Sunday Blogvotional: Knowledge of the Word is Power

In Matthew chapter 4 we read about the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil.  It's all pretty familiar to us but there is one particular aspect that usually sneaks by unnoticed.  It's the fact that the devil quotes scripture to try to lure Jesus into his trap. 

Do we find it odd that the devil would know even the slightest bit of God's word?  I daresay he knows it inside out.  It's like studying the playbook from the other team.  The enemy is wise in the ways of deception - doing what it takes to lure the enemy into his snare.  It's easy for Christians to believe if someone is quoting scripture than they must be alright.  Surely a Bible quoting person wouldn't steer us wrong?  But the devil didn't quite get the fact he was talking to someone who knew scripture even better than he did. 

Jesus, not only fought off the devil's temptations that day, He also gave us an example of how we can fight the evil one.  We can know and fight lies and deception by knowing truth even better than the devil. When something comes up in our lives that contradicts the Word of God, we will see it for what it is - lies - and have the strength to walk away.   

The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:3,4

Encouragement for the week: Keep your eyes open and be aware. Know your Bible - it can save you from falling into temptation's snare.