew 4:3-4 “The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Deut 8:3 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Second: The Temptation of Pride: Testing God’s Protection
Matthew 4:5-7 “Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “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.’[c]” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Deut 6:16 “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Third: The Temptation of Power: Bow for Authority (Verses 8-10)
Matthew 4:8-10 “ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”
Deut 6:13 “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
The Victory
Matthew 4:11 “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
How To Overcome Temptation
1. Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Know the Word so intimately that it becomes your first response to temptation.
2. Strengthen Your Spirit through Prayer and Fasting: Fasting isn’t just about denying the flesh; it’s about feeding the spirit.
3. Recognize the Enemy’s Strategies: Understand that Satan attacks identity, pride, and ambition.
4. Stand Firm and Command the Enemy to Flee: Declare victory through Christ and refuse to entertain Satan’s lies.
5. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own: We cannot face temptation in our own power. Lean on the Spirit to guide and protect.
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, as we begin this Lenten journey, we come before You with humble hearts. Help us to return to You with sincerity, to seek You more deeply, and to live lives that reflect Your grace. May this season of Lent draw us closer to You and prepare us for the joy of Easter. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
NEW MEETING DAY – Tuesdays – MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Noon – Lunch provided.
WEDNESDAY – MIDWEEK@ MINNEWASHTA CHAPEL SERVICE – Especially keeping seniors of the community in mind, we invite you to join us each Wednesday at 11:30 AM for this special time with hymns, prayers/praises, and Pastor Grant’s message. Fellowship lunch follows at 12:15 & movie at 12:45. Communion is served the first Wednesday of each month. Fellowship lunch is provided following our Midweek@ Minnewashta Chapel Service. Freewill offering is encouraged.
Each Wednesday – Prayer Gathering 10:45-11:15 in Pastor’s Office.
MEAL & MOVIE – March 19: “The Forge” – Part 2. Isaiah Wright has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine. From the Kendrick Brothers, the creators of the No. 1 hit WAR ROOM, comes THE FORGE, a faith-filled new movie with old friends and inspiring new twists.
FOOD SHELF DONATIONS – Please bring your food donations Sunday the 16th or Wednesday the 19th for the monthly collection. Items may be placed in the church office. Thank you kindly in advance for your generosity!
Mission of the Month – March- Bountiful Baskets Food Shelf – MARCH NEEDED ITEMS (click here to see what is especially needed this month)
Serving Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria & Surrounding Area – Helping people with hunger relief. Making a real change in someone’s life.
During everyone’s life there is a period when we need help. For many this help comes in the form of food assistance to get them through their time of need. In a typical 12 month period the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf distributes over 400,000 lbs. of food. All of the 15,000 individuals served are neighbors and fellow community members who live in Eastern Carver County.
16 Years Serving the Community / 5,600 Served Annually / 2,500 Pounds Distributed Daily
BENEVOLENCE FUND – The benevolence fund is used to aid families with unexpected or high medical expenses, victims of natural disasters. The unemployed, the under employed and in other similar circumstances.
MINNEWASHTA OFFERINGS – The Offering Boxes are mounted on the wall outside of the church office and the envelopes are located on the table beneath the two boxes. Alternatively, you can mail your offerings and tithes to the church: 26710 West 62nd St., Shorewood, MN 55331, Attn: Financial Secretary.
If you have an item for the announcements, please get it to the church office (via email) no later than TUESDAY morning. Thank you.