At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that real faith is forged not just in celebration, but in challenge—when saying “yes” to God is costly and hard. There is no greater example of this than Jesus Himself, who faced temptation in the wilderness and in the garden but never surrendered, never doubted, and always trusted His Father’s goodness.

“Yet he never surrendered, and he was tempted 3 times by Satan. By the way, not just by some voice, but by Satan. Who tried to convince him to choose another path. And Jesus answered what? With God’s word over and over and over. Why? Because Jesus trusted in his Father’s goodness.”

Adam in the Garden, Jesus in the Wilderness

The Bible presents us with two pivotal stories: Adam and Eve in the garden, and Jesus in the wilderness. Adam and Eve had every blessing imaginable, yet when tempted by the serpent, they doubted God’s goodness and chose their own way. In contrast, Jesus stood in the wilderness—hungry, alone, lacking every earthly comfort—and still He chose God’s way.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)

Where Adam failed, Jesus triumphed. Where Adam was surrounded by abundance but gave in, Jesus, with nothing, remained faithful.

Jesus’ Secret: Trusting the Father’s Goodness

The power of Jesus’ victory over temptation wasn’t just in resisting sin, but in trusting that God’s path—though hard—was always good. When Satan tempted Him (Matthew 4:1-11, ESV), Jesus answered every lie with Scripture, anchoring Himself in the truth.

“But he answered, ‘It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4, ESV)

Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayed:

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matthew 26:39, ESV)

This is the heart of faith: “God, I will trust in your way because your way is good.”

The “Just 3” Model: Following Jesus’ Example

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re on a mission to “be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Jesus’ victory over temptation shows us how. Our “Just 3” model—Study, Share, Serve—equips us to follow in His footsteps.

Study: Love and Know God

Jesus overcame temptation by knowing and using God’s Word. We must do the same.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, ESV)

Join a Bible study or commit to daily reading. Equip yourself with truth for the battles ahead.

Share: Know and Love Others

Jesus didn’t walk His journey alone. He invited others in, shared His struggles, and called His friends to pray with Him—even in His darkest hour.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Share your story in a small group or with a trusted friend. You are not alone.

Serve: Love in Action

Jesus’ ultimate act of service was laying down His life for us. Serving others shifts our focus from self to God’s mission.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Find a place to serve—inside the church or in the Portage Lakes community—and let your love be active.

Be the Change: Trust, Obey, and Overcome

Every day, we stand at a crossroads like Adam and Jesus—faced with the choice to trust God or go our own way. Jesus shows us that victory comes not from willpower alone, but from trusting God’s goodness and living in the power of His Word.

At Lakeview Christian Church, we invite you to: