Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Be Ready, Be Wise, Be Sure
Posted on July 12, 2022 by Catey Stover in Victory Call
“Jesus was tempted in every respect as we are yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15
Matthew records Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the desert. Jesus overcame the temptation and left us an example.
- Satan waited to tempt Jesus when He was hungry (and presumably weak). His temptation was fitted to Jesus’ situation. “…command these stones to become loaves of bread.” Matthew 4:3
Jesus responded with a Scripture that specifically addresses the temptation. Jesus was prepared with the appropriate weapon to combat the specific temptation.
Lesson #1: Be ready. Memorize Scripture. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 What weapons do you have in your arsenal to combat the temptation of Satan?
- The second ploy, a tactic of Satan, is the use of Scripture in an attempt to mislead or confuse Jesus. Christ’s response was to counter this misappropriated Scripture Satan used with a larger principle of truth. We need to keep the big picture of God’s Word in focus. “…for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:27
Lesson #2: Be wise. It is important to know the whole counsel of God’s Word rather than just a handful of Scriptures so that we may not be easily misled. Be wise. Be discerning. Check your thinking with the entirety of God’s Word.
- The third temptation, in fact in response to all three temptations – Christ responds: It is written… He speaks with authority and assurance. After the third temptation Christ says, “Be gone, Satan!”
Lesson #3: Be sure. We can be sure that Satan’s temptations will not succeed in the face of God’s truth spoken and believed. Both are necessary to pack a one-two punch to overcome temptation in your life.
Be ready. Be sure. Be wise.
Think About This: “The presence of hope in the invincible sovereignty of God drives out fear.” – John Piper
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 7-9; Acts 17:1-15| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
