Matthew 4:1-11
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
You only have to watch the news to know that there are spiritual battles all around us. It is so important that we put on all of God’s Armor and stand firm in Him (Eph. 6:10-20).
But there is one part of the armor that is used for attack - The Sword of the Spirit - God’s Own Holy Word! When Satan tempted Jesus, Jesus responded each time with God’s word. We must follow Jesus’ example and learn God’s word so we can also take part in the spiritual battle! All of our armor helps us to stand firm in God; but without God’s word, we will never be able to join in the attack against the evil one.
Instead of griping, complaining, or being frustrated with the terrible battles all around us, stand firm in God’s power. Read God’s word. Pray. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, so pick up the Sword of the Spirit and fight. We will not ever be able to attack the evil one without God’s word hidden in our hearts!