A collection of daily Bible commentaries from GoServ Global co-FOunder, Terry Baxter
The Announcement
December 5, 2024
The Announcement: Luke 4:16-21
“16) And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. 17) And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, 19) To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” 20) And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21) And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”” Luke 4:16-21
When properly understood, this text captured the decisive launch of Jesus into His public ministry. On the Sabbath after returning from His time in the wilderness, Jesus entered His home town synagogue.
He had been there many times as a boy growing up in Nazareth. He had most likely participated in public reading of Scripture numerous times. But this was very different.
As the scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him, Jesus quickly “scrolled down” to Isaiah 61:1-2. It was not an easy task for the ancient scrolls did not have chapter and verse divisions.
The Jewish synagogues were the keepers of these treasures know as “the sacred writings.” (2 Timothy 3:15). The sabbath was when Jewish people would assemble for the public reading of Scripture.
As Jesus began to read, He announced that something new as prophesied through Isaiah was beginning. The Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. He was about to start preaching what is commonly called “the gospel of the Kingdom.” (See Matthew 4:17; 23-25 These parallel verses must be studied to understand what was launched that day.)
According to Isaiah, His ministry would include preaching the good news, healing the blind and sick, setting captives free from sin, bondage and demonic oppression and inaugurating the favorable year of the Lord. God was keeping His promise to Israel!
Jesus was indeed the Messiah. His ministry was about to impact many in Israel. His power and authority resulted in signs and wonders that confounded the spiritually dead religious leaders. Jesus became a light in the abyss of religious darkness.
Few perceived the significance of His closing words as recorded in Luke 4:21; “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And so it started! The announcement was made. The public ministry of the Messiah was launched! The course of human history was about to change!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“16) And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. 17) And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, 19) To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” 20) And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21) And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”” Luke 4:16-21
When properly understood, this text captured the decisive launch of Jesus into His public ministry. On the Sabbath after returning from His time in the wilderness, Jesus entered His home town synagogue.
He had been there many times as a boy growing up in Nazareth. He had most likely participated in public reading of Scripture numerous times. But this was very different.
As the scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him, Jesus quickly “scrolled down” to Isaiah 61:1-2. It was not an easy task for the ancient scrolls did not have chapter and verse divisions.
The Jewish synagogues were the keepers of these treasures know as “the sacred writings.” (2 Timothy 3:15). The sabbath was when Jewish people would assemble for the public reading of Scripture.
As Jesus began to read, He announced that something new as prophesied through Isaiah was beginning. The Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. He was about to start preaching what is commonly called “the gospel of the Kingdom.” (See Matthew 4:17; 23-25 These parallel verses must be studied to understand what was launched that day.)
According to Isaiah, His ministry would include preaching the good news, healing the blind and sick, setting captives free from sin, bondage and demonic oppression and inaugurating the favorable year of the Lord. God was keeping His promise to Israel!
Jesus was indeed the Messiah. His ministry was about to impact many in Israel. His power and authority resulted in signs and wonders that confounded the spiritually dead religious leaders. Jesus became a light in the abyss of religious darkness.
Few perceived the significance of His closing words as recorded in Luke 4:21; “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And so it started! The announcement was made. The public ministry of the Messiah was launched! The course of human history was about to change!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
The Power of the Holy Spirit
December 4, 2024
The Power of the Spirit: Luke 4:14-15
“14) And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. 15) And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.” Luke 4:14-15
His forty days of fasting and being tempted by the devil did not weaken Jesus. To the contrary, it strengthened Him. The text says, “And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.”
The word “power” in verse 14 is the same Greek word used in Acts 1:8 to describe the power that comes upon believers when they receive the Holy Spirit. They will live and be witnesses for Jesus with the same kind of power that flowed through Jesus during His public ministry.
