Overcoming in the Wilderness
Overcoming in the Wilderness A Sermon on Temptation as Formation Matthew 4:1–11 Temptation is often treated as a moral failure in the church. Scripture treats it differently—as a place of formation. In this message, Overcoming in the Wilderness , I reflect on Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4:1–11 and why the wilderness is not a detour from God’s purposes, but often the place where identity, trust, and obedience are clarified. Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness—not because something has gone wrong, but because something essential is being formed. Later, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was “tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” Temptation, then, is not sin itself. It is the arena in which faithfulness is practiced. Watch the Sermon You can watch the full video message here: ▶️ Overcoming in the Wilderness https://youtu.be/4BKXo4ZIZl8?si=Sr0qdhegVfH6Eobs Continue the Conversation Sermons often open a door. Formation usually happens afterward—through refle...