Day 129/260: Read Matthew 4

The best defense against temptation is a proper knowledge and application of the inspired Scriptures, as demonstrated by Jesus when He was in the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Three times Satan attempted to entice Jesus to sin, and three times Jesus resisted by recalling the Word of God.

We can do the same today, but only if we have a working knowledge of God’s revelation. The Psalmist declared, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Have you hidden the Word in your heart?

Here are some specific sins that many face to some extent, and passages that may help defend our soul against Satan’s assaults:

• Foul language and dirty jokes (Ephesians 4:29)
• Greed and materialism (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
• Pride and selfishness (Philippians 2:3)
• Poor attitude toward employers (Colossians 3:23-24)
• Racism and sexism (Galatians 3:28)
• Disobeying God (John 14:15)
• Disobeying the elders in the church (Hebrews 13:17)
• Envy (Proverbs 23:17)
• Apathy (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Can we do better? We must! But we need God’s help, and that help is available in the inspired Scriptures.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Matthew 5:9. “Blessed are the ________________, for they shall be called sons of ________________.”

Pray

Pray for wisdom in recognizing temptation, and strength in overcoming it through God’s Word.