SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE
Reading the Bible is a fantastic way to connect with God. However, it can be hard to know how to start reading the Bible. So, we put together some Scripture meditations to help you get started reading Scripture!
How Can I Resist Temptation?
The desire to make an extra spiteful comment, just to make you feel better. A small lie that makes things so much easier, though it might not be the *right* thing to do. Feeling lonely and wanting to text that someone who you know isn’t good for you. Sharing “news” because you want to feel included or more connected, even though you know it’ll hurt someone.
Temptation comes in all shapes and sizes, but it has the same end goal: to separate us from the fullness of life with God and hurt our relationships with others. It can also make us think that the world, or misdirected desires, can bring us true satisfaction.
Temptation is something we’re all going to face— even Jesus dealt with it. But experiencing temptation and giving in to it are two different things. And, while there are times when our lizard brains might get the better of us, there are practices that help to strengthen our resolve when it comes to resisting those things that might seem really good in the moment, but that you know will ultimately cause pain or more brokenness.
Familiarity with the Bible is one of those things. Just like Jesus used Scripture to refute the temptations of the devil, filling our minds with Scripture allows the word of God to take root in our hearts and begin the transforming work of his Spirit.
The more time we’re able to spend in tune with him, the more strength we can have when facing temptation.
Luke 4:1-4
“1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.
4 Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’’”
Observations from the Text
- You can be tempted without sinning
- Temptation often comes when we’re experiencing other “hunger,” physical or metaphorical (v. 2)
- Scripture can be a source of strength during temptation (v. 4)
Prayers of Response
Jesus, thank you for becoming human and knowing how hard it is to experience temptation.
Lord over the desert, you’re greater than sin, and you free me from any shame.
Prayer Requests
Sinless Savior, help me resist the temptation to _________.
Defeater of sin, you’ve given me good desires. Help me meet them in a way that’s honoring to you and rooted in the fruits of your Spirit.
Prayers of Readiness
God, I know I’m prone to temptation when I’m _________.
Holy Spirit, surround me with Scripture and encouragement. Make me more like you.
Connecting with God in the ordinary, everyday moments of life can be challenging if you aren’t sure how to start reading the Bible. But Scripture meditations are a great way to get started reading the Bible—click here to see more!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™