Temptation: His Word and Armor – Keep in Step with the Spirit
As soldiers of the cross, former procrastinators, God has equipped us to battle temptation effectively. First, He Himself has defeated the enemy. We fight from the position of His victory. Next, He has given us his Word which is truth. Finally, He’s given us the armor for our defensive and offensive use.
When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, (Matthew 4:1-11) our Lord met every temptation with scripture. The enemy could not stand against the Word of truth that Christ Jesus relied on.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
“It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
“Away from me Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
Jesus was ready with scripture and the devil left. We, too, can have scripture ready to speak when temptation sneaks up on us or assaults us openly. Choose one or two verses and write them on a card – you carry, ready for access. Or, memorize them. They’ll fortify your spirit. Your sword will be ready.
Consider the armor God supplies us specifically to stand against the schemes of the devil. That includes temptation to delay doing what needs doing. (Ephesians 6:10-11) See how well we are equipped:
The belt of truth – not our ideas, will power, or strength. Just God’s Truth. We need to know it.
The breastplate of righteousness – Not our merit which would crumble. The perfect holiness of Christ protects our hearts.
Feet shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace – When we know the gospel and it pervades our being, we are able to pivot as needed, stand or go where necessary to fight.
The shield of faith – God gives us faith; we use it. With it we extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. The shield protects us from accusations, temptations, painful stabs, every effort the enemy makes against us.
The helmet of salvation – Our redeemed minds are being continually renewed as we are transformed by His Word and power. We recognize we’re fighting evil powers and rely on our Holy God.
The sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God – the very offensive weapon our Lord Jesus used so successfully against the enemy. We must hold His Word dear and hide it in our hearts for ready use. In our summer series on temptation we recognize His Word as the most effective tool.
Why employ these provisions? Why not just give in to temptation? Because God has created us for a greater purpose than self- indulgence. We are His disciples, His ambassadors, His own. We are here for His purposes. That is our “WHY” we resist temptation. What we want “MORE” than anything else is fruit for Christ.
What verse will you memorize to help you sharpen your sword?
