Becoming Like Jesus: Fasting and AbstinenceSample

Resisting the Devil - Part 1

Yesterday, we took our first look at one of the most well known stories of Jesus fasting in the Bible to help us better understand the power of fasting and abstinence. Today, we are going to see how practicing spiritual disciplines, the habits of Jesus, are one of the most important tools in our fight against the devil.

Keep reading to see how.

Pray…

Lord Jesus, show me how to live. Teach me how to say no to what I want so I can say yes to your will. Help me to resist the attacks of the devil. Everything I have is yours. In Jesus’ name.

Read…

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 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. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” Luke 4:1-4 NIV

Consider…

The time had finally come. The Savior of the world had arrived and the prince of darkness came to challenge Him. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The showdown between Jesus and the devil. But, instead of a fist fight, a shoot out, or a war between two armies, they have a conversation about food, the Bible, and all the Kingdoms of the world. What’s that all about?

For most people, talk of spiritual warfare creates images in their heads of angels and demons, wielding swords and spears, clashing in massive battles. And while there are reasons to imagine that, for the most part, that isn’t the most helpful depiction of spiritual warfare. Because for the most part, the battle between good and evil, God and the devil, is fought with truth and lies, not swords and shields.

Think about the passage we just read. The Devil doesn’t come charging at Jesus swinging an ax. And Jesus doesn’t defend Himself by hopping into a tank. So, how does the devil attack Jesus?

The devil attacks His identity and targets His desires with lies and deception.

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

How did Jesus defend against this attack? Spiritual Disciplines. He fasted for forty days, and He quoted Scripture.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

So, how can we resist the attacks of the devil? We follow the example of Jesus by making His habits our habits. In other words, we practice spiritual disciplines. Fasting trains us to resist our sinful and selfish desires. Memorizing Scripture equips us with the truth we need to counter the devil’s lies.

What lies does the enemy use to attack your identity? What Scriptures can you memorize to help you combat those lies? What desires in you does the enemy most often target? How do you hope your practice of fasting and abstinence will help you overcome those desires?

Practice…

Think about the ways the devil tends to attack you. Then, look for Scriptures that can help you be reminded of who you really are and how God’s power in you is greater than any sinful desires you may have.

Throughout your day, when you start to feel hungry or find yourself craving the thing you’re abstaining from, redirect your attention back to God. Ask Him to help you resist those desires by praying,“Lord, give me the strength to say no to my desires. Help me to focus on you. Make me more like Jesus.”

Listen…

Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Next, ask God to speak to you. When you get distracted, bring your focus back to God by repeating this short prayer:

(Breathe in) Lord Jesus, (Breathe out) Have mercy on me.

(Breathe in) Heavenly Father, (Breathe out) Speak to me.

(Breathe in) Holy Spirit, (Breathe out) Guide me.

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you got to spend with Him, then head into your day looking for opportunities to better serve Him and serve others.