Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:1-4

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I was seven years old when my dad had his last drink and entered inpatient treatment. Through Alcoholics Anonymous and similar 12-step programs, he and countless others have climbed out of debilitating addiction into a life of sobriety. It takes painstaking amounts of truth, abstention, time, discipline, community, resolve and more to untether from addiction. And one of the tools that consistently guides and equips recovering alcoholics is AA’s Big Book.

Over the years, I’ve known lots of people who, after reading and applying the Big Book, actively recall its steps, principles, and phrases to stay on track one day at a time. Addicts quoting what’s written in this source has proven immensely helpful in the face of temptation. Its truth drowns out other voices so that they stay on track. I’m sure you’d agree. What’s odd to me is that too few followers of Jesus have figured this out when it comes to the Bible and heeding the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4 recounts Jesus’ 40-day temptation by the devil in the wilderness. We know He was sent there by the Holy Spirit, and on at least three occasions, quoted Old Testament verses to fend off the deceiver’s lies. In each instance, Christ began by reciting, “It is written.” Many parallels can be drawn between the ancient Israelites in the wilderness and there are multiple theological implications related to the Lord’s ministry and His followers. But what stands out most today is the simple reality that Jesus stayed on track by memorizing and applying God’s Word in critical moments.

If leveraging AA’s Big Book works so well, why wouldn’t we consider the same when it comes to Scripture? How much easier would it be for the Holy Spirit to speak truth to us if we already have in our minds what God has spoken in His Word? Our Wonderful Counselor wants us to hear His voice clearly, especially when we’re duking it out with the devil like Jesus did in the wilderness. I think we know the proven way to stay on track spiritually. What might change if you and I memorize Bible verses that we can draw upon when we’re tempted to turn from God?

Next Steps

Looking for a few passages to memorize that are proven to help you stay on track as you follow Jesus? Commit one or more of these to memory by Monday:

• For when you feel weak and alone: Hebrews 2:18—Because he [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
• For when suffering feels personal: 1 Peter 4:12— Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
• For when it’s hard to forgive yourself: Romans 8:1—Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• For when you’re tired and sinning seems good: Mark 14:38—Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.