In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted three times by the devil. Each time the devil tempted Him, He responded with Scripture, answering, “It is written.”

The Psalmist wrote, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Knowing what God has said and storing it in our hearts helps us to resist temptation and avoid sin.

How does the word of God help us resist temptation?

God’s Word Clearly Defines and Exposes Sin.

The law of God tells us what sin is (Romans 7:7). Without God’s law, we wouldn’t know what is sinful and what is not. If we tried to go off of our own intuition, what we would decide would end in our destruction (Proverbs 14:12).

Our culture tries to redefine sin by renaming it. Adultery gets renamed to an “affair.” Covetousness is rephrased as “ambition.” Pride is relabeled as “self-confidence.”

By clearly defining and exposing sin for what it truly is (“sin is lawlessness” - 1 John 3:4), God’s word protects us from redefining what sin is, minimizing the seriousness of sin, or justifying engaging in sin (Romans 6:1-2).

God’s Word Guides Our Desires.

When the devil tempted Jesus, he used the same “playbook” that he uses to tempt all people: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). He appealed to Jesus’ desires, but our Lord rejected each temptation by relying upon Scripture.

The devil appeals to our own desires to “entice” us and draw us away from what is right (James 1:13-15). God’s word teaches us the proper outlet for our desires (Hebrews 13:4). We must not trust our own “feelings” or desires; we must trust in the Lord to direct us in the right way (Proverbs 3:5-7). Our feelings must be trained and guided by truth.

God’s Word Strengthens Us.

Although Jesus was physically weakened by His 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-2), He was spiritually prepared for the devil’s assault. He depended on the Father’s strength, and we should do the same. The apostle Paul urged Christians to put on the whole armor of God, trusting in His power and might in our fight against evil (Ephesians 6:10-13).

When we depend upon God, even when we are weak, we are strong in Him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God’s word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).

God’s Word Reminds Us Whose We Are.

Right before Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, He was baptized by John in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). The Father proclaimed from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The first thing the devil says to Jesus is an attack on what the Father said. The devil began, “If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). In the Garden of Eden, the first thing the devil did was undermine what God had said (Genesis 3:1).

Often, the devil takes a similar approach to us. “If you were really forgiven…” or “If you were really saved…” or “If you were really loved…”

We must store up God’s word in our hearts so that Satan doesn’t undermine our trust in the One we belong to (1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 3:1; 1 Corinthians 6:20). Peter warns Christians about forgetting what God has done for us (2 Peter 1:8-11).

When the devil tempts us, who will we rely on? Will we rely on ourselves? Will we try to redefine sin? Or will we rely on God and His word?

Temptation will come; we should prepare ourselves with God’s word for when it does. Then, armed with the word of God, we must resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9).

This article concludes our series on questions about love. We have noticed what the Bible says about love, how God has demonstrated His love, and how love shapes the way we ought to treat others.

As we close out our thoughts, we want to ask, “Can love overcome sin, hurt, and division?

The world is deeply divided. Broken relationships, resentment, and sin leave many wondering whether healing is truly possible. The Bible answers with a hopeful and resounding “Yes,” but only through genuine love.

What can genuine love accomplish?

Love Reconciles

First, genuine love “covers a multitude of sins”:

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8).

This does not mean love ignores wrongdoing, but that it seeks forgiveness and restoration rather than revenge.

God’s love has the power to reconcile. Through Christ, God reconciled humanity to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18). This same love enables reconciliation between people. Forgiveness becomes possible when love leads the way.

Love Heals

Second, genuine love heals wounds. When we choose patience over anger and grace over bitterness, love begins to mend what sin has broken. This process is not instant, but it is real and very powerful.

The apostle Peter, who loved Jesus and was loved by Him, gave in to temptation and sinned on multiple occasions. Perhaps the one that we think about the most is when he denied Jesus three times. When this happened, Peter was broken and went out and “wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62). Jesus extended grace to Peter, asking Him three times, “Peter, do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). Three times, instead of denying Jesus, Peter proclaimed and reiterated His love for Jesus.

This would be transformative for Peter as He would lovingly preach the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), teach Cornelius and his household, thus opening the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11), and serve as an elder in the Lord’s church (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Peter penned two powerful epistles, stressing hope and spiritual growth, both of which he was able to experience because of the love of Jesus.

