There is a very close relationship to whether we have our bodies subdued and whether we will be of any use in the ministry.

Forty days, Jesus pommeled his body to certify and demonstrate that his appetite for food and for sex gave no foothold, not a toehold to save it.

Praise God for the victory Jesus wrought over his appetites for us.

I find this particular insight searching.

If our appetites rule us, whether it's food or comfort or whatever,

it actually weakens our usefulness in the kingdom

and that's a sobering thought I'm your host Dan Kruver in this episode of light and truth

John Piper turns to Luke 4 verses 1 to 14 to show how the spirit trains believers for battle, not comfort.

This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on March 18,

1984.

Luke chapter 3, verses 21 to 22.

I want us to see Christ in combat today so that our lives can be cleared away of whatever

haze is blinding us to the combat that we face.

Let's go back, though, to chapter 3, verses 21 and 22.

We have a record of Jesus' baptism.

It says, now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,

the heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form as a dove.

And a voice came from heaven, you are my beloved son.

With you, I am well pleased.

When Jesus came to be baptized along with all the people who were repenting and aligning themselves with God,

it was as though the commander-in-chief left the Pentagon, crossed the ocean, strapped on his helmet,

fixed his baynet, and jumped into the trenches with the rest of us.

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