SOAP Devotional 2014-09-05
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Part one of five with this text…
Scripture:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’ ” Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’ ” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11 NLT)
Observation:
The answer is always “For the Scriptures say…” In all three of these temptations, the Lord used what the scripture says as a way to avoid the temptation.
Application:
When we are tempted, we know the difference between right and wrong based on what the scriptures say. Paul says that all scriptures are profitable for correction, etc. We need to remind ourselves what the scriptures say during times of temptation and then act accordingly. God provides a way of escape from temptation through his word. It would be a good idea to memorize scriptures that would help you in areas that you are week. Example: You find yourself seething when someone cuts you off in traffic and want to get even or to say hateful words. Remember, Psalm 37:8 ESV, “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
Prayer:
Father, first of all I am thankful that you teach me through your word in the ways that I should live my life. I should not and cannot live just how ever I want to live. Secondly, I am thankful that your Word is a way to overcome temptation to do wrong. Help me to rely on your Word in all that I do.