Jesus lived a life defined by God’s Word. He didn’t fall to the temptation to being re-defined by culture, emotion, government, and dead religion.

The need to be accepted is the driver in most controversial discussions in our culture of lost purpose and identity.

Affirmation needed

Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV)

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Affirmation establishes Identity

Galatians 4:6-7 (NASB)

6 Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!”
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

John 1:12-13 (NLT)

12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

It would have been enough to be a slave or a servant of God, but we are heirs of righteousness! THANK YOU!

Your identity will be tested

Matthew 4:3-4 (KJV)

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Satan’s greatest lie: Perform and earn your right to belong.

Jesus’ greatest gift: I know I belong; I don’t need to perform.

Satan’s attack was faced by a man grounded and affirmed in God’s Word, setting in motion how we should handle the trials of life and the attacks of Satan.

Deuteronomy 8:1 (NASB)

…that you may live and increase, and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord swore to give to your forefathers.

Deuteronomy 8:10 (NASB)

When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.

John 6:35 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

The Word of God meets our every need

Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Homework this week - Read Matthew & Galatians