Defense Against Temptation!

Baptism and Temptation

Scripture:

Matthew 3:13-4:17


Synopsis:

Jesus was tempted, as we are. Jesus avoided giving in to temptation by speaking Truth. Notice this wasn’t a subjective truth, it was The Truth (with a capital T)! Jesus used the Word of God as His defense against the temptation (and deception!) of His enemy.


Spark:

In order to use Scripture as a defense against temptation, we need to KNOW it. Today’s challenge is to begin a Scripture memory program, if you are not already doing so.

There are many ways to do this. A Google search of “Scripture memory system” returns hundreds of thousands of results. If you use any kind of handheld device, there is probably an app available for download. Post it notes and index cards work great, too!

If you just aren’t sure which Scripture to use first, try picking one of the top 100 read verses on Bible Gateway:

http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2009/05/the-100-most-read-bible-verses-at-biblegatewaycom/

Or the Topical Memory System suggested by The Navigators:

http://www.navigators.org/us/resources/illustrations/items/Topical%20Memory%20System

The important thing is not WHICH verses you memorize, but that you are consistently and regularly meditating on Scripture.

Begin memorizing a verse today, and see what a difference God makes!

Hebrews 4:12