The Best Weapon

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Monday, January 30, 2006

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded to every enticement of the enemy by beginning with the words, "It is written. . . ."

When the devil suggested that Jesus turn a stone into bread, He replied, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God' " (Luke 4:4).

When the devil promised to give Him all the world's kingdoms if Jesus worshipped him, Jesus responded, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve' " (Luke 4:8).

Then the devil pulled a fast one. He quoted Scripture too. The devil knows Scripture and knows it pretty well. Of course, he pulls it out of context and twists it, but he can quote it. So he said, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone' " (Luke 4:10–11).

Jesus brought it back into context and responded, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God' " (Luke 4:12).

Christ faced temptation as a human being. He didn't use His executive privilege as God to get out of the situation. When the devil attacked, He quoted Scripture. And He occupied ground that we, too, can occupy.

So when temptation comes our way, it's important that we know the Word of God. God has given us the weapons for winning the spiritual battle.

Used with Permission