Jesus and the Written Word
(Matthew 4:1-11)
Recently, I taught again from the fourth chapter of Matthew.
The Temptation of Jesus is much more than just a narrative of an event. It is a narrative of a real event in time, but the account contains powerful truth for those who seek to know Jesus Christ and learn from Him how to face the adversary and say, "No, I will not sin."Part of this account is the obvious reliance of Jesus on the written word of God. He didn’t vaporize the devil. He didn’t wait for God to "give him a word" in some sort of direct revelation.
He relied on the written word of God, considering it to be sufficient to resist temptation.The written word of God we have has that same sufficiency, enabling the receiver to be nourished spiritually. And, by consistent reliance on the written word, we have the courage to say "no" to the adversary.
Just one more thought about Matt. 4:1-10, and Jesus respect for God’s Word:
Treat God’s written word with the same sober care you would have, if you were standing in His direct presence, listening to Him speak.By Warren E. Berkley The Front Page