Jesus was sinless, so it would be wrong to say He was refined or purified through His trial in the wilderness. But Hebrews 2:10 does say that the author of our salvation was confirmed perfect through His sufferings. Hebrews 5:8 says; “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things He suffered.”
Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not exempt us from trials or the doctrine of suffering. According to 1 Peter 1:3-9, it does mean the testing of our faith is a purifying and growth process. Trials and testing result in the salvation or transformation of our soul. They help move us from being soul governed to being “spirit” governed.
In every way, we could conclude that Jesus was tested by fire or put through the testing of fire by His trials in the wilderness. He came through to the glory and praise of God.
The result was that “He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.” He was consistently walking in the power of the Spirit, and people noticed! News about Him began to spread through all the surrounding district.
This is what officially launched Him into His public ministry. Take note of this point. It is important. Jesus was distinguished not because of a degree, a title or education acclimations… but because of the power of the Spirit on His life.
This “power of the Holy Spirit” was the distinguishing characteristic qualifying people for leadership in the early church. Look at Acts 4:31; Acts 6:3, 8 and 10. There are many such references in the book of Acts.
But it doesn’t stop there. Study on through 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. (The whole chapter is actually amazing in emphasis on those who are spirit minded.) Don’t miss 1 Corinthians 4:18-21. Let me quote verse 20; “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.” Again, that’s the same Greek word used for “power” in Luke 4:14.
I recently studied the word “power” through the entire New Testament. It was very enlightening. This is the characteristic that marked true followers of Jesus Christ. They had the “power” of the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
I will not labor this point, but as I noted earlier, this was a primary qualification for leadership in the early church. But tragically, it has been removed from being a qualification for pastors and leaders in the modern western church.
This has resulted in carnality in the pulpit, naturalism engrained in the doctrine being taught, and powerless religion being falsely showcased as Christianity. We opt for counseling based in secular psychology rather than a power encounter with the Holy Spirit.
This is not the way Jesus returned to Galilee! He returned “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Do not settle for less in your life or in your spiritual leaders.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“14) And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. 15) And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.” Luke 4:14-15
His forty days of fasting and being tempted by the devil did not weaken Jesus. To the contrary, it strengthened Him. The text says, “And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.”
The word “power” in verse 14 is the same Greek word used in Acts 1:8 to describe the power that comes upon believers when they receive the Holy Spirit. They will live and be witnesses for Jesus with the same kind of power that flowed through Jesus during His public ministry.
Jesus was sinless, so it would be wrong to say He was refined or purified through His trial in the wilderness. But Hebrews 2:10 does say that the author of our salvation was confirmed perfect through His sufferings. Hebrews 5:8 says; “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things He suffered.”
Being filled with the Holy Spirit does not exempt us from trials or the doctrine of suffering. According to 1 Peter 1:3-9, it does mean the testing of our faith is a purifying and growth process. Trials and testing result in the salvation or transformation of our soul. They help move us from being soul governed to being “spirit” governed.
In every way, we could conclude that Jesus was tested by fire or put through the testing of fire by His trials in the wilderness. He came through to the glory and praise of God.
The result was that “He returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.” He was consistently walking in the power of the Spirit, and people noticed! News about Him began to spread through all the surrounding district.
This is what officially launched Him into His public ministry. Take note of this point. It is important. Jesus was distinguished not because of a degree, a title or education acclimations… but because of the power of the Spirit on His life.
This “power of the Holy Spirit” was the distinguishing characteristic qualifying people for leadership in the early church. Look at Acts 4:31; Acts 6:3, 8 and 10. There are many such references in the book of Acts.
But it doesn’t stop there. Study on through 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. (The whole chapter is actually amazing in emphasis on those who are spirit minded.) Don’t miss 1 Corinthians 4:18-21. Let me quote verse 20; “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.” Again, that’s the same Greek word used for “power” in Luke 4:14.
