Thursday, February 2, 2017

Our Offensive Weapon

"Jesus answered, "It is written: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." " Matthew 4:4

Temptation comes at us every day. Our society and culture bombards us with so many unhealthy, unGodly things.
Being tempted is not a sin. You knew that, right? It's what happens AFTER you are tempted that matters.
Your offensive weapon for fighting off temptation is Scripture. The best model we have is when Jesus was tempted by satan.
Beth Moore talks about it in the Whispers of Hope prayer devotional I am working through.
She said, "Scripture is the only offensive weapon we have against the evil one. The other pieces of the armor in Ephesians 6 are defensive in nature."
I'm sure you've heard that verse about hiding God's Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him. And the one about His Word being a lamp unto our feet. Those things are true, but the Scriptures have so much more power that we can tap into.
Here are Beth Moore's ways
  1. Familiarize yourself with Scripture. You must study it. Bible study involves a relationship with a person. Christ didn't just learn the Word, He is the Word! (John 1:14)
  2. Memorize Scripture. Psalm 119:11 is the verse about hiding His Word in our hearts.
  3. Learn how to apply Scripture. Jesus answered satan's attempts with Scriptures aimed specifically at that temptation.
  4. Be persistent. Jesus didn't run when He was tempted. He drew His Sword of the Spirit.
Moore also wrote this and I find it very interesting, "A simple rebuke doesn't always work when we're walking through a season of spiritual warfare."
Spiritual warfare might be something you don't want to think about it, but it's real my friends. It's as real as these words you are currently reading.
Our enemy wants to keep us from God. So, he will do whatever he can to keep us from praying, attending church, and reading God's Word. One way he does that, is by keeping us busy doing God's work. Yes, you read that right. He will see you serving, and then manipulate things to keep you doing that and not really investing in your relationship with God. 
I hope this message helps someone today. Do you need prayer for this or anything else? I would love to pray for you. Just get in touch with me.
God bless you today and always!

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