Message - Trusting God in the Wilderness

 

Trusting God in the Wilderness

Today, we begin the first Sunday in Lent, a season of repentance, fasting, and preparation as we journey toward the cross and resurrection. Lent is a time to:

• Reflect on our dependence on God.
• Resist temptation and grow in faith.
• Renew our commitment to Christ.

The readings today remind us of God’s faithfulness, the power of confession, and the victory over temptation.

Main Themes for Today’s Sermon:

1. Remembering God’s Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)
2. Confessing and Trusting in Christ (Romans 10:8b-13)
3. Jesus’ Victory Over Temptation (Luke 4:1-13)
4. God’s Promise of Protection (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16)

 

I. Remembering God’s Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)

A. Bringing the Firstfruits to God

Moses commands Israel:

“When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you... take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce and present them to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 26:1-2)

• This was an act of gratitude and trust in God’s provision.
• The Israelites were to remember where they came from—they were once slaves in Egypt, but God delivered them.
• Their offering was a declaration:

“The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand… and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Deuteronomy 26:8-9)

B. Our Response: Thankfulness and Surrender

• We too have been delivered—from sin and death—through Jesus Christ.
• Lent is a time to offer our hearts fully to God in thanksgiving.

Am I living with gratitude for God’s blessings, or do I take His grace for granted?

 

II. Confessing and Trusting in Christ (Romans 10:8b-13)

A. The Power of Confession and Faith

Paul writes:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

• Salvation is not earned—it is received by faith.
• This is not just a verbal confession, but a life commitment.
• Paul emphasizes:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

B. Our Response: Trust in Christ Alone

• Lent is a time to renew our trust in Jesus.
• It is a time to confess our sins and reaffirm our faith in Him.

Is my faith in Christ leading to a transformed life?

 

III. Jesus’ Victory Over Temptation (Luke 4:1-13)

A. Jesus is Led into the Wilderness

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” (Luke 4:1-2)

• Jesus fasted for 40 days—symbolizing Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness.
• Satan tempts Him in three ways:

1. The Temptation of the Flesh (Luke 4:3-4)

“If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

• Jesus responds: “Man shall not live on bread alone.”
• We are tempted to prioritize physical desires over spiritual needs.

2. The Temptation of Power and Glory (Luke 4:5-8)

“I will give you all their authority and splendor… if you worship me.”

• Jesus responds: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”
• We are tempted to seek power, wealth, or status instead of God’s kingdom.

3. The Temptation to Test God (Luke 4:9-12)

“Throw yourself down from here… angels will lift you up.”

• Jesus responds: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
• We are tempted to doubt God’s protection and demand signs from Him.

B. Jesus Overcomes With the Word of God

• Jesus fights temptation with Scripture—showing us that God’s Word is our defense.
• Satan leaves when Jesus stands firm—reminding us that we too can resist the devil.

What temptations am I facing, and how can I use God’s Word to stand firm?

 

IV. God’s Promise of Protection (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16)

A. Trusting in God’s Refuge

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

• When we abide in God, we find strength and peace in trials.

B. God’s Assurance in Times of Trouble

“He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)

• Satan misused this verse when tempting Jesus, but Jesus knew God’s promises do not justify reckless testing.
• God protects us, but we must trust Him and walk in obedience.

Am I resting in God’s presence, or am I relying on my own strength?

 

How Should We Respond in Lent?

As we enter this season of Lent, let us:
Remember God’s faithfulness and live with gratitude (Deuteronomy 26).
Confess and trust in Christ for salvation (Romans 10).
Resist temptation through the power of God’s Word (Luke 4).
Take refuge in God’s presence and trust in His protection (Psalm 91).

Final Challenge:

• What is one habit or sin I need to surrender to God this Lent?
• How can I use this season to grow deeper in faith and trust in Jesus?
• How will I overcome temptation with Scripture, prayer, and fasting?