Love is Truthful

Third, genuine love speaks the truth and hates error:

“Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Psa. 119:104, 128).

The loving thing to do is present the truth and expose error. Only in this way can we “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Not only should we love the truth, but love others enough to speak the truth to them.

Using the example of Peter again, Paul withstood him to the face “because he was to be blamed” (Gal. 2:11). Paul loved the truth, Peter, and those souls who were present, which is what motivated his actions. It was not that Paul wanted to gloat or “win an argument,” rather, he, out of love, corrected Peter. Later, in Peter’s second epistle, he referred to Paul as “our beloved brother” (2 Pet. 3:15).

God is Love

Ultimately, genuine love triumphs because it is rooted in God. Paul writes, “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Human strength fails, emotions fade, but godly love endures.

Since God is love (1 John 4:7), we know that He is everlasting, powerful, and indestructible; therefore, the same can be said about love. Evil may seem to have the upper hand, but God will appropriately take care of that in His time (Rom. 12:19).

In a world desperate for hope, the Bible offers a powerful message: Genuine love can overcome sin, heal wounds, speak truth that promotes unity, and will triumph in the end.

I hope and pray that this article and this series will help us all to develop a deeper love for God, His Word, and for others.

Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

Two of my greatest interests are the Bible and history. These two intertwine and cannot be separated.

In this podcast, I share my thoughts on the importance of history and the Bible to us.

Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem when He predicted His betrayal, death, and resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19). On this occasion, their journey took them through the city of Jericho. According to Matthew’s account, “a great multitude followed Him” during this time (verse 29). Because of Jesus’s miraculous ability, news of His presence spread far and wide and created a scene. He was no ordinary tourist.

Hearing the commotion but not able to see, one of the blind men “asked what it meant” (Luke 18:36). When he was told that “Jesus of Nazareth was passing by” (verse 37), both men “cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’” (Matthew 20:30). Although they could not see Jesus with their physical eyes, their petition reflected great insight. By referring to Jesus as both “Lord” and “Son of David,” the men acknowledged Him as the Messiah, something others were reluctant to do.

When individuals in the crowd attempted to silence the blind men, “they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’” (verse 31). Jesus was their only hope. They could not remain quiet.

When Jesus heard their request, He “stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’” (Matthew 20:32). Jesus’s attentiveness to the needs of the men should not be missed.

Despite His determination to go to Jerusalem and finish the work God had given to Him (see Matthew 20:17-19; John 12:27; 17:4; Hebrews 10:5-10), He did not overlook or ignore the blind men. He “stood still” (NKJV) or “stopped” (ESV) to consider their problem. Rather than hastily responding to their request, He asked what they wanted and listened to what they had to say. The Great Physician took time with His patients in Jericho.

When the men asked to have their sight restored (Matthew 20:33), “Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him” (verse 34). His compassion was unmatched; His power was beyond dispute. Those who witnessed the miracle “gave praise to God” (Luke 18:43).

One note of clarification is in order regarding this miracle. Some have questioned what seem to be contradictory details about the event in the different Gospel accounts.

For example, Luke states Jesus encountered “a certain blind man” as He was approaching Jericho (Luke 18:35). In Matthew’s account, however, He healed two men after “He went out of Jericho” (Matthew 20:29).

It is possible Jesus met one blind man as He entered the city and healed two as He left. It is also possible the texts refer to the old and new locations of Jericho.

Instead of finding fault with the text, let us appreciate the power of Jesus. To God be the glory!

Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Our up-to-the-minute, breaking-news social media culture demands that everyone constantly say everything they are thinking the moment they think it.

But Scripture teaches this is not wise.

Certain truths are obvious. For example, students of the Bible recognize God has a plan for man’s behavior. He expects His followers to live in a manner reflecting His holiness. So Peter wrote: “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

Given this admonition, and many others like it, it is not a mistake to say God wants man to avoid sinful thoughts and actions. Consequently, rather than living according to our desires, our behavior should be moderated by His plan. Paul thus encouraged the Philippians:

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

But if it is obvious God has a certain way He expects man to live, it is just as obvious that we often fall woefully short of meeting His expectations. Whether because of weakness, ignorance or rebellion, we often sin.

