September 20 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:1-7, Matthew 4:1-11
Sermon: Ten Commands, Ten Ways of Being: Be Loyal
Deuteronomy 5:1-7 (NRSVUE)
Moses convened all Israel and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I am addressing to you today; you shall learn them and observe them diligently. The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. Not with our ancestors did the Lord make this covenant but with us, who are all of us here alive today. The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the fire. And God said: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods.”
Matthew 4:1-11 (The Message)
Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: “Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.” Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.” Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.” For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, “They’re yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.” Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.
Key Idea of the Sermon
Fifteen centuries prior to Jesus, God worked through Moses to liberate the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt. Moses also prepared God’s people for a return to the homeland and a life of freedom with a set of ten key Divine commands. These commands have served as a reliable framework for a faithful relationship with God, as well as a helpful foundation for living in community. Each command is paired with a story of Jesus that shows us how to fulfill each command. God’s commands invite us to a way of being. Today we are challenged to be loyal, with inspiration from the way Jesus overcame a time of testing.
Questions for Reflection
• Moses was preparing God’s people for a return home. Is there a transition you are facing that would be made easier by obeying God’s command for loyalty? How do you define loyalty?
• It has been said that our true character shows by what we do when no one is watching. What do your thoughts, words, and actions reveal about your loyalty to God and to the important relationships of your life? What needs to change? • How are you feeling tempted currently? What in Jesus’ example could help you pass the test?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Jesus faced adversity with fasting and prayer. Choose and practice a spiritual discipline like prayer, fasting, worship, serving others, quiet walks, singing, or Bible study as a focus this week. Pay attention to the way this practice strengthens your loyalty to God and community.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