I recently studied the word “power” through the entire New Testament. It was very enlightening. This is the characteristic that marked true followers of Jesus Christ. They had the “power” of the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
I will not labor this point, but as I noted earlier, this was a primary qualification for leadership in the early church. But tragically, it has been removed from being a qualification for pastors and leaders in the modern western church.
This has resulted in carnality in the pulpit, naturalism engrained in the doctrine being taught, and powerless religion being falsely showcased as Christianity. We opt for counseling based in secular psychology rather than a power encounter with the Holy Spirit.
This is not the way Jesus returned to Galilee! He returned “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Do not settle for less in your life or in your spiritual leaders.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Our Persistent Foe
December 3, 2024
Our Persistent Defeated Foe: Luke 4:13
“13) When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:13
“11) Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.” Matthew 4:11
“12) Immediately the Spirit *impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13) And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.” Mark 1:12-13
Both Luke and Mathew dive in depth into the Temptations of Jesus following His forty days of fasting in the wilderness. Mark summarizes the events, but includes the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in Jesus.
After the devil had thrown three big temptations at Jesus, the text says, “he departed from Jesus for an opportune time.”
The devil wasn’t done. He was still on the prowl looking for weaknesses in Jesus. (See 1 Peter 5:8) He is always on the prowl looking for people to devour. He seeks to tempt both believers and unbelievers.
As you study the public ministry of Jesus, it becomes obvious that Jesus suffered and was tempted in many ways. He endured rejection, opposition, misunderstandings, betrayal, threats, beatings and even the cross.
Even His family was against Him much of the time. He was hungry, thirsty and weary from long journeys. He also encountered many men and women of ill repute with twisted morals. He was victorious over the full range of human sufferings, trials and temptations.
Hebrews 2:18 says; “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Never minimize the unique temptations that accompany sufferings. The devil feeds on human misery and suffering.
Hebrews 4:15 says; “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” During His life and public ministry, the Tempter used His full arsenal on Jesus, yet He did not sin. He never gave in. He did not yield. He was victorious over every temptation.
Therefore, He is ready and willing to come to the aid of those who are tempted. When these two texts in the book of Hebrews are combined, we discover that Jesus ready to extend mercy, grace and help to those who are tempted. He is for us in our struggles and not against us. He is not the tempter!
So what can we draw from these texts? The first is obvious, we all have a common enemy that is out to tempt and devour us. He is relentless. If he fails in one area, he will come at us in others. He is there in our youth, middle age and senior years. Never be so proud as to assume you are beyond temptation.
Second, Jesus offers us huge resources and help so we can stand firm against the temptations, attacks and schemes of the enemy. (See Ephesians 6:10-20) Let’s review a few that come from these texts.
For starters, both the Holy Spirit and angels were there to minister to Jesus. They are there for us as well!
Next, three times Jesus resisted the devil by quoting Scripture. According to Ephesians 6:17; the word of God is the sword of the Spirit.
An observation must be made at this point, Jesus did not carry a Bible or scrolls with Him into the wilderness. He was armed with Psalm 119:11; “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Throughout His life He had studied, memorized and applied the Word of God to daily living. He learned the Word of God the same way we need to learn; He studied!
God wants us to renew our minds by memorizing and meditating on the Word of God as well. (See Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Peter 1:2-11) Then He wants us to build our lives on the solid rock of Scripture. (Matthew 7:24-29) The devil is absolutely subject to the authority and power of the Word of God. He hates truth as clearly defined by the Bible.
When the two texts mentioned above from the book of Hebrews are added to the coverage of Matthew and Luke, things get really exciting! We have instant access to the throne of grace and Jesus who is ever present to come to our aid in our time of our need with unlimited mercy, grace and help.
Let me summarize: I find great insight, encouragement and grace from these stories of the devil trying to devour Jesus with his many schemes, lies, temptations and attacks. He failed!
Jesus is my hero! He is my God, Creator, Savior, Advocate, High Priest, Shepherd, truth, life, light, agape love and friend. He has baptized me with His Holy Spirit and given me His Word. He is my ever present help in any time of need. He will never leave or forsake me.
