Luke Chapter 4

(As I mentioned in a previous post my devotion that I write on Sunday that most of you will read Monday will be based on the Sunday message by my Pastors and not on an object as I do the rest of the week.)


Today's message was on overcoming temptation which is definitely a challenge for most of us as Christians. It's a fact that all of us are tempted and on a regular basis; the hard part is being a conqueror and stopping the temptation from becoming a sin. The Bible says the Devil is roaming around like a roaring lion waiting for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Once entrapped by sin it can be hard to get out, as many sins become addictions that can drive you away from God. Jesus understands all this and sympathizes with our condition as he too was tempted. As both God and man Satan did tempt him and kept trying throughout his life to get Jesus to stumble and rebel against God. The way Jesus fought off Satan is the same way we should, with scripture. The Bible is our sword and by planting God's Word in our heart we can defend ourselves and stand strong in the face of temptation. There is no doubt we will be tested as Christians to see whether we will stick to the will of God. Will we be like Jesus, so focused on doing the will of God that the Devil doesn't stand a chance, or will we fall victim to him? We can be over comers; that is what God desires for us to be. Realize too, that God's grace is sufficient for us, that he is forgiving of our sins when we do slip up. He understands there are times our flesh overwhelms us and we wrongfully satisfy its desires. When that does happen seek God right away for forgiveness and get right back on track. Don't get stuck on a detour for long, you may not make it back. I've had my own struggles and know that the quicker you repent and get back on course the better. Seek God in all your trials and temptations and ask for his help, admit you can't defeat sin on your own, that you need his power. Since the Word is our best weapon against the Devil, if you haven't been, use this devotional or some other way to memorize scripture regularly so when you are attacked you will be armed and ready for battle. With God's help you can achieve victory!
Some ideas of scripture to memorize in the face of temptation: 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 John 2:16 (the ways the Devil tempts us), James 1:12, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 2:18
The song "Undo" by Rush of Fools would be good to listen to with this reflection.