February 22nd, Sermon & Ministry Resources

"Winning the Wilderness War" (Matthew 4:1-11)

Lectionary Readings — First Sunday in Lent — February 22nd, 2026

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

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Call to Worship (based on Matthew 4:1-11)

Leader: Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

People: We too face temptation, but Christ has gone before us and shows us the way to victory.

Leader: When tempted to live by bread alone, Jesus declared:

People: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Leader: When tempted to test God’s protection, Jesus answered:

People: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Leader: When offered all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus commanded:

People: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”

Leader: Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

People: We come to worship the One who was tempted in every way, yet without sin.

Leader: Let us worship Jesus Christ, who conquered temptation and offers us His strength in our weakness.

All: We worship You, Lord Jesus! You are the Living Word, the faithful Son, worthy of all our devotion. Teach us to resist temptation and walk in Your victory. Amen.

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Opening Prayer (based on Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7)

Let us pray:

Gracious and Holy God,

We come before You this morning as we begin our Lenten journey, reminded that from the very beginning, You created us for fellowship with You. You placed our first parents in the garden, giving them purpose and provision, boundaries and blessing. Yet even in paradise, temptation found a foothold, and humanity chose our own way over Your perfect will.

As we recall the tragic exchange in Eden—truth traded for lies, obedience for independence, trust for doubt—we recognize ourselves in that ancient story. We too have been drawn away by the serpent’s cunning questions. We too have reached for what was forbidden, believing we could be sufficient without You.

Lord, we enter these forty days of Lent acknowledging our need for redemption. What was lost in the garden, You have restored through Christ. Where the first Adam failed, the second Adam prevailed. Where we have fallen short, Your grace reaches down.

During this sacred season, search our hearts. Expose the subtle deceptions we have believed. Strengthen us against temptation. Help us to fast from pride, feast on Your Word, and walk humbly in obedience to Your will.

As we worship You today, open our eyes to see You more clearly, our ears to hear Your voice more distinctly, and our hearts to love You more deeply. May this Lenten journey lead us to the cross, to the empty tomb, and to renewed life in You.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Last Adam, who resisted every temptation and offers us victory over sin and death.

Amen

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[NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon]

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Sermon Outline: "WINNING THE WILDERNESS WAR"

Based on Matthew 4:1-11

INTRODUCTION:

Jesus begins His public ministry not in triumph, but in testing. The wilderness becomes a battleground where the Son of God faces the enemy’s schemes. His victory shows us how to stand firm when temptation comes.

I. THE WILDERNESS OF TESTING (vv. 1-2)

A. Led by the Spirit (v. 1) - Divine appointment, not accident - Preparation for ministry through trial

B. Forty days of fasting (v. 2) - Parallel to Israel’s forty years - Physical weakness, spiritual strength

C. The tempter came (v. 3) - Satan attacks when we’re vulnerable - Timing is strategic

II. THE WEAPON OF SCRIPTURE (vv. 3-10)

A. First temptation: Physical needs (vv. 3-4) - “If you are the Son of God...” - Jesus answers: “One does not live by bread alone” (Deut. 8:3)

B. Second temptation: Presumption (vv. 5-7) - Satan misuses Scripture - Jesus answers: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deut. 6:16)

C. Third temptation: Power and glory (vv. 8-10) - The shortcut to the crown without the cross - Jesus answers: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him” (Deut. 6:13)

III. THE VICTORY OF OBEDIENCE (v. 11)

A. The devil departed - Satan must flee when resisted (James 4:7)

B. Angels ministered to Him - Divine provision follows faithful endurance

C. Jesus emerges victorious - Our champion has overcome - We share in His triumph

CONCLUSION:

Jesus faced every attack the enemy could devise and won the victory through the Word of God. As we journey through Lent, we too will face temptation. But we do not fight alone. The same Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness empowers us. The same Word that Jesus wielded is ours to use. The same victory Jesus won is available to us.

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Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers