In Matthew chapter 4 we the account of the temptation of Jesus Christ. Most importantly, we see Jesus’s strategy for tackling the devil.

It is instructive that in all 3 instances of His temptation, Jesus did not get into a banter, discussion or dialogue with the enemy. He maintained a purposeful approach dealing with the enemy, avoiding much distraction.

Temptation 1

Devil: “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread”.

Jesus: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’”.

Temptation 2

Devil : “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written; ‘He shall give His angels charge over you and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone”.

Jesus: “It is written..’You shall not tempt the Lord your God’”.

Temptation 3

Devil: “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me”.

Jesus: “Away with you, ….! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Jesus had an ‘It Is Written’ for All 3 temptation. Lesson here: If you don’t have an ‘It is Written’, you have no business responding to the devil.

Engaging in useless banter with the devil is simply falling into his trap; the plot to distract and eventually destroy you. Keep moving, keep your focus on Jesus.

Any time the enemy comes, in whatever form he presents, If you don’t have an ‘It Is Written’ for him, you don’t have a response yet.