TOPIC: LIVE BY GOD'S WORD
MEMORIZE:
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedethout of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
READ: Matthew 4:1-11
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
MESSAGE
When I joined RCCG, we never gave offerings; we were told to only pay our tithes. When I asked why, I was told that it was because the congregation was a mixture of sinners and Christians, and we didn't want the money of sinners. I wondered, "What about those of us who are Christians? The Bible says give, and you shall be given (Luke 6:38)." Little wonder we all remained poor in those days. So, even though we were not giving offerings in church, I was giving offerings to the pastors privately. Also, in those days, when we sang choruses, we never clapped. I asked why, and I was told it was because clapping is worldly. You could never even bring up the topic of beating drums. There was no guitar, no trumpet, or any other musical instrument except the organ. Everything was solemn. However, I said, "The Bible says clap your hands all ye people (Psalm 47:1)," The first time we started clapping our hands in RCCG, the elders called a meeting to discuss it! You can imagine what happened when we introduced drums and the guitar.
Sometimes, we allow the traditions of men to dictate how we should live instead of God's word. God's Word is His perfect blueprint for every area of life, and when you follow His word, you will enjoy life abundantly. Those who fail to live according to God's word will not experience the exceeding greatness of His power towards those who believe (Ephesians 1:19).
Jesus did not respond to the devil's temptations according to the philosophies and traditions of men. He overcame them because He stood on what was written in God's word (Matthew4:1-11). He knew what was written and refused to live by anything less than that. Do you know what is written?
Do you know what God has said about your situation? Are you standing on God's word or man's report? Whose report will you believe?
When the twelve spies went into Canaan to spy on the land, ten of them stood on what they had seen; only Joshua and Caleb stood on God's word (Numbers 13:26 - Numbers 14:9). Truly, there were giants in the land, but God is greater than giants. It is true that the doctors can see sicknesses, but Jesus has paid the price for your health on the cross.
Beloved, make up your mind to live only by God's word, and you will experience His exceeding power in all areas of your life.
ACTION POINT
Let God's word guide you in everything.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 13-15
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 3: ANCIENT WORD
1 Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
CHORUS
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
2 Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
3 Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
4 Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
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