Importantly, the problem of sin is not limited to a struggling few, for Scripture declares: “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), our status as sinners is indeed dire.

Thankfully, God, in His infinite wisdom, recognized this problem and planned from all eternity to make provisions so that man might be reconciled to Him (Ephesians 3:11). His plan involved sending His Son to die in our place.

This should not be taken to mean God overlooks or encourages man’s sinful behavior. It simply means He has a plan to save man. We should seek to avoid sin. If we fall short, however, we must understand God’s plan is capable of saving us. John summarized this idea and wrote:

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

Because God’s plan to save man is revealed in Scripture, we must make every effort to learn about it. As we study the scheme of redemption, we will almost certainly grow in appreciation for the wonderful love God possesses for humanity.

Although we do not deserve His mercy, He willingly sent His Son to pay the price for our sins. In fact, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). How thankful we should be for the grace of God (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11)!

Never forget God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). This includes you!

Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

Last week, we discussed how the Bible defines love. This week, we want to ask and answer the question, “How has God demonstrated His love toward us?”

Many people wonder whether God truly loves them. Some struggle to see God’s love in a world filled with suffering, loss, and injustice. Yet the Bible repeatedly affirms not only that God loves us, but that He has demonstrated that love in unmistakable ways.

God’s Love is Sacrificial

Perhaps the most well-known verse in Scripture addresses this very question: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). God (the greatest Being), so loved (the greatest emotion), the world (the greatest number), that He gave (the greatest act), His only begotten Son (the greatest Gift), that whoever believes in Him (the greatest requirement) should not perish (the greatest tragedy), but have everlasting life (the greatest reward)!

God’s love is not theoretical, rather it is demonstrated through giving. He gave what was most precious to Him so that we could have eternal life.

While this is the “golden text” of the Bible, there are other passages which speak to God’s amazing demonstration and display of love for mankind.

God’s Love is Merciful

Romans 5:8 emphasizes this point even further: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not wait for humanity to become worthy of His love. He acted when we were undeserving.

We were without strength (Rom. 5:6), dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), and completely lost because of our sin (Luke 19:10). Jesus came and died for His enemies, and the harsh truth is that you and I were enemies because of sin!

The cross of Christ demonstrates love to the unlovable and proves the incredible lengths God is willing to go to show His love for mankind.

God’s Love is Patient

2 Peter 3:9 points to the fact that God, because of His great love for man, doesn’t wish that “any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” His love and patience (or long-suffering) go hand in hand. In fact, it is beyond human comprehension.

God’s love is expressed through His desire for people to turn from sin and find life. His patience is not indifference; it is mercy.

God’s Love is Faithful

Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.” Notice that God’s love is described as steadfast and faithful.

Even when people fail, God remains faithful. God is love (1 John 4:8) and “love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8). His love does not fluctuate with our emotions or performance. His love is steady, sure, and secure!

God’s Love is Personal

Psalm 139 and Matthew 10:30 harmonize to teach us that God’s love is also personal. God knows us intimately, even numbering the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30; cf. Psalm 139).

This kind of attention reveals a God who cares deeply about individuals, not just humanity in general. God knows and loves you deeper than words can express!

God’s Love is Instructive

At the same time, God’s love is not permissive. Hebrews 12:6 explains, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves.”

God’s love includes correction because His goal is our growth and holiness. Just as a loving parent guides a child, God lovingly shapes our lives.

Ultimately, as we have noticed in several of the above passages, there is no greater demonstration of love than the cross. It shows us both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s mercy.

Through Jesus, God bridges the gap between Himself and humanity, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope (John 14:6).

When we question whether God loves us, Scripture invites us to look to the cross, to God’s patience, to His faithfulness, and to His promises.

God has not merely spoken about love; He has acted decisively and deliberately. His love is real, sacrificial, and available to all who are willing to receive it.

Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.

This episode comes from an article I wrote back in December 2023 from a book I read titled Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer.

You can read that article here:

The disciples of Jesus were not immune to a problem that plagues so many in our world today—pride. According to Mark’s account, Jesus’s disciples “disputed among themselves who would be the greatest” (9:34).

Why this conversation ever occurred is not specified in the text. Regardless, the disciples did not readily offer details about this discussion when the Lord asked about it. Instead, they asked: “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1).