Why should I be discouraged or fear the defeated foe who seeks to cause me harm? Why should I crumble or bow knee to him, his schemes or his demonic minions?
Greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world! (1 John 4:4) It is not by our strength, but by God’s amazing power m, Word and grace that we can stand and live in freedom and victory! Stop making excuses for your sin, bondage and failure! Stop minimizing and marginalizing Jesus in your times of need!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone
“13) When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:13
“11) Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.” Matthew 4:11
“12) Immediately the Spirit *impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. 13) And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.” Mark 1:12-13
Both Luke and Mathew dive in depth into the Temptations of Jesus following His forty days of fasting in the wilderness. Mark summarizes the events, but includes the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in Jesus.
After the devil had thrown three big temptations at Jesus, the text says, “he departed from Jesus for an opportune time.”
The devil wasn’t done. He was still on the prowl looking for weaknesses in Jesus. (See 1 Peter 5:8) He is always on the prowl looking for people to devour. He seeks to tempt both believers and unbelievers.
As you study the public ministry of Jesus, it becomes obvious that Jesus suffered and was tempted in many ways. He endured rejection, opposition, misunderstandings, betrayal, threats, beatings and even the cross.
Even His family was against Him much of the time. He was hungry, thirsty and weary from long journeys. He also encountered many men and women of ill repute with twisted morals. He was victorious over the full range of human sufferings, trials and temptations.
Hebrews 2:18 says; “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Never minimize the unique temptations that accompany sufferings. The devil feeds on human misery and suffering.
Hebrews 4:15 says; “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” During His life and public ministry, the Tempter used His full arsenal on Jesus, yet He did not sin. He never gave in. He did not yield. He was victorious over every temptation.
Therefore, He is ready and willing to come to the aid of those who are tempted. When these two texts in the book of Hebrews are combined, we discover that Jesus ready to extend mercy, grace and help to those who are tempted. He is for us in our struggles and not against us. He is not the tempter!
So what can we draw from these texts? The first is obvious, we all have a common enemy that is out to tempt and devour us. He is relentless. If he fails in one area, he will come at us in others. He is there in our youth, middle age and senior years. Never be so proud as to assume you are beyond temptation.
Second, Jesus offers us huge resources and help so we can stand firm against the temptations, attacks and schemes of the enemy. (See Ephesians 6:10-20) Let’s review a few that come from these texts.
For starters, both the Holy Spirit and angels were there to minister to Jesus. They are there for us as well!
Next, three times Jesus resisted the devil by quoting Scripture. According to Ephesians 6:17; the word of God is the sword of the Spirit.
An observation must be made at this point, Jesus did not carry a Bible or scrolls with Him into the wilderness. He was armed with Psalm 119:11; “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Throughout His life He had studied, memorized and applied the Word of God to daily living. He learned the Word of God the same way we need to learn; He studied!
God wants us to renew our minds by memorizing and meditating on the Word of God as well. (See Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Peter 1:2-11) Then He wants us to build our lives on the solid rock of Scripture. (Matthew 7:24-29) The devil is absolutely subject to the authority and power of the Word of God. He hates truth as clearly defined by the Bible.
When the two texts mentioned above from the book of Hebrews are added to the coverage of Matthew and Luke, things get really exciting! We have instant access to the throne of grace and Jesus who is ever present to come to our aid in our time of our need with unlimited mercy, grace and help.
Let me summarize: I find great insight, encouragement and grace from these stories of the devil trying to devour Jesus with his many schemes, lies, temptations and attacks. He failed!
Jesus is my hero! He is my God, Creator, Savior, Advocate, High Priest, Shepherd, truth, life, light, agape love and friend. He has baptized me with His Holy Spirit and given me His Word. He is my ever present help in any time of need. He will never leave or forsake me.
