October 6, 2016
PREP YO'SELF -- BEFORE YOU WRECK YO'SELF!
Luke 22:39–46
Dave Fuhrman
Central Truth
Prepare for spiritual attack beforehand. It's MORE EFFECTIVE than crying for rescue once you're in the middle of the trial.
Key Verse | Luke 22:40
And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:40)
Luke 22:39–46
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 1 22:44 Some manuscripts omit verses 43 and 44 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Dive Deeper | Luke 22:39–46
I'm currently a member of the Air Force. At one time I was an instructor. And I often told my students, "If you’re going to make a mistake, do it in training." Combat is not the time to try out new procedures, techniques, or tactics. The objective is to have tactics so ingrained that they become second nature. That's why preparing before deployment is so critical to mission success.
During flight, a navigator considers lots of things: terrain, weapons, targets, even threats. The spiritual aspect of my personal life is no different. The accuser threatens my soul using alcohol, comparison, comfort, materialism, as well as career status.
I can only will myself not to sin for so long before I give in. My reservoir of willpower runs only so deep (okay, not very deep at all). Look, the bottom line is that my flesh is broken. Eventually, it goes right back to sin regardless how strong I convince myself I am.
Christ is my only hope: His strength in me. That's how this battle is won, by accessing unlimited supernatural power. How do you do that? By asking for it . . . in prayer.
Jesus instructed His disciples to pray twice in just this passage alone. Why? So that they would not enter into temptation. Okay. Well, does the same apply for me today? Yes, actually.
Wait. You mean, what I'm supposed to do is pray? That’s all? What about in my finances? Isn't more income what I really need? Um, no. What I really need is more of God. That's the point of this passage.
Jesus foreknew His betrayal. He knew what awaited Him in that garden. So then, what does He do to prepare for the betrayal, beatings, and excruciating pain that was in store? Take note of verse 41.
He withdrew.
He knelt down.
And He prayed.
The day I left active duty, my Commander said to me, “Whatever you end up doing in life, show up on time and be prepared. The rest will work itself out.” Great advice.
The Lord could return at any moment (Matthew 24:42-44). So I have only one question for you.
Are you ready?
Discussion Questions
1. If Jesus came back today, how would that make you feel?
2. What makes you feel that way?
3. Are you prepared for Jesus' return? If not, what do you need to do to get ready?
4. Choose one item from Question 3 above. Take one step toward accomplishing that today.