Truth Against Deception

What it means

Jesus says the devil was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because he is a liar and the father of lies. Jesus names lying as the devil's native speech.

Why every Christian should know it

It tells you what to expect. Temptation usually arrives as a plausible sentence rather than as an obvious evil.

Cross references

• Genesis 3:4-5
• 2 Corinthians 11:3
• 1 John 2:21-22

Pray it back

Lord, you are the truth. Make me quick to recognise a lie, even a comfortable one.

What it means

Answering the tempter, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy: man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God's mouth. He meets a real temptation with a remembered verse.

Why every Christian should know it

It is the reason Bible memory belongs in this category at all. Jesus used Scripture he already knew, in a wilderness, with no scroll in his hands.

Cross references

• Deuteronomy 8:3
• Matthew 4:7
• Psalms 119:11

Pray it back

Lord, put your words in me now, so that they are there when I need them.

What it means

Every Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness, so that the servant of God is complete and equipped for every good work. Paul writes it while warning Timothy about deceivers.

Why every Christian should know it

It gives you the equipment for the fight and tells you it is sufficient. Correction is listed as a benefit, which is worth remembering when Scripture stings.

Cross references

• 2 Timothy 3:13-15
• Hebrews 4:12
• Psalms 19:7

Pray it back

Father, your word teaches and corrects me. Let it do both, and thank you that it is enough.