Introduction
This Lord’s Day, our sermon series comes to Luke 22:1-6. It includes the first details of the plot to kill Jesus. Judas, the betrayer, will make his agreement with the religious leaders who hated our Lord. It is unthinkable that one of the disciples would plot to bring about Jesus’ death. Luke includes an important element of the story: “Satan entered into Judas Iscariot” (v. 3). We will explore what that means and its implications then and now.
The hymns selected for this service acknowledge the reality of Jesus’ foe, Satan. They also acknowledge the fact that he is the Christian’s foe. Our hymns rejoice that Jesus is triumphant over his enemy and we can, too.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Romans 8:31-39
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 588 A Mighty Fortress is our God
Note: The story is told that Martin Luther, composer of this hymn, once threw an inkwell against a wall, explaining that he was trying to hit Satan. The evil one was very real to Dr. Luther. This hymn reminds us of our formidable foe, but also encourages us with knowledge that a powerful word from Christ “shall fell him.” Confident that “his doom is sure,” we may confidently sing,
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
Scripture Reading Revelation 20:1-10
Note: The vision the Lord gave to the apostle John gives us a look ahead at the defeat of Satan, our foe. He thought he could defeat Jesus at the cross, but in the wisdom of God, the cross became the instrument through which Jesus will utterly defeat Satan.
Hymn 31 The Name High Over All
Note: God the Father has made “Jesus,” the name high over all other names. Because Jesus came to own our cause, his name is “dear” to all whom he has saved. Before our Savior, devils “fear and fly; because of his work on the cross, he has “bruised Satan’s head” (Genesis 3:15).
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn Insert Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat
Note: John Newton’s heart-felt hymn is a prayer of confession set to a tune by our friend, pastor Paul Hamilton. The lyrics describe the victory that we have over Satan, “the accuser,” because Jesus secured our forgiveness through his death in our place.
Message: Satan’s Futile Plan
Luke 22:1-6
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Give Praise to God
Note: The Lord God works his will and accomplishes his purposes according to his own plan for his own glory. We can neither conceive nor comprehend his ways. Yet, in His great wisdom, God planned to allow the cross, an apparent defeat at the hands of his enemy, Satan, to become the basis of eternal triumph. Therefore, we sing “give praise to God alone.”
Prayer Response: Steve Eubank
Benediction: John Miles