Summary: In this portion of Matthew, Jesus underwest testing, not so much of his body but of his very soul. His success in the wilderness foreshadowed his victory on the cross because, as Jesus demonstrated, the real battle is won through aligning ourselves with God and his Word in the wilderness of our soul searching and soul keeping.<br> In his baptism, Jesus received the remarkable signs of his identity and calling. But while the assumption would be that his clarity of calling meant everything would be good and easy, the Spirit led Jesus into severe testing in the wilderness. Jesus’ responses to the attacks of the enemy teach us how we can leave the refining tests of the wilderness full of the power of the Spirit just like Jesus did. <br> In the wilderness, Jesus didn’t attempt to dialogue with the devil; he steadfastly depended on the Word of God. In doing so, Jesus shows us the importance of aligning our soul (will, mind and body) to God’s Word, and of integrating a deep longing and dependence on God in our daily lives. As we step into the invitation of fasting this week, may we quiet ourselves before God and direct our soul searching towards Jesus, confident in the fact that He is the one who restores our souls and in whom we can find true rest.<br> <br> DOWNLOADS<br> SEE IT // BE IT<br> (WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)<br> Title: Fast 3: Justice // Scripture: Isaiah 58<br> ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.<br> SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes<br> In this portion of Matthew, Jesus underwest testing, not so much of his body but of his very soul. His success in the wilderness foreshadowed his victory on the cross because, as Jesus demonstrated, the real battle is won through aligning ourselves with God and his Word in the wilderness of our soul searching and soul keeping.<br> In his baptism, Jesus received the remarkable signs of his identity and calling. But while the assumption would be that his clarity of calling meant everything would be good and easy, the Spirit led Jesus into severe testing in the wilderness. Jesus’ responses to the attacks of the enemy teach us how we can leave the refining tests of the wilderness full of the power of the Spirit just like Jesus did. <br> In the wilderness, Jesus didn’t attempt to dialogue with the devil; he steadfastly depended on the Word of God. In doing so, Jesus shows us the importance of aligning our soul (will, mind and body) to God’s Word, and of integrating a deep longing and dependence on God in our daily lives. As we step into the invitation of fasting this week, may we quiet ourselves before God and direct our soul searching towards Jesus, confident in the fact that He is the one who restores our souls and in whom we can find true rest.<br> THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.<br><br> Soul keeping—the restoration of the soul—comes through integration and alignment of our soul in Christ alone.<br> SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes<br> Picture (What is the story saying?): What was the outcome of Jesus’ baptism? Why did Jesus need to be baptized in the first place? How did Jesus respond to the enemy in the wilderness? What can we learn about our own soul keeping from Jesus’ example?<br> Mirror (Where am I in the story?): In your soul searching, how has God been inviting you into confirmation of your identity and calling? Where are you recognizing the attacks of the enemy in your own life? In your responses, how can you align your soul to God?<br> Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): Where do you see a need for restoration of the broken, rebuilding of the downtrodden, and reintegration of the soul in your area of influence? Where is God inviting you to proclaim Jesus as the hope and restorer of our soul...
