Wednesday, August 29, 2018

The Holy Scriptures brings Victory


God the Father is the giver of Holy Scripture; God the Son is the theme of Holy Scripture; and God the Spirit is the author, authenticator, and interpreter of Holy Scripture. ~J. I. Packer

After 4,000 years of human history, no other book is like the Holy Scriptures in its supremacy over all books written in the past, present and the future. And although the Holy Scriptures experienced a lot of attacks and threats, yet it withstood everything in its path. Now, more than ever, many are turning to its power and promises for receiving hope, comfort and strength in their lives. How powerful is the Holy Scriptures? Let’s look at how Jesus utilized the Holy Scriptures during overcoming Satan’s temptation. Matthew 4:3-4 described, “And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” One thing is certain; the Devil tempted Jesus to go against God’s word. Bob Jones, Sr. shared, “The Devil did not tempt Adam and Eve to steal, to lie, to kill, to commit adultery; he tempted them to live independent of God.” Jesus neutralized the temptation of the Devil by speaking God’s word and spoke with authority (Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 6:16, 13). He knew what to say and where to stand His ground and as a result, overcame his temptation.

God’s promise of victory through His Word is assured because God’s word never fails in fulfilling its intended purpose: So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Next, God’s word is reinforced by the power of God’s Spirit in empowering His people: Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). Next, God’s word assured us of eternal life when we put our faith in Jesus: The promise of eternal life when we hear His words: Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).

Jesus knew Satan’s strategy precisely because Satan used it already at the Garden of Eden with Eve (Genesis 3). This time, Jesus didn’t fall for his trap. Instead, He stood on God’s Word, and it paid off. In His encounter with Satan, Jesus provided everyone who believes in Him a pattern of defeating temptations as well. Dwight L. Moody emphasized, “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”

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The Holy Scriptures provides practical applications for securing victory through the Scriptures on a daily basis. First, continually study God’s truth in safeguarding our freedom in Christ: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Next, courageously fulfill God’s agenda for your life no matter what we face: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Finally, confidently live consecrated lives as we await Jesus’ return: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11).

One thing is sure when our lives become fully anchored in God’s Word; we equip ourselves against all temptations and attack of the enemy of our faith. If Jesus did it and with His help, so can we!

Let’s talk again!