Why should I be discouraged or fear the defeated foe who seeks to cause me harm? Why should I crumble or bow knee to him, his schemes or his demonic minions?
Greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world! (1 John 4:4) It is not by our strength, but by God’s amazing power m, Word and grace that we can stand and live in freedom and victory! Stop making excuses for your sin, bondage and failure! Stop minimizing and marginalizing Jesus in your times of need!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global Sent from my iPhone
3rd Temptation
December 2, 2024
The Third Temptation of Jesus: Luke 3:9-12
“9) And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; 10) for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,’ 11) and, ‘On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ ” 12) And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”” Luke 4:9-12
The third temptation of Jesus related more to His spirit and understanding of the ways of God. (See Isaiah 55:6-9) This time Satan used Scripture to temp Jesus. It’s amazing how often the liberal left and apostate church recklessly quotes and twists the Bible.
The devil quoted Psalm 91:11-12 to Jesus as the basis of this temptation. In the context, Psalm 91 deals with Gods protection on those who walk with Him, seek Him and serve Him.
To attempt suicide by jumping off the temple and testing God’s intervention would be making a spectacle of self and forcing the hand of God. This had nothing to do with the intent or context of Psalm 91.
Satan was trying to get Jesus to test or provoke God by twisting the Bible. Listen to this very carefully; “the tempter was trying to get Jesus to tempt God.” He wanted Jesus to set aside His mission of “Savior of men” and take up the role of “critic of God!”
The devil was sitting in the chair of the atheist or agnostic and trying to provoke Jesus. These constantly use the same ploy. Jesus refused to give the devil the upper hand.
Such is the case of those who always demand special signs to prove the existence of God. This was the practice of the Pharisees and religious leaders throughout the four gospels. They constantly demanded signs from Jesus. (See Matthew 12:38-41; 16:1-4)
Signs and wonders are given to confirm the gospel message and pave the way for the Great Commission. (See Hebrews 2:3-4) They are not given to draw attention to the human agent or promote self. They are given to glorify God and adorn the gospel of the kingdom. (See Matthew 10:7-8)
Jesus had nothing to prove to the devil. Satan is not the one who sets the rules of engagement; God does! Never forget that principle!
When you stop obeying God and start listening to the promptings of the devil, your spiritual source of truth is compromised. Your faith is undermined. You just stepped away from abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.
Satan always tries to push people to the edge in testing God. Psalm 91 is about dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. If you are in the shadow of the Almighty, that means He is the one in the spotlight, not you. When the tempter comes, quickly run back into the shelter of the Most High.
Over the next three years in the course of spreading the gospel, Jesus would perform many signs and wonders that pointed to His identity. Jesus set the parameters and the rules of engagement.
Very interestingly, Psalm 91:13 was ignored by the devil. This is the very next verse in the context from where the devil quoted, It says; “13) You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.”
Satan always twists God’s word and ignores the context. Instead of taking Him to the pinnacle of the temple, according to the context of Psalm 91, the devil should have said; “If you are the Son of God, step on my head!”
Jesus would have replied, “Don’t worry, it’s coming soon enough!” Jesus always fulfills the Word of God! He always sets the rules of engagement. He always wins. And so, the devil was both immediately and ultimately defeated by Jesus.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“9) And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; 10) for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You,’ 11) and, ‘On their hands they will bear You up, So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ ” 12) And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”” Luke 4:9-12
The third temptation of Jesus related more to His spirit and understanding of the ways of God. (See Isaiah 55:6-9) This time Satan used Scripture to temp Jesus. It’s amazing how often the liberal left and apostate church recklessly quotes and twists the Bible.
The devil quoted Psalm 91:11-12 to Jesus as the basis of this temptation. In the context, Psalm 91 deals with Gods protection on those who walk with Him, seek Him and serve Him.
