Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8
When Jesus had spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness, the devil came to him and tempted him (see Matthew 4). The devil spoke to him saying, “IF you are the son of God…” He knew very well that Jesus WAS the son of God, but his tactic was to try to cast doubt on his authority. Jesus responded by saying, “It is written…” and then rebuked him using scripture.
He had tried the same tactic with Eve… ‘Did God REALLY say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ Of course, the answer was no, they could eat from every tree, except one; but even though she answered him correctly, Satan still caused her to lose sight of the truth of God’s goodness by implying that he was withholding something from her. His objective is to cause US to lose sight of the truth too – even though we have everything we need in Christ. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence… 2 Peter 1:3.
We live in a fallen world, we face the consequences of that daily, however we have spiritual armour to protect us. Every piece of the armour is also an aspect of Jesus which saves us. (See Eph 6) The helmet – salvation; the breastplate – righteousness; the belt – truth; the shoes – peace; the shield – faith. The sword, however, is offensive and we use it to fight and defend ourselves. It is the word of God! We are also told to pray in the spirit and be alert!
Another reference to being alert is this: “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith…” 1 Pet 5:8-9. Jesus is the Lion of Judah. As we’ve seen, the devil knows how to deceive and twist the truth. He will roar like a lion, but he’s a counterfeit. Do not listen to him and you will not be devoured!
When we know the truth, it WILL set us free! How do we fight against the schemes of the enemy? By knowing the word of God. Paul says, “…I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Cor 2:10-11) One of his schemes is to convince you that an offence against you is unforgiveable. Unforgiveness is like rust – it takes away our shine and eventually eats away at our very core. In the Lord’s prayer, we ask Father God to forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Since all our sins are already forgiven in Christ, why do we ask God to forgive our sins again? I believe it’s to remind us of the magnitude of what we have been forgiven so we have the will to forgive others. (He who is forgiven much, loves much. See Luke 7) Unforgiveness allows a root of bitterness to take hold in our lives and places an obstacle between us and God’s grace.
When something or someone comes against you, the way to respond is to pray using scripture. Remind the enemy of who you are and what you have in Christ. It is written: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD. Is 54:17
Take time to meditate on Psalm 23 and appreciate all that the Lord is, and gives, to us. Know it by heart, meditate on it whenever the enemy tells you that you are not worthy, not loved, or that no one is going to save you from your plight! God’s word is truth – stand on it!
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Father I thank you that your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I will not stumble or fall when your word illuminates my way.
The Finished Work 