Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
December 4th 2022

Temptation

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

Bible Reading: Matthew 4: 1-11

No one is invincible. Kings cry, warriors faint, and the mighty fall. Many kingdoms and champions have been dethroned and defeated because they overestimated themselves but underestimated their enemies. Their end was disastrous and pathetic because they were irrevocably defeated. Applying this principle in our pilgrimage journey as Christians is important. No matter how fervent you may be spiritual, it is important to always remember that you are a spirit being, who has a soul and lives in a body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). In our reading today, Christ Jesus was hungry after he fasted for forty days and forty nights. First, he was tempted in the area of His need, but Jesus Christ didn’t allow the desire to satisfy the flesh to control him. He sacrificed the need for food and lived by the word of God that man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. How much of God’s word do you know? Christ Jesus overcame the temptation because he applied the word of God. How can you apply the word you do not know? The word “every’ is important in Jesus’ response. Do you know every word that comes from the mouth of God concerning you? If you know, do you live according to every word? Let the word of God dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16).

Also, dying daily to self is important to living a righteous life. The fact that you overcame a particular temptation yesterday is not a guarantee that you will overcome it tomorrow. Dear friend, do not overestimate yourself, rather rely on the Holy Spirit because God is at work in you. Exposing yourself to a sinful or ungodly lifestyle is a dangerous snare. Walk with people of the same godly mind whose lifestyle can motivate you to know God more.

Self-Reflection: Jesus Christ was accountable to his heavenly Father. He refused to live according to the dictate of the flesh but by the word that proceeds out of God’s mouth. Who are you accountable to?

Action Point: Pray to God concerning any sin that has become perpetual in your life, and ask for the grace to resist temptation (Psalm 51).

Intercessory prayer: Pray for safety and God’s protection as the year comes to an end.

Hymn: Christian, seek not yet repose,

Hear thy gracious Savior say

Thou art in the midst of foes:

Watch and pray.