And over the years we have witnessed some epic finals as players do battle on court to see who will overcome their opponent and claim grand-slam glory.
In Matthew 4:1-11 we read of a battle that took place between two archenemies.
As one author put it, “the confrontation between Jesus and the Devil was one of the most monumental and mysterious spiritual battles of all time”.
And while there was no real competition, it is a reminder that every believer today fights a spiritual battle.
The devil is there tempting us to turn our backs on God and live independently of him – just as he tried to tempt Jesus to do in the wilderness.
And Jesus gives us the confidence when we face this battle in our life.
Three times Jesus turned to the promises of God in his word.
He affirmed that we don’t need to take things into our own hands, but trust in God’s provision– “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that come from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).
Jesus also affirmed that God is always present and protects us.
We have no need to test him as he has proven himself again and again to us (Matt 4:7).
And Jesus reminded us that God is worthy– there is no need to worship anyone else (Matt 4:10).
But Jesus gave us more than confidence.
While every believer has a spiritual battle to fight, we know that the “match” has been won for us by Jesus.
He won it by dying on a cross where he defeated Satan once and for all.
We still fight against sin in our lives; we still fight to do what honours God.
But we fight with the renewed motivation that the victory has been won.
~ Contributed by Pastor Chris Taylor of the Deniliquin Baptist Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
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