Read & Study Prayerfully!

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

In Matthew chapter 4 we read of the Lord being tempted by the Devil in the desert 40 days and 40 nights.  Notice the Devil used Scriptures to try to convince Jesus to sin, he can quote it, partially quote it, miss quote it to his advantage.  He did it with Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3, and succeeded, and he often likes to appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Jesus' temptation was an important demonstration of his sinlessness.  He would face temptation and not give in.

So to read, study and meditate on God's Word is very needful to detect the errors of the wicked one.  I remember well an occasion where I was reading a religious commentary. The subject of the article was 'baptism'. It was teaching that baptism makes you a child of God.  The only verse they were using to support this important subject was John 1:12, but I knew that in the context of this verse it did not talk about receiving 'it, the baptism' but 'Him, Jesus Christ'.  You see, it was well quoted but misapplied.  So easy to be led astray!

How did the Lord handle these attacks? By rightly dividing the Word of God  He used God's Word as a sword and shield to ward off the fiery darts of the wicked.

Every time I read this particular Bible account I chuckle a little bit as it reminds me of a Sunday School lesson I gave about 10 years ago on this same exact account.  After a lesson, I always re-enforce my points with a few simple questions.  So that day my question was:  "The Lord answered the Devil three times the same way, how did the Lord answer the Devil on all three occasions?"  The youngest one in the class, perhaps 4 or 5 years old, was eager to get his little reward and so, quickly put up his hand with a big grin.  The answer I was looking for was: The Lord answered with the Word of God, the three times!  But my little guy answered: NO! NO! NO! I thought that was pretty good! 

The Bible tells us this is how we ought to handle these kinds of attacks too (Ephesians 6:11-17).  Therefore, we need not only to equip ourselves with a knowledge of Scriptures but a study of it and an obedience to it as well. 

May you be encouraged to open your Bible often, read it, study it carefully and prayerfully. Get to know the broader context of specific verses, so that you may know how to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Noble people received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures DAILY, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).  

P.S. If you would be interested in attending a Bible study, you are always welcome to attend ours at the Gospel Hall every Thursday night from 7-8:15 pm (includes a prayer meeting prior) and also on Sunday night at 7 pm.

If you have any other questions or requests, please feel free to contact me, you know me!

May the good Lord bless you in your search for The Truth!

Claudine