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A SEASON

Text:  Luke 4:13. 

And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

We established yesterday that as a child of God, you can't avoid temptation. Infact,  James 1:2  says you should count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.James 1:3.

God expects you to know that temptation is the testing of your faith and it is expected to produce endurance in you. Invariably, temptation offers you the opportunity to be promoted, so, embrace it like a valiant warrior. 

Now, taking a clue from Jesus Christ, our Master and Lord,  you'll recall that the devil tempted Him three times while He was in the wilderness. 

Jesus was able to overcome these temptations because He submitted to the leadings of the Holy Spirit that was on Him and because He was a good student of the Bible. 

 *The word of God is the sword the Holy Spirit uses in helping you to fight the enemy. The more of the word you have, the better equipped you are, not just to fight but to win.* 

Ephesians 6:17 says And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

For the three temptations, Jesus kept saying "it is written". How many of the written words have you put into your hearts. Note that memorising the scripture is never old fashion. 

One striking thing happened immediately after Jesus overcame these temptations, it was recorded that the devil left Him for *a season.* 

Don't ever make the mistake of lowering your guard after every victory. The Bible could have said ' the devil left Him', without adding 'for a season. I believe this was added for our learning. 

Devil doesn't give up. That you have overcome him today doesn't mean he won't try his luck again tomorrow. 

You must not rejoice too much over old glory. Like Apostle Paul, you must learn to  forget those things which are behind,(including your past victories over satan) and reach forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13.

1Peter 5:8 says Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.

Jesus gave us a perfect hint on how to escape the tempters' trap. He says,  *Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.* Matthew  26:41.

WATCH AND PRAY. 

Bible Reading:

Matthew 4:1-11.

PRAYER FOCUS

1.) Father Lord, please fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh and help me to overcome in my times of trials.

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