A Battle of Wills

March 5, 2023

Preacher: Andrew Love

Series: Luke's Gospel

Passage: Luke 22:24-46

Service Type: Sunday Morning

Introduction

The human will is a faculty of the soul
It allows us to make decisions
Some people have very strong wills
- Example of Margaret Thatcher
- A strength and weakness
Overview:
- A battle among men
- A spiritual battle
- A losing battle
- The ultimate battle

There is often a battle in the world of politics - a clash of wills
There is often a spirit of competition in work - example for jobs and promotions
There can be clashes in the family - examples
It should not surprise us there was a dispute amongst the disciples
- Some might say Simon Peter, some might say Andrew, some might say John
- They wanted position in the future - on earth and in glory (v30)
Jesus has something more important to tell them (v25-27)
- It is normal that people rule and have dominion over others
  - Not the weak, quiet or submissive
- Jesus' values are different from the world's values
  - Service, coming alongside, even serving them
- Jesus came to serve
  - He has given Himself continually to people during His 3 years of ministry - examples
  - He gave His life on the cross
Are we caught in a clash of wills?
- We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus
- It is the Spirit of Christ that must shine forward: loving, serving, giving
  - Because Jesus gave His life for us
  - Because He loved us
- We must have a general attitude of service
  - Especially within the Church
    - There are now many seminars to help those lead the church

Jesus addresses one of the disciples out of concern
- Simon Peter feels he can do anything
- But Jesus sees the spiritual realm and the activity of satan
  - That satan has asked to sift Peter at this hour of trouble, to cause him to deny Christ
  - Remember, now is the time and power of satan and that satan has entered the heart of Judas
There is a spiritual battle
- Jesus prays for Peter (v32)
  - Peter's faith did not fail - though it did take a huge knock
  - He repented and came back to Jesus
  - Jesus restored Him
- Peter did not have ears for this (and did not see this)
  - Yet we are reassured because Jesus sees and prays for His people
  - Jesus' prayers are strong and power - always answered

Peter really did love Jesus
- He was being honest in his proclaimation
- However, he did not understand his own weakness
Are we like this?
- Do we think we will never fail in a particular area?
- Do we consider ourselves strong?
  - Yet we are weak and without Christ we can do nothing
- "Pray that you might not enter into temptation" v40, v46
  - How often do we fall into temptation?
  - Do we pray daily to avoid temptation?
    - Consider the Lord's prayer
- It is a losing battle when we don't pray
An interlude (v35-38)
- The situation is chancing - explanation
  - Persecution is coming
- Two swords - is too much
  - Protection is needed - but do not over-react
  - We are to depend upon Jesus
- It is a losing battle when we depend upon our own resources and strength - depend on Jesus Christ

Jesus always wanted to do the will of God the Father
- Jesus had a human and a divine will
The weight of calvary led His human will to ask if there was another way, but He was willing to submit to God's divine will
- Surely we would do the same facing the terror of crucifixion
- However, Jesus could see beyond the cross
Jesus first kneels in prayer, then is prostate on the ground sweating great drops of blood in His struggle
- This was the ultimate battle
He submitted to God the Father's will
- He triumphed at Calvary - there was victory on the Cross
- He brought sinners peace
- He rescued those in darkness, those who are rebels, those who are going to hell
Turn from sin and believe in Jesus Christ's work on the cross - then your sins are forgiven and there is a place in heaven for you
- He faced the ultimate battle and won it for us
- Follow Jesus Christ