Lenten Devotions and Scripture, Week 4
Pick three days this week to dive deeper into scripture using the prompts below.
Note: Devotions from MinistryPass.com
Week 4, Day 1:
Matthew 4:7 (ESV)
[7] Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Resisting the Pride of Life: Don’t Test the Lord
At the pinnacle of the temple, the devil urged Jesus to jump, quoting Scripture out of context to test God’s faithfulness. Jesus replied, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7) True faith trusts God’s promises without demanding spectacular proof or manipulating circumstances. Israel grumbled in the wilderness at Massah, doubting God’s presence until He provided signs. Jesus, the true Son, refuses to force God’s hand. The mature believer does not seek to control outcomes but rests in the character and word of God. Our relationship with God is built on trust—not bargaining or prideful demands.
Questions to Consider
- Where are you tempted to “test” God by seeking guarantees?
- How can you cultivate trust when you can’t see immediate answers?
- What Scriptures assure you of God’s faithful character?
Week 4, Day 2:
Matthew 4:6 (ESV)
[6] and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
Rightly Handling God’s Word: Discernment Against Deception
The devil quoted Psalm 91, twisting God’s Word to tempt Jesus. Being familiar with God’s Word is not enough—it must be understood in context and submitted to His will. Many fall for convincing half-truths that sound biblical but lead us away from His best. Jesus’ response reveals the need to know, study, and correctly apply Scripture. It is easy to be misled by popular sayings, cultural wisdom, or selective verses if we neglect careful study and discernment. The Holy Spirit guides us into truth and guards us against deception as we become students of the Word for relationship, not merely knowledge.
Questions to Consider
- When have you seen or experienced Scripture used out of context?
- What steps will you take to grow as a faithful student of the Bible?
- How can Scripture shape your thinking in spiritually confusing times?
Week 4, Day 3:
Genesis 3:5 (ESV)
[5] For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
The Subtlety of the Enemy: Knowing Truth from Half-Truths
In Eden, the enemy’s strategy was not blatant denial of God’s word, but a subtle twisting: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5) This same method is employed in every generation—to mix truth with error, playing on the pride of life and the longing to be self-sufficient. The antidote is humble submission to what God has spoken and a willingness to submit to His boundaries, knowing that freedom is found in trusting His goodness. Lent is a season to examine not only overt sin, but also subtle deceptions we may have believed about God, ourselves, or what leads to fulfillment.
Questions to Consider
- What beliefs have you accepted that are only partly true or distort God’s heart?
- How does pride keep you from trusting God’s wisdom?
- What will help you replace half-truths with God’s full counsel?