THE JESUS QUESTION                                                                EAST BAY FELLOWSHIP

(Series, #1)                                                                                                         February 10, 2008

PUTTING YOURSELF IN POSITION

TEXT: Luke 4:1-14

INTRODUCTION

· God uses cultural windows to reach people.  Think about it using Jesus’ life as the supreme example:

a. He was born at the strategic generational moment

b. He went to Jerusalem during the traditional feasts

c. He died at the time of the Passover Lamb

1) BE LED BY THE SPIRIT

· Recognize that the Spirit will sometimes lead us into situations that are meant to prove

the Lord’s power in our lives.

2) BE WILLING TO BE ALONE

· Alone is where you find:

a. Deeper intimacy with God

b. Rest from the ravages of the world

c. Resources for overcoming the world

d. Your weaknesses face-to-face

3) BE WILLING TO FACE YOUR WEAKNESSES

· This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for

everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the

world, even our faith.                               I Jn 5:3-4 (NIV)

CONCLUSION

· 40 Days is a common biblical time frame for significant change:

a. The world was changed by 40 days of rain (Gen. 7:4)

b. The world was changed by Moses spending 40 days on the mountain of God (Ex. 34:28)

c. The destiny of a generation was changed by a 40 day reconnaissance (Num. 13:25)

d. Elijah was prepared to hear God by 40 days of fasting (1 Kings 19:8)

e. Jesus was prepared for his ministry by 40 days of fasting (Luke 4:2)

f. The disciples were transitioned into authority by 40 days of encounter with the resurrected Jesus (Acts 1:3)