We have watched and heard about the many debates of our political candidates in recent weeks. We have heard glowing words about the "winners" and "losers" and we must be prepared for many other such events for the next several months.
But may I draw your attention to THE greatest "debate" of all time?
Jesus had just completed His wilderness experience, when Satan showed up and confronted Him on several different levels. He was challenged regarding His personal needs, about His commitment to God and the Word, His religious beliefs and His desire for fame and riches.
Satan presented his ideas and Jesus responded each time with the Word of God. He did not shy away from the propositions, and He did not cower in fear, rather Jesus spoke the TRUTH, confidently and courageously. After Christ's last response to him, Satan tucked tail and left. Now that is what I call a decisive victory! The greatest in debate history.
I believe each of us are involved in similar "debates" regularly. We are tempted with so many offers for personal pleasure, and for our own profit and gain, and we often overlook the deeper issues at stake. Issues of what is best for us spiritually, for our family, and what will be pleasing to God.
Another problem that plagues us as Christians is that we oftentimes feel entitled or deserving of what we are offered by the Evil One. Or even if that is not the case, and we attempt to argue with Satan, we lose that battle because we attempt to stand on our wisdom or merits, and not on the Word of God.
Jesus Christ stood alone, armed with the Word of God and a deep conviction that God would never falter or fail. Now, some might say,"Well, you are talking about the Son of God here, and that's totally different than just me!" Oh really? Scripture says that as believers, we are now children of God. We have the opportunity to grow into someone who fears nothing but disappointing our Father, while trusting nothing but His Word. We can learn to stand on Scripture to "resist the Devil on every hand."
This is one "debate" we can and must win.
But may I draw your attention to THE greatest "debate" of all time?
Jesus had just completed His wilderness experience, when Satan showed up and confronted Him on several different levels. He was challenged regarding His personal needs, about His commitment to God and the Word, His religious beliefs and His desire for fame and riches.
Satan presented his ideas and Jesus responded each time with the Word of God. He did not shy away from the propositions, and He did not cower in fear, rather Jesus spoke the TRUTH, confidently and courageously. After Christ's last response to him, Satan tucked tail and left. Now that is what I call a decisive victory! The greatest in debate history.
I believe each of us are involved in similar "debates" regularly. We are tempted with so many offers for personal pleasure, and for our own profit and gain, and we often overlook the deeper issues at stake. Issues of what is best for us spiritually, for our family, and what will be pleasing to God.
Another problem that plagues us as Christians is that we oftentimes feel entitled or deserving of what we are offered by the Evil One. Or even if that is not the case, and we attempt to argue with Satan, we lose that battle because we attempt to stand on our wisdom or merits, and not on the Word of God.
Jesus Christ stood alone, armed with the Word of God and a deep conviction that God would never falter or fail. Now, some might say,"Well, you are talking about the Son of God here, and that's totally different than just me!" Oh really? Scripture says that as believers, we are now children of God. We have the opportunity to grow into someone who fears nothing but disappointing our Father, while trusting nothing but His Word. We can learn to stand on Scripture to "resist the Devil on every hand."
This is one "debate" we can and must win.
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