SPB Sermons || Lent 1 || Luke 4:1-13 || Who Will You Serve?

Who Will You Serve? | Luke 4:1-13

On Sunday, 9th March 2025, Rev. Andrew Irwin preached on Luke 4:1-13 with a sermon titled “Who Will You Serve?” As Lent continues, this passage brings us to a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry—His temptation in the wilderness. Here, we see the battle for allegiance, the test of faithfulness, and the question that confronts every one of us: Who or what will we serve?

The world often tells us that we are free to shape our own destinies, that we can live without answering to anyone. But as Andrew pointed out, this simply isn’t true. Whether we recognise it or not, we are all serving something—our careers, ambitions, relationships, or even our own desires. The question is not whether we serve, but whom we serve.

The Temptations of Jesus

Luke 4 presents us with three temptations faced by Jesus in the wilderness. The first is the temptation of provision: “Turn these stones into bread.” It is the temptation to trust in self-sufficiency rather than in God’s provision. Jesus responds with the words of Scripture, declaring that man does not live by bread alone.

The second temptation is power. Satan offers Jesus the kingdoms of the world—authority without the cross, a shortcut to ruling without suffering. But Jesus stands firm: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” He chooses faithfulness to God over fleeting earthly power.

The third temptation is presumption, urging Jesus to throw Himself from the temple to prove God’s protection. Satan even twists Scripture to make his case. Yet Jesus rebukes him, refusing to test God’s faithfulness. In all these trials, where Israel once failed in the wilderness, Jesus remains victorious.

A Call to Choose

Andrew challenged the congregation to reflect: Who or what are we serving? In a world obsessed with control, success, and self-sufficiency, the call of Christ is radically different. He invites us to lay aside our attempts to rule our own lives and instead trust in the one who is truly worthy.

The heart of Lent is a choice. Do we serve power or humility? Do we trust in our own strength or in God’s provision? Do we live for ourselves, or do we surrender to Christ? The way of Jesus is the way of life, and through His faithfulness, we find true freedom.

If you missed the sermon or want to reflect further, listen to the full message below. May this be a season of drawing closer to Christ, as we learn again what it means to serve the one who gave everything for us.

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