Are You Your Authentic Self?

Luke 4:1-13 Sermon Outline – PNSJ 9&10:30 a.m. – Nov. 13, 2016

Intro: Adidas Sneakers -> gave in to temptation -> paid for it… once I thought about it…

– feet/back hurt, felt empty, no one cared…

Big Idea: Live the freedom from temptation God gives you by knowing yourself

X2: Guard the life that God gave you to live by knowing yourself.

Story/Context: Jesus hasn’t even begun his ministry yet – just been baptized in Jordan

· First thing that happens… tempted in the wilderness

· Force that doesn’t want us to be our authentic, complete selves -> but a compromised version

· EHS: Importance: “Know yourself, that you may know God” -> being our true selves

Look at what Jesus’ temptations were -> What they mean for us..

#1: Temptation #1: I am what I do

3The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’

· Do something… meet needs… It’s up to you… Don’t wait…

· Our same temptation: What do you do for a living? Retirement??? Accomplishments??

#2: Temptation #2: I am what I have

5 Then the devil* led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.

· Find Identity in what I have / I control my corner / I own what I have

· Tempted to settle, compromise, adjust the goal…

#3: Temptation #3: I am what others think of me

9 Then the devil* took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here…

· Wired for community (healthy) -> function well within that community

· Lie/Doubt: “If I be my true self… people won’t accept you/include you/respect you

Key: ‘You are my Son, the Beloved;* with you I am well pleased.’* Luke 3:22

· Not at end of temptation but beforehand!!

· Psalm 139: 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.

· We are loved -> SINCE WE KNOW THAT…

Developing Authentic Self: Silence – New to this? Start with silence – shows you inside

· Companions: hold up mirror

· Step out of Comfort Zone: how things gets accomplished

· Pray for Courage: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

HARD ROAD / NARROW WAY..

Temptation: Lawyer voice: don’t need others & won’t need silence to do it

Big Idea: Live the freedom from temptation God gives you by knowing yourself

X2: Guard the life that God gave you to live by knowing yourself.

Look Like?: Like when someone comes back to you and says, sorry if I was off there…
I’m learning to be more positive and encouraging
Seeing someone/event making you angry or sad (emotional) – why is this bothering me?
Take feedback in stride / Own consequences of actions without blaming others.