TEXT: Matthew 4:1-11 (The Temptation of Jesus)
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil… He fasted forty days and forty nights…” — Matthew 4:1-2
WHAT IS LENT?
Lent = 40 days (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to Easter Eve.
Mirrors Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11).
A season of preparation, repentance and spiritual growth.
WHY OBSERVE LENT?
1. Jesus Set the Example “He fasted forty days… being tempted… — Matthew 4:1-2
Jesus didn’t need repentance, but He modeled dependence on God.
2. Old Testament Precedents
Moses: 40 days on Sinai (Ex 34:28)
Elijah: 40 days
Israel: 40 years in wilderness (Num 33:38)
Preparation for God’s mighty acts.
3. Our Hearts Need Resetting
“Create in me a clean heart, O God…” — Psalm 51:10
We’re fragile, sinful, and finite. Lent = spiritual detox.
4. Focus on Jesus
“He humbled himself…” — Philippians 2:8
Lent leads to Easter — reminds us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
FOUR LENTEN PRACTICES TO TRANSFORM YOU
1. FASTING
What: Food, social media, Netflix, etc.
Why: “When you fast… your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matt 6:18
Start small: Skip a meal, give the money to charity.
2. PRAYER
What: Daily quiet time, journaling, Psalms.
Why: “Ask, and it will be given to you…” — Matt 7:7
Example: Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide.
3. GIVING
What: Money, time, skills (Gen 14:18-20; 2 Cor 9:7).
Why: “Give, and it will be given to you…” — Luke 6:38
4. REPENTANCE & RECONCILIATION
What: Confess, forgive, restore (Matt 5:23-24).
Why: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive…” — 1 John 1:9
Action: Reconcile with someone today.
LENTEN PROMISES TO CLAIM
1. Renewal: “Behold, I make all things new.” — Rev 21:5
2. Forgiveness: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” — Isa 1:18
3. Strength in Weakness: “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Cor 12:9
4. Closer to God: Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — Jas 4:8
FROM WILDERNESS TO VICTORY
Jesus faced temptation → emerged victorious (Matt 4:11). You’ll face trials → but “greater is He who is in you” (1 John 4:4). “Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” — Heb 12: 1
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