February 22, 2026
The Starting Point
Last week we introduced making room for God. Some took it seriously but caught themselves: “Just check it real quick.” That’s a battle.
You face two resistances: internal (renewing mind) and external (spiritual battle).
INFORMATION: What Happens When You Make Room
Matthew 4:1-2 – “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
The enemy attacks three ways:
1. The Enemy Attacks Your Provision
Matthew 4:3-4 (NLT) – “During that time the devil came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But Jesus told him, ‘No! The Scriptures say, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘”
- Satan waited until Jesus was hungry—40 days depleted
- The enemy strikes when you’re vulnerable
2. The Enemy Attacks Your Identity
Matthew 4:5-7 (NLT) – “Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.”‘ Jesus responded, ‘The Scriptures also say, “You must not test the Lord your God.”‘”
- The enemy makes you question who God says you are
- Don’t let the fight make you doubt the assignment
3. The Enemy Attacks Your Victory
Matthew 4:8-10 (NLT) – “Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ‘I will give it all to you,’ he said, ‘if you will kneel down and worship me.’ ‘Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”‘”
- Jesus responded to every attack with Scripture
- You can’t fight spiritual warfare with human logic—you need the Sword of the Spirit
INSPIRATION: Visible Evidence of Alignment
The harder the fight, the bigger the breakthrough.
Joel 2:12-13 (NLT) – “That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
1. God Sees Your Heart – He’s moved by WHY you gave it up.
2. Making Room Reveals What Controls You – Tension confirms you’re on track.
MOTIVATION: To Stay or Start
Obstacle 1: “This is too hard”
- The same Spirit who LED Jesus into the wilderness lives in you
- When you make room, you’re not fighting alone
Romans 8:11 (NLT) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you
Obstacle 2: “I keep failing—I might as well quit”
- The enemy wants you to believe weakness means defeat—that’s a lie
- Victory isn’t about you—victory is about Kingdom Alignment
- Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up
Obstacle 3: “I missed the starting point for this series”
- As Family—I want to say “You’re not alone”
- The invitation is to join at any point along the way
TRANSFORMATION: Positioned for Kingdom Victory
If you’re following Jesus, you’ll face spiritual warfare.
Applications: Workplace (people watching), Home (hear God first), Community (neighbors need Jesus)
Action Steps:
- Identify how you’ll make room
- Memorize one key verse
- Partner with someone
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community