Desert Calling: The Turning Point

Desert Calling: The Turning Point

Pastor Dewayne Peters

1. Jesus clarifies our purpose

Matthew 3:13-17

"Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, 'I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?' Jesus answered, 'For now this is how it should be, because we must do all God wants us to do.' Then John agreed. So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, 'This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.'"

2. Jesus clarifies God's process. 

Matthew 4:1-11

"The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. After Jesus had gone without eating for 40 days and nights, he was very hungry. Then the devil came to him and said, 'If you are God's Son, tell these stones to turn into bread.' Jesus answered, 'The Scriptures say: "No one can live only on food. People need every word that God has spoken."' Next, the devil took Jesus into the holy city to the highest part of the temple. The devil said, 'If you are God's Son, jump off. The Scriptures say: "God will give his angels orders about you. They will catch you in their arms, and you won't hurt your feet on the stones."' Jesus answered, 'The Scriptures also say, "Don't try to test the Lord your God!"' Finally, the devil took Jesus up on a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms on earth and their power. The devil said to him, 'I will give all this to you, if you will bow down and worship me.' Jesus answered, 'Go away Satan! The Scriptures say: "Worship the Lord your God and serve only him."' Then the devil left Jesus, and angels came to help him."

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 CEV

"Don't forget how the LORD your God has led you through the desert for the past 40 years. He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry. Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The LORD was teaching you that people need more than food to live—they need every word that the LORD has spoken."

3. Jesus clarifies God’s promise

Application Questions:

1. What area in your life do you need to see Gods faithfulness?
2. Have you ever thought about your purpose in life being in relationship with God?
3. What are some pressures in your life that God has used to take you deeper in relationship with him?
4. What feelings do you feel when you think about God being your substitution?