by Pastor Ryan
In a month dedicated to prayer and fasting, we need to look at a reality that can come along with it--temptation. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and nights. Scripture teaches us that the devil came to Him to tempt Him when He was hungry. When we fast, we trust that God fills any voids in our lives with a greater satisfaction in Him. However, we still have a body that can grow hungry or fatigued. The devil specializes in sneaking in at times that we are at our weakest. He did the same to Jesus. This whole passage is worth your time to read, but three verses that stand out are Christs' answers to the temptations.
Verse 4 -- But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Verse 7 -- Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Verse 10 -- Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"
Jesus answered every temptation with scripture. Jesus, my perfect example, the most Holy, sinless man to ever live--God Himself--answered with scripture.
I guess what makes that stand out to me is that Jesus could have said whatever He wanted to rebuke Satan. Furthermore, anything He said could have become a "new" piece of scripture. Yet that's not what we find. Instead, He quoted existing scripture to fight temptation.
That may seem subtle. But I think it holds profound meaning. If my perfect example--Jesus--used scripture to fight temptation, so should I!
There is power in God's Word to help us fight temptation!
In a month of spiritual focus and self-denial it's possible to grow tired. The devil is ready, always waiting for an opportunity to tempt and cause us to slip. Use scripture in your battle! There are rich promises in God's Word. Use them! Do you feel alone? God's word says He will never leave or forsake! (Deuteronomy 31:6) Do you worry you'll do without? Jesus said not to worry about what you put into body or what you put on it! (Matthew 6:25-26) The list goes on! When we use scripture to combat the devil, he is powerless. In verse 10, Jesus told Satan to leave and guess what? In verse 11 he left!
The point isn't to use scripture "if" you are tempted. The point is to use scripture "when" your are tempted. Because you will be! Don't try fighting temptation with your wits or self-discipline. Instead, use the same tool Christ did--God's Word.
Hebrews 4:12 -- For the Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword..."
Passage Reading Guide: Acts 26 & Psalms 3.