HOW JESUS USED THE WORD OF GOD TO OVERCOME SATAN 

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by the devil is recorded in Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13. The Bible says that Jesus “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Let us note Jesus’ attitude towards the word of God, and how He used that word to overcome Satan’s temptations in the wilderness. 

1. Jesus accepted the authority of God’s word. When Satan tempted Jesus, His immediate reaction was to say, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4). This shows that He totally accepted the authority of the Scriptures. The Bible is our authority because it came from God: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s word is the truth (John 17:17). 

2. Jesus taught that everything God says is important. He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). By which words of Jehovah should man live? By every word that applies to him! We must pay attention to all of God’s will, for only one who does His will can please Him (Matthew 7:21). 

3. Jesus used God’s word as his weapon against satan. When Jesus was tempted by the evil one, He did not try to use psychology, deceit, or some worldly method. Instead, He quoted God’s word, saying, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 4:7; Matthew 4:10). Who can doubt that using God’s word is a wise thing for us to do as well? The word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). The word of God is “living and powerful” (Hebrew 4:12, NKJV), so let us use and quote it when the devil tempts us. 

4. Jesus used God’s word when he was alone. Yes, Jesus daily taught God’s word in the temple (Mark 14:49). But, He also used God’s word to overcome Satan when He was tempted alone in the wilderness. Sometimes when we are alone, the devil’s temptation seems very strong. Let us use the word of God against Satan wherever we are, even when we are alone. 

5. Jesus continued to use God’s word. Each time Satan tempted Him, He answered, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 4:7; Matthew 4:10). He began using the word, and continued to use it. Many get into trouble when they begin using the word of God, but then forget about it or turn to the teachings of men. We must keep on studying, obeying and teaching the word of God. Only God’s word can save us (James 1:21). 

6. Jesus easily used the word of God. On each occasion, Jesus’ reaction to temptation was to quote from the Old Testament (the word of God). He could do that only because He knew well what the Scriptures said. As His followers, we must study so that we can also know the Bible well and “be ready always to give an answer to every man” (1 Peter 3:15). David wrote, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119:11). We also must fill our minds with God’s word, so that when the devil comes to tempt us, we will be ready to answer with the Scriptures!

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