Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 40 – Matthew 4:4 – It Is Written – Growing As Disciples
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)
Live On
What would your life look like if you lived on my word? If I lived on your word, I would certainly read your word. That would be a good start. Yes, I was just getting started. I have much more to say. Go ahead, I’m listening. To start with I would establish a time and a place to meet with you in your word. Why is that important? If I don’t establish meeting with you in your word as a priority, it will never happen. Why is that? The rest of life will crowd meeting with you in your word, out of my life. So, at our daily time and in our specific place, I will withdraw into solitude and silence so I can hear from you. This is when I will read your word. This is when I will allow your word to speak to me. But, I won’t only read your word. I will do much more than just read your word. Why is that? If I were to only read your word, I may not grab hold of it, or it may not grab hold of me. I want your word to dwell richly in my heart and mind and life. I want your word to do its work in me. I want your word to change my heart, transform my mind and guide my life. So, I will study your word. I will meditate on and memorize your word. I will pray your word. I will grab a firm hold of your word by putting it into practice. This is how I will live on your word. That will be very good.
What will my word do for you as you are living on it? Here you have given me a very clear example. You have shown me clearly one of the things your word will do for me. What’s that? Your Holy Spirit will take your word and use it like a sword to fight in me, with me, for me and through me. You word will make me able to resist temptation and fight against the devil and all his evil in the world. Your word will make me able to think your thoughts, speak your words and do your deeds. Your word will guard and guide me life. Your word will make me able to live a life that is pleasing to you. Your word will make me able to know and do your will. Yes, my word will do all these things for you as you live on it. That is what I will do, I will live on your word. That will be very good.
Lord, I will follow your example. I will take your word into my heart and mind and life. I will read, study and meditate on your word. I will allow your word to be used to fight in me, with me, for me and through me as I face the devil and all his evil in the world. Amen
Key Question… When have you memorized something from God’s word to help you to stand against a known temptation?
Living It Out… Read and study and meditate on God’s word daily so you can take it deeply into your heart and mind and life.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will use God’s word to fight in you, with you, for you and through you against evil.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God’s word has helped you to resist temptation and evil.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you daily take God’s word deeply into your heart and mind and life.
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