To attempt suicide by jumping off the temple and testing God’s intervention would be making a spectacle of self and forcing the hand of God. This had nothing to do with the intent or context of Psalm 91.
Satan was trying to get Jesus to test or provoke God by twisting the Bible. Listen to this very carefully; “the tempter was trying to get Jesus to tempt God.” He wanted Jesus to set aside His mission of “Savior of men” and take up the role of “critic of God!”
The devil was sitting in the chair of the atheist or agnostic and trying to provoke Jesus. These constantly use the same ploy. Jesus refused to give the devil the upper hand.
Such is the case of those who always demand special signs to prove the existence of God. This was the practice of the Pharisees and religious leaders throughout the four gospels. They constantly demanded signs from Jesus. (See Matthew 12:38-41; 16:1-4)
Signs and wonders are given to confirm the gospel message and pave the way for the Great Commission. (See Hebrews 2:3-4) They are not given to draw attention to the human agent or promote self. They are given to glorify God and adorn the gospel of the kingdom. (See Matthew 10:7-8)
Jesus had nothing to prove to the devil. Satan is not the one who sets the rules of engagement; God does! Never forget that principle!
When you stop obeying God and start listening to the promptings of the devil, your spiritual source of truth is compromised. Your faith is undermined. You just stepped away from abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.
Satan always tries to push people to the edge in testing God. Psalm 91 is about dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. If you are in the shadow of the Almighty, that means He is the one in the spotlight, not you. When the tempter comes, quickly run back into the shelter of the Most High.
Over the next three years in the course of spreading the gospel, Jesus would perform many signs and wonders that pointed to His identity. Jesus set the parameters and the rules of engagement.
Very interestingly, Psalm 91:13 was ignored by the devil. This is the very next verse in the context from where the devil quoted, It says; “13) You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.”
Satan always twists God’s word and ignores the context. Instead of taking Him to the pinnacle of the temple, according to the context of Psalm 91, the devil should have said; “If you are the Son of God, step on my head!”
Jesus would have replied, “Don’t worry, it’s coming soon enough!” Jesus always fulfills the Word of God! He always sets the rules of engagement. He always wins. And so, the devil was both immediately and ultimately defeated by Jesus.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Terry Baxter Devotional – Unnamed
December 1, 2024
The Second Temptation of Christ: Luke 4:5-8
“5) And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6) And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7) Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” 8) Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”” Luke 4:5-8
The second temptation of Jesus was aimed more at His soul. It appealed to the human hunger for power, control and self promotion.
In a moment of time, the devil showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. Then he offered Him world dominion if He bowed down and worshipped him.
Notice the phrase in verse 6, “for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” That phrase is very insightful. When was world dominion handed over to the devil?
The answer is shocking. In Genesis 1:26-31, God originally gave Adam and Eve dominion over the world. God created mankind to rule planet earth. At the time of the fall, they forfeited world domain to Satan. He became the god of the world. (See the terminology of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
The final phrase in Luke 4:6 is more insightful. The devil boasted, “I give it to whomever I wish.” Many leaders and political figures throughout human history have sold their soul to the devil for power and favors. This helps explains the tendency toward evil and corruption in many human civilizations. They often have an underlying anti-Christ bias.
Jesus once again quoted Scripture. He purposed to worship and serve only the LORD GOD. He refused to bend His knee to the enemy.
Why should He? The full identity of Jesus Christ is found in Revelation 19:20. He is King of kings and LORD of Lords.
The word “domain” or “dominion” appears twice in Colossians 1:13-17. This context proclaims that the Kingdom of Light has dominion over the kingdom of darkness. Jesus rules over the highest kingdom. He is a higher authority. He has infinitely more power. He is absolutely first.
The full teaching of the New Testament is that at the moment of salvation, the believer is raised up and seated with Christ in the heavenly places. We are invited to live in the authority and power Jesus offers us in the kingdom of light.
