It Is Written: How Jesus Taught Us to Fight

📖 In Matthew 4:1–11, we are given a powerful example of spiritual warfare.

Grab your bibles, a journal, and a pen!

After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry, physically weak, and yet spiritually prepared. Before beginning His earthly ministry, He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by satan.

This moment wasn’t an accident, it was intentional. God ordained.

Jesus was teaching us how to stand firm when temptation comes.

Notice that Jesus did not argue with the devil, entertain his temptations, or rely on His emotions.

I bolded the word , "emotions" because in our flesh we will allow our feelings to dig a deeper hole for us. Crucifying the flesh is also killing those emotional outburst that hinder us from walking Holy Spirit-led.

You can't fight the enemy using his own tactics.. cursing, physically fighting people, displaying hatred... just to name a few.

Jesus responded with the Word of God every single time.

When the enemy tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus responded:

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, showing us that our spiritual nourishment is more important than our physical desires.

Even when He was hungry, He refused to satisfy His flesh outside of God’s will.

We need to practice this same tactic, and we are called to do just that. Many of us have succumbed to temptation because we desired something intensely and were unwilling to follow God's way, which often involved a period of waiting we were reluctant to endure.

Then satan tried a different tactic. He quoted Scripture himself.

“For it is written…” (Matthew 4:6)

Satan quoted Psalm 91:11–12 in an attempt to manipulate Jesus into testing God.

This should serve as a warning to us today, the enemy knows Scripture. He will twist it, misuse it, and distort it if it means leading people into deception. Simply hearing someone quote the Bible does not mean they are speaking the truth. Context matters, and God’s Word should never be used to justify sin, pride, or rebellion against Him.

Jesus immediately responded:

“It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” (Matthew 4:7)

Jesus knew exactly what satan was doing. He wasn’t fooled because He is the Truth. He teaches us here that Scripture interprets Scripture.

We combat lies with truth!

Not feelings, opinions, or worldly wisdom.

Finally, Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world and their glory if He would simply bow down and worship him.

Imagine that? Satan offering Jesus something that already belonged to Him.

Jesus responded:

“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” (Matthew 4:10)

Jesus revealed something that many people are struggling with today!

Nothing this world has to offer is worth compromising our worship of God.

Today, the enemy still tempts people with worldly riches, fame, influence, relationships, comfort, and success. Many are willing to compromise God’s standards in exchange for temporary pleasures and earthly gain.

Let’s be real people don’t want restrictions, they want the world and all that comes with it while still claiming God.

The enemy’s tactics haven’t changed. He simply repackages the same temptations.

Literally recycling and reusing the same stuff!

Matthew 4 teaches us several important truths about Jesus and about who we are called to be as believers.

Jesus shows us that:

• The Word of God is our weapon.

• Humility is strength.

• Truth matters.

• Obedience is better than worldly gain.

• Worship belongs to God alone.

• We can stand firm in temptation through Him.

  
  

Jesus was physically weak after fasting, yet He was spiritually strong. He shows us that true strength is not found in ourselves but in complete dependence upon God. We are not called to boast in our own power or righteousness. We boast in our Savior and the victory He purchased for us on that cross!

As believers, we are called to be humble yet bold as a lion.

We are called to know the truth, and the truth is a Person.

If you do not know Jesus, you do not know the Truth.

Our strength, identity, and authority are found in Him alone.

The kingdoms of this world are not worth our souls. Jesus made that abundantly clear.

Yes, God may bless us while we dwell here on earth, but material blessings should never become our driving force.

Our greatest treasure is Christ Himself. He is literally our gift from God.

So, I want to ask you a few heart-check questions and I hope you still have your journal...

• What have you been willing to compromise to obtain?

• Is there anything in your life competing for your worship?

• Do you know God’s Word well enough to recognize when it is being twisted?

• Are you pursuing Jesus or simply pursuing His blessings?

  
  

The wilderness wasn’t just a place of testing for Jesus, it became a classroom for us.

Through His victory, He showed us how to fight. When temptation comes, we don’t negotiate with the enemy.

We respond as Jesus did:

“It is written.”

Let Us Pray

Lord, help us to identify any idols in our lives that interfere with our complete surrender to You. Holy Spirit, guide and lead us where we should go. Guide our mouths and direct our steps in the darkness of this world. Be our light, Jesus.

Renew our hearts and minds to reflect the love of Christ to everyone we encounter. Let others see You in us. Give us hearts that long for Your presence above everything else. Teach us to worship You alone and to stand firmly on Your truth when temptation comes.

In Jesus beautiful and mighty name we pray, amen.

Y’all know my Motto: Obedience Over Everything‼️

We love you and we are so happy you're here.

-The Surrendered Walk🤍