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… Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (Matthew 4:6–7 KJV)

Satan tempted Jesus in the desert after He(Jesus) had fasted for 40 days. He launched his first attack to tempt Jesus to command stones to become bread, and Jesus responded by quoting scripture stating man does not live by bread alone. Satan subsequently changed his strategy to use what Jesus trusted. Satan used scripture and quoted Psalms 91:11 correctly. Jesus responded, “it is written again”. 

Satan knows scripture, probably more than most of us. He was quick to notice that Jesus knew the scriptures and used it perfectly as the sword of the Spirit to destroy him. He then does what he continues to do with all of us today. He uses what we trust the most. However, Jesus was skilled in using the Word of God. In fact, this scenario, the greatest spiritual warfare that has ever taken place on the surface of the earth, teaches us a profound lesson about Bible studies and the use of the Word. 

Every scripture has not only a correct meaning but a correct application. Satan knew the meaning but attempted to  lure Jesus to apply it incorrectly. Knowing the meaning(Interpretation) of the scripture is not enough. Knowing how to apply properly is the most important aspect. Imagine Jesus saying “amen” to what Satan said. That is exactly what many of us do each day. We say amens to many things in our heads, teachings or even prophecies that are not from God but appear “ scriptural”. Get trained and established in using the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!

MEDITATE

What is the difference between interpretation and application of scripture?

APPLY THE WORD

Scripture tells us that one sign of spiritual babies or immaturity in the faith is that we are unskilled in using the Word of God (Heb. 5:13). The devotional above is a good fit for this. Jesus did not only know the scripture but He was skilled or grounded in it. Do not let Satan use “Bible” or “scripture” to lead you astray, whether in the internal battles you have or through other people around you. Learn more about Bible Interpretation and Application here. https://deshenschool.com/courses/introduction-to-the-inductive-bible-study-method/

PRAY

Ask the Spirit to help you become skilled and established in the Word. 

Recommended

• Why Satan hates the resurrection and has been working hard to cover it from day one
• Christmas or X-mas? A Systematic Satanic Replacement Agenda
• Why Demons Love Certain People and Hate Others
• Demons and diseases
• What is a Devotional?
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing