Turn This Stone Into Bread! A Nightmare Contestant on The Great British Bake Off or a missed opportunity for the world’s first artisanal sourdough miracle?

Section 1. Welcome and Announcements

Welcome, Church Family!

Good morning, everyone! I am so glad you’re here today. Whether you’ve been part of our church family for years or you’re visiting for the first time, you are loved, you are valued, and you are welcome here. We are a community that believes God has a purpose for your life, and today, we’re going to dive into His Word together and discover how we can grow closer to Him.

Today, we’ll be looking at Luke 4:1-13, the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. It’s a powerful passage that teaches us about faith, perseverance, and how to rely on God’s truth when we face struggles. I believe this message will encourage you and strengthen your walk with the Lord.

Church Announcements

Here are some exciting things happening in our church:

• Wednesday Night Bible Study – Join us this week at 7:00 PM as we continue our study on the book of Luke. This is a great time to grow in faith and connect with others.
• Community Outreach Event – Next Saturday, we’ll be serving at the local food bank from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you’d like to be part of this, sign up in the lobby or on our website.
• Small Groups are Launching! – If you’re looking for deeper fellowship, our small groups are starting up again next month. Stay tuned for more details!

I’m excited for what God is doing in our church, and I can’t wait to worship with you today!

Section 2. Call to Worship

Setting Our Hearts on God

Psalm 95:6 reminds us:

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

As we begin today’s service, let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts, set aside distractions, and turn our focus to God. He is here with us, ready to speak, ready to fill us with His presence.

Let’s prepare our hearts with this simple prayer:

Leader: Lord, You are our refuge and strength. We come before You today to worship, to listen, and to be transformed by Your Word.

Congregation: We fix our eyes on You, Lord. Fill us with Your presence and renew our hearts.

Section 3. Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for bringing us together today. We come before You with open hearts, ready to hear Your voice. As we worship, let our praises rise to You. As we listen to Your Word, let it transform us. We know that You are with us in every season, through every trial, and in every victory. Guide us today and help us grow in faith.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Section 4. Praise and Worship

Lifting Our Hearts in Worship

Worship is more than singing—it’s an expression of our love for God. Whether we raise our hands, sing out loud, or simply reflect on His goodness, our worship is an offering to Him.

Today, let’s lift our voices together as our worship team leads us in songs of praise. Let’s celebrate His faithfulness, His grace, and His unending love!

Section 5. Scripture Reading

Jesus in the Wilderness: A Lesson in Faith and Strength

Today’s Scripture is from Luke 4:1-13. This passage tells the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil after fasting in the wilderness for forty days. Through this, Jesus shows us the power of God’s Word, the importance of standing firm in our faith, and how to resist temptation.

Luke 4:1-13 (NIV)

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’

Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone.’

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’

Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”’

Jesus answered, ‘It is said: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.”

Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the strength You give us in times of temptation. Just as Jesus stood firm in the wilderness, help us to stand firm in our faith. When the enemy tries to distract us, remind us of Your truth. Fill us with Your Spirit and guide us in every step.

Congregation’s Response:

“Lord, help us trust in Your Word and stand firm in our faith. Amen.”

Section 7. Offering

Giving as an Act of Worship

Everything we have comes from God, and when we give, we are simply returning a portion of what He has blessed us with. Tithing is an act of faith, an act of worship, and a way we honor God.

Prayer of Thanks for the Offering

Lord, we give these offerings with grateful hearts. Use them to bless others, to spread Your Gospel, and to build Your Kingdom. Thank You for Your provision and for the opportunity to give back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Section 8. Special Music

A Moment of Reflection Through Music

Now, let’s take a moment to let this message sink into our hearts through a time of special music. Let this song remind us of God’s faithfulness and strength in every trial.

Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools

For deeper study and additional teaching resources, you can access the full sermon package here:

The One Lie That Almost Tricked Jesus

Satan’s Sneaky Sales Pitch: And How It’s Still Used on You Today!

You’ve been there before. That moment when temptation whispers in your ear, telling you to take the easy way out. Maybe it’s cutting corners at work because “everyone does it.” Maybe it’s justifying that toxic relationship because “it’s better than being alone.” Maybe it’s convincing yourself that one little compromise won’t really matter.

Satan tried the same game on Jesus. After 40 days of hunger, isolation, and exhaustion in the wilderness, Jesus was at His weakest physically—but spiritually, He was about to teach us the greatest lesson on resilience.

Satan didn’t show up with horns and a pitchfork. He came with logic.

✔️ “Turn these stones into bread.” (After all, you do have the power.)
✔️ “Bow to me, and I’ll give you everything.” (Why suffer when you can skip the hard part?)
✔️ “Throw yourself down—God will save you.” (Come on, prove that He’s with you.)

Each offer was laced with half-truths, designed to make Jesus question God’s plan. But Jesus didn’t argue. He didn’t negotiate. He declared truth.

“It is written…”

Three simple words that sent the devil packing. Here’s what’s wild: That same enemy is still using these same tactics on YOU today. The question is: Do you recognize the lie before you fall for it?

Imagine standing before your congregation, delivering a message that doesn’t just inform—it transforms. Imagine watching their faces as the weight of God’s Word settles deep into their hearts, as they realize that they, too, can resist the enemy’s tricks.

What if, in just one sermon, you could help your church recognize the subtle ways the enemy operates—and equip them with the same truth that Jesus used to overcome temptation?

I’ve put together a complete sermon package that does just that.

Here’s what you get:

✅ A fully structured expository outline—so you can confidently preach or teach with clarity and purpose.
✅ A powerful, heart-stirring message—crafted to inspire faith, courage, and spiritual resilience.
✅ A ready-to-use teaching tool—perfect for small groups, personal study, or Sunday service.

This isn’t just a sermon. It’s a spiritual weapon—one that will equip you and your congregation to recognize and resist the devil’s schemes before they take root.

If this message speaks to you, I invite you to support this ministry by making a donation. Your generosity keeps these messages alive and available for those who need them most.

Click below to get instant access to this powerful sermon package.