Be a Servant

Upon hearing this question, Jesus took the occasion to teach a valuable lesson. Thus,

“He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and a servant of all’” (Mark 9:35).

Rather than singling out one individual as being greater than the others, He stressed the importance of servitude—something the disciples saw the Lord model firsthand (see John 13:2-17).

Like a Little Child

To illustrate His point, Jesus then “called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:2-3).

His point was that the greatest would not be the one His disciples supposed. Given the status of children in the first century, Jesus could hardly have chosen a more appropriate way to convey this truth. We can only imagine how the disciples reacted to this object lesson!

Besides their unlikely status, children possessed humility (Matthew 18:4)—a trait sorely needed among those who dispute about greatness. Thus, Jesus taught that those who would be great must learn humility. This reminds us of James 4:10:

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

What About Us?

Given Jesus’s admonition, we should seek to imitate the good qualities of children if we desire to please God. Indeed, we should also support and encourage those who do likewise. As Jesus noted:

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:5).

The reference here is to individuals possessing the qualities of children, not necessarily to those who are young. Conversely, to refuse those who are childlike and harm them is to commit great sin (verses 6-7).

Christians must seek to avoid being the source of strife. As Romans 14:13 states:

“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.

Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.

As we move into February, our minds shift toward “the month of love.” Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing the topic of love from a Biblical perspective.

Few words are used as often, and misunderstood as deeply, as the word love. In our culture, love is commonly defined by feelings, attraction, or personal satisfaction. We say we “love” pizza, sports teams, hobbies, and people, often meaning nothing more than enjoyment or preference.

When the Bible speaks of love, it speaks of something far deeper, stronger, and more demanding.

Biblically Defining Love.

The clearest biblical definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. It has been called “The Love Chapter.” Contextually, Paul discusses the importance of the brethren in the first century to allow love to motivate their use of spiritual gifts. With that in mind, we do have a beautiful definition of love laid out in the chapter.

Rather than describing love as a feeling, Scripture defines love by action and character. The apostle Paul writes,

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5).

From the very beginning, we learn that biblical love is not about emotion alone; it is about how we behave toward others (Rom. 12:9ff; 1 John 3:18).

What love is.

Biblical love is patient. That means it endures frustration without retaliation. As a parent, preacher, teacher, and coach, this is a real struggle sometimes, but if I want to practice Biblical love, I must be patient with others.

Love waits, bears burdens, and gives people room to grow. In a world that values quick reactions and instant gratification, patience stands out as a powerful expression of genuine love.

Biblical love is also kind. Kindness is not weakness; it is intentional goodness. Jesus demonstrated this repeatedly by touching lepers, speaking gently to the broken, and offering mercy to sinners.

Love acts for the good of others, even and especially when it is inconvenient.

What love is not.

Paul goes on to tell us what love is not. Love does not envy or boast. It is not self-centered or competitive. True love does not seek to elevate itself above others. This runs directly against the grain of modern culture, which often speaks to self-promotion and personal branding above humility.

One of the most challenging descriptions of love is found in verse 5:

“It does not insist on its own way.”

Biblical love is not demanding or selfish. It does not manipulate, dominate, or control. Instead, it considers the needs and well-being of others. This kind of love requires humility and sacrifice—qualities that do not come naturally to us.

Scripture also tells us that love is inseparable from truth. Verse 6 says,

“It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

Love does not excuse sin or celebrate what God calls wrong. Instead, love desires what is right, good, and holy. This reminds us that love and truth are not enemies; they are partners (John 14:15; 15:13-14; 1 John 5:3).

God is Love.

The Bible ultimately points us to God as the Source and definition of love. 1 John 4:8 plainly states, “God is love.” This does not mean that God merely shows love; it means love flows from His very nature. Love is His essence. Every expression of true love finds its origin in Him.

Jesus Christ provides the clearest picture of what love looks like in action. He taught love, lived love, and demonstrated love through self-sacrifice. His willingness to lay down His life shows us that biblical love is costly. As Jesus Himself said,

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

When we ask, “What is love?” the Bible answers clearly: Love is patient, kind, humble, truthful, enduring, and sacrificial. It is not driven by emotion alone, but by a commitment to do what is right before God.

Understanding love biblically challenges us to move beyond shallow definitions and embrace the kind of love that reflects the heart of God.

Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.

Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.