October 8 – Battle Plan

Matthew 4:1-10

We can follow Jesus' example in defeating spiritual attacks.

Certainties

Satan will tempt us through our physical appetites.

Satan will tempt us to question or test God.

Satan will tempt us to worship something other than God.

Truths

• Jesus is the fulfillment of all of the hopes of God's people.

• The Holy Spirit is active in leading God's people.  Often the Spirit leads God's people into the wilderness.

• Fasting and prayer can prepare us for spiritual battle.

• Jesus defeated temptation with the truth of scripture.  So can we.

• Knowing and using scripture is a powerful tool in fighting temptation.

• Avoiding pain is not the path of faithfulness.

• Jesus embraced the ways of God–from death to life, from humiliation to glorification–so must we as we follow the Lord.

• We can ALWAYS trust God regardless of what may tempt us to think otherwise.

• The devil is always tempting us to direct our worship toward someone or something other than God.

• Victory over the devil's temptations comes through faith in Jesus and reliance on the Word of God.

• We must know and use the Word of God in times of trial and temptation.

• The normal pattern of the Christian life is suffering before glory.