Cultivating a Life Without Shame: Day 3

     Day 3: The Lies That Lead to Shame: Part II

Have you ever paid close attention to Scripture verses that mention the devil throughout the Bible? As you read passages such as Genesis 3:1 and Matthew 4:1-11, you quickly see a pattern.

The first thing you may notice is that the devil knows the Scriptures really, really well. He may be foolish thinking that he’s better than God, but he’s not unintelligent. He knows the Bible inside and out. 

The second thing you may notice is that the devil challenges the Word of God and what it really says. In Genesis 3:1 the serpent asks Eve, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” Then in Matthew 4:1-11, The devil encourages Jesus to throw Himself off the temple, going on to quote an Old Testament passage stating that God would protect Him. Clearly, the devil is cunning, and will try to get us to believe lies that ultimately lead to shame. To combat this, we must replace these lies with the truth. 

In John 8:31-32, Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” As you read today, consider this: What steps can you take to hold to Jesus’ teachings, remind yourself of the truth, and be set free from shame? 

READING:

     2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 6:12; John 8:31-32; Genesis 15:6

What steps can you take to hold to Jesus’ teachings, remind yourself of the truth, and be set free from shame?

If it’s true that the devil is real and also knows the Scriptures inside and out, then how important is it for you to know the Bible well? 

Moving forward, what are some steps you will take to get to understand and know the Scriptures better? 

God is inviting you to live a life completely free from shame. What does this reveal to you about His nature and character? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I simply want to live my life by abiding in Your Word! While there are parts of the Bible that I may not fully know or understand, I still believe that You have provided the Scriptures for my benefit. May Your words regularly be used to teach me, correct me, reprove me, and train me for everything that is righteous, and holy, and good. And may I come to know Your Word so well that I’m able to regularly encourage others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.