CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE March 7, 2022. (AWAY WITH YOU, O SATAN!)
TOPIC: AWAY WITH YOU, O SATAN!
Read Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.
3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ”
8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, d Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
MEMORISE:
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7)
EXPOSITION
It is interesting to know that Satan, the great dragon, the ancient serpent, the evil one, is eternally cunning and depraved as he is, is no match for you when you resist him according to the Scripture, and in the power of Jesus’ name and blood (Rev. 12:11). Satan recognises and masters advantages, and earnestly takes it. Do not be his dummy. He sees advantage in unresolved rifts, untamed tongue and unharnessed desires for wealth, fame and position. Do not be caught in his webs (Isa. 59:6).
Many are times, we are masked in our little world of passion that we hardly notice many offences that need to be forgiven and sweet fellowship restored. Does someone begrudge you? Forgive, lest Satan takes advantage of you. Are you tired and probably discouraged due to loneliness, and need immediate assistance? Do what Jesus did when tempted by Satan in the wilderness, after a 40-day fast. ‘Get behind Me, Satan!’ the master said (Lk. 4:8). You too can overcome all flaws and temptations. Never give in to the flesh. Never allow evil to overcome your will in God. An excuse to sin is worse and more terrible than the act, for there, the catches of the enemy, Satan, rests.
The Scripture declares, ‘…we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us’ (Rom. 8:37). His name is Jesus Christ. When you submit totally and unconditionally to God, He exchanges your weaknesses with His strength (Isa. 40:29-31), and you can weather all storms, resist all temptations, and overcome all trials of life. The works of salvation that God has started in your life can be accomplished till eternity if you allow Him, and will always declare mindfully “Away from me, O Satan, you have no part in my life.” Your incredible victory starts with that step, today; don’t give it away to the devil.
PRAYER POINTS
1. O Satan, the Lord rebukes you over my life. Your hooks over me are destroyed.
2. Lord Jesus, put to shame every bragging of the devil and his cohorts concerning my family and me.
3. Pray for CAC Anosike Region, our father in the Lord, the Superintendent, and its officers at the various levels, as led by the Spirit of God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Deuteronomy 27 – 28