The Resistance - Day 12
Day 12: Tuesday, February 14
Read Matthew 4:1-11
Highlight
Sometimes we face burnout that is fueled by spiritual opposition. In this passage we get a glimpse into one of the most challenging seasons of Jesus’ earthly life. Notice two things that Jesus does both to prepare and then to resist this opposition. First, he fasts & prays. We often focus on the fact that Jesus was likely already physically weak when he’s challenged by the devil. But consider the extreme spiritual conditioning Jesus has just engaged in. He is ready for the battle that’s in front of him because he has spent time training to be fully dependent on his Father. When the battle begins, one of the devil’s primary tactics is deception. He takes what is true and twists it to tempt Jesus to believe something that is untrue. Jesus combats these lies with the truth of Scripture. Because he has prepared by saturating his mind with the truth of the Word, when he hears the deception of the devil he resists it with the truth that he’s hidden away in his heart and it gives him strength to defend against the temptation.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the lie that this passage has revealed that you are struggling to defend against.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to identify the truth from this passage that you can apply and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Matthew 4:1-11
Highlight
Sometimes we face burnout that is fueled by spiritual opposition. In this passage we get a glimpse into one of the most challenging seasons of Jesus’ earthly life. Notice two things that Jesus does both to prepare and then to resist this opposition. First, he fasts & prays. We often focus on the fact that Jesus was likely already physically weak when he’s challenged by the devil. But consider the extreme spiritual conditioning Jesus has just engaged in. He is ready for the battle that’s in front of him because he has spent time training to be fully dependent on his Father. When the battle begins, one of the devil’s primary tactics is deception. He takes what is true and twists it to tempt Jesus to believe something that is untrue. Jesus combats these lies with the truth of Scripture. Because he has prepared by saturating his mind with the truth of the Word, when he hears the deception of the devil he resists it with the truth that he’s hidden away in his heart and it gives him strength to defend against the temptation.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight a lie that you have been tempted to believe?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is the truth from His Word that he is giving you to defend against this lie?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the lie that this passage has revealed that you are struggling to defend against.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to identify the truth from this passage that you can apply and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance