Today we’ll discover together just how important being “in the Word” is for us on a daily basis.
Here we go!
Stepping In: READ IT
Read Matthew 4:1-25
Building Up: STUDY IT
Focus on Matthew 4:4,7,10
We are looking at three different verses because they each show us a very specific way Jesus handles direct temptation from Satan.
Jesus’ temptations break down into the same main three ways we are tempted.
1 John 2:16 (NIV) For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
When Jesus responds to each temptation, He begins with “It is written.” Doing battle with Satan is not based on our strength or will power. We can be victorious when we rely totally on the truth and power of the Word of God.
Living Out: APPLY IT
Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR).
Today I’m going to use application question 7. The error to avoid is trying to do spiritual battle with my physical ability. I need to really know God’s Word. (You could also read Ephesians 6 for more about this.)
Here’s my prayer of application. What’s yours? If you want, you can post it in the comment section on the blog. (If you’re reading this in your email, click on the title. It will bring you back to the website so your comments can be seen by others.)
Dear Father, I’ve failed enough. I’ve caved to the pressure of the temptation on too many occasions. When I have been victorious, it’s because I relied on the truth of Your Word. Help me, by the strength and presence of your Holy Spirit, to recall the Word I’ve tried to hide in my heart. The next time I’m tempted to put down someone else, I’ll shut that down and choose words that will build them up and encourage them. I remember that from Ephesians 4:29. I know one thing for sure. I NEED YOUR HELP!