Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 8-12)Sample

Facing Temptation

Ready: Matthew 4:1–11

Set:

Jesus had just been baptized by John the Baptist and was ready to begin His ministry. It was a big, wonderful moment. Then, He spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness, with nothing to eat or drink. This is when the enemy attacked. He was trying to throw Jesus off-course and keep Him from fulfilling the plan to be our Savior. He tempted Jesus in three big ways, hoping to mess up God’s plan before it went any further.

With Jesus being so hungry, thirsty, and physically weak, the temptation to use gifts from God selfishly was real. Jesus answered this temptation attack by quoting Scripture. The enemy tried again, this time hoping to trip Jesus up with pride. Jesus again answered with Scripture. One final time, the enemy tried to tempt Jesus to take a shortcut around the hard part of His calling. Again, Jesus answered the enemy with Scripture and sent him away.

Temptation will come for us as we seek to follow God faithfully. We can defeat those temptations by knowing God’s Word. James 4:7 tells us that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us. We can find the power to resist him in God. We can pray and talk to God constantly. And we have full access to all the power in His Word.

Go:

1. What are some of the biggest temptations you have faced?
2. What things tend to get in your way, or lead you away, from praying and reading God’s Word consistently?
3. What are some action items that would help you focus on God and His Word to be ready for those times of temptation?

Workout:

James 4:7; Hebrews 2:15-18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Overtime:

“Protect me from temptation, Lord. Help me to know Your Word so that I can defeat the enemy. Thank You that You are with me in every battle. Grow my heart closer to You. In Jesus’s name, amen.”