Most Christians are ignorant of these blessing and the position given us in Christ. (See Ephesians 1:3; 1:15-23; 3:13-21; Colossians 1:9-23) The early Christians were taught how to live and serve through their new dominion and authority given them “in Christ.”
The Holy Spirit desires to transform the human soul by the truth of Scripture and bring it into submission to the renewed spirit. He wants believers to live and walk in their full dominion “in Christ.”
The enemy thrives on ignorance. He works to keep Christians in sinful bondage and convince them that they are still ruled by the domain of darkness in this life.
The Freedom Quest Workshop that I teach dives into the depths of these biblical truths. Truth has the power to set people free and launch them on a new trajectory in life. I strongly encourage you to attend one of these workshops.
The next “in depth” workshop is January 10-12, 2025 at Village Creek Bible Camp, near Lansing, Iowa. Go to their website and register now. This annual three day event is by far my deepest teaching I offer on this subject. Register early as space is limited.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“5) And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6) And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7) Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” 8) Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”” Luke 4:5-8
The second temptation of Jesus was aimed more at His soul. It appealed to the human hunger for power, control and self promotion.
In a moment of time, the devil showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. Then he offered Him world dominion if He bowed down and worshipped him.
Notice the phrase in verse 6, “for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” That phrase is very insightful. When was world dominion handed over to the devil?
The answer is shocking. In Genesis 1:26-31, God originally gave Adam and Eve dominion over the world. God created mankind to rule planet earth. At the time of the fall, they forfeited world domain to Satan. He became the god of the world. (See the terminology of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
The final phrase in Luke 4:6 is more insightful. The devil boasted, “I give it to whomever I wish.” Many leaders and political figures throughout human history have sold their soul to the devil for power and favors. This helps explains the tendency toward evil and corruption in many human civilizations. They often have an underlying anti-Christ bias.
Jesus once again quoted Scripture. He purposed to worship and serve only the LORD GOD. He refused to bend His knee to the enemy.
Why should He? The full identity of Jesus Christ is found in Revelation 19:20. He is King of kings and LORD of Lords.
The word “domain” or “dominion” appears twice in Colossians 1:13-17. This context proclaims that the Kingdom of Light has dominion over the kingdom of darkness. Jesus rules over the highest kingdom. He is a higher authority. He has infinitely more power. He is absolutely first.
The full teaching of the New Testament is that at the moment of salvation, the believer is raised up and seated with Christ in the heavenly places. We are invited to live in the authority and power Jesus offers us in the kingdom of light.
Most Christians are ignorant of these blessing and the position given us in Christ. (See Ephesians 1:3; 1:15-23; 3:13-21; Colossians 1:9-23) The early Christians were taught how to live and serve through their new dominion and authority given them “in Christ.”
The Holy Spirit desires to transform the human soul by the truth of Scripture and bring it into submission to the renewed spirit. He wants believers to live and walk in their full dominion “in Christ.”
The enemy thrives on ignorance. He works to keep Christians in sinful bondage and convince them that they are still ruled by the domain of darkness in this life.
The Freedom Quest Workshop that I teach dives into the depths of these biblical truths. Truth has the power to set people free and launch them on a new trajectory in life. I strongly encourage you to attend one of these workshops.
The next “in depth” workshop is January 10-12, 2025 at Village Creek Bible Camp, near Lansing, Iowa. Go to their website and register now. This annual three day event is by far my deepest teaching I offer on this subject. Register early as space is limited.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
Terry Baxter Devotional – Unnamed
November 27, 2024
Thanksgiving Family Gathering:
We are leaving today for a Thanksgiving Family Getaway at a camp until Saturday afternoon. I am not sure about internet status. I may take time off from the Daily Bible Commentary until next week. Sent from my iPhone
We are leaving today for a Thanksgiving Family Getaway at a camp until Saturday afternoon. I am not sure about internet status. I may take time off from the Daily Bible Commentary until next week. Sent from my iPhone
