Overcoming Temptation Grows Our Spiritual Life
(Bible teaching notes for Lent 1, 2016 by Rev. John Gishler)
The Readings for the First Sunday in Lent are chosen to help us prepare ourselves spiritually for the celebration of Easter through a time of deep self examination, repentance and confession. The goal is not to make us feel guilty but to help us draw nearer to God by overcoming the things – particularly the temptations to sin; that distract us and pollute our personal spirits and separate us from God.
· The Deuteronomy Reading (26.1-11) reminds us of our Old Testament Covenant and Baptism obligation to give thanks and acknowledge God as the one who gives us life.
- Psalm 91 reminds us that God also gives us protection and refuge in a dangerous world.
- Romans reminds us we are justified by the Faith in our heart that God raised Jesus from Death
- Our Faith is tested and grows by overcoming temptations and proclaiming Jesus as Lord
1. First Test is bread or materialism – our bodily needs and wants (Luke 4.1-13)
