We know evil exists. We know demons exist. How do we fight against these things? How do we resist temptation? Jesus taught us how to do this by example; for it is written. Let’s look at each one of these examples of “it is written.”
Matthew 3:3-4 Now the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'”
Every word? This can be seen in Jesus teaching as to why we don’t need to worry about what we will eat or what we will wear.
Matthew 6:32-33 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For Your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 3:5-7 Then the devil took Him up into the Holy City, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If you are the Son Of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angles charge over you; In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'”
Should we do what we know to be harmful or wrong to put God to the test of saving us? To prove He will? This proverb is repeated twice we should listen:
Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself. But the simple pass on and are punished.
Proverbs 27:12 The prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; But the simple pass on and are punished.
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Let’s keep it simple: do we stop at stop sighs, red lights, stay away from others when we are sick, eat right for our own health, drink plenty of water? Those are little things we do to protect and help ourselves an others. What about the big things? Do we watch our words, what we say? Our words can create hate, hurt, anger, turmoil, or they can create love, joy, peace and kindness.
Matthew 3:8-10 Again; the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All this I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you satan!” For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.'”
Yes, Jesus knew the Father and knew the Father’s word and believed in His Father.
Psalm 50:12 “If I were hungry I would not tell you; For the world is Mine and all it’s fulness.”
John 14:15 If you love Me keep My commandments.
Do we have on the whole armor of God? Do we rely on others to tell us what God’s word says? It is written.
