“Jesus responded, ‘The scriptures also say, “You must not test the Lord your God.”’” Matthew 4:7 NLT 

Satan will use half-truths to trap you. He took Jesus to “the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect you.”’…Jesus responded, ‘The scriptures also say, “You must not test the Lord your God”’” (vv. 5-7 NLT). Satan will tell you, “Your spouse doesn’t understand you or meet your needs, you’re lonely, go ahead and have that affair. God will understand and forgive you.” God may forgive you, but the Bible also says, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). When Satan comes calling, you had better know what the Word of God actually says – not just selected snippets. Paul wrote, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV). We like to handpick scriptures that suit our lifestyle and facilitate our wants. But when the enemy manipulates God’s Word and uses it against you, you need to be able to say, “The scriptures also say.” In other words, you need to know what else God has to say. The Bible says Satan “will speak against the Most High…oppress his holy people and try to change…times and…laws” (Daniel 7:25 NIV). He knows God’s Word is a “double- edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12 NCV), but he will still try to engage you in a sword fight! Don’t let him bamboozle you with distortions and half-truths! Get into God’s Word, get God’s Word into you, and tell Satan, “Get thee behind me” (Matthew 16:23).

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024