We grow by putting God’s word into practice, continued:

Managing a family and a congregation require similar skills.

I Peter 1:7 - Our faith as a Christian is tested as though by fire through adversity.

James 1:2-4 - We should meet the trials of life with joy.

Luke 4:1-13

The devil will tempt anybody!

I Corinthians 10:12 - Do not think you are beyond temptation. If the devil would try to tempt Jesus, he will not shy away from tempting anyone!

The devil’s gonna hit you where it hurts!

Jesus was intensely hungry after fasting for forty days and the devil offered him bread.

Job 1:11 - The devil decides how to tempt Job.

Job 2:9-10 - The devil uses evil pain and suffering to tempt men. He knows that people tend to question God when tragedy strikes.

Job 31:1

The devil quotes scripture

Luke 4:9-12

The devil only flees for a season.

Luke 4:13

Acts 20:28-31 - We must always be on alert for temptation.

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus is sympathetic to our plight.

We grow by learning God’s word.

I Peter 2:2 - We are to desire God’s word.

Hosea 4:6 - The Israelites were destroyed because of lack of knowledge.

We have many methods available to help us learn God’s word: sermons, Bible studies, teachings from more knowledgeable Christians, and our own study.

II Peter 1:13 - It is helpful to be reminded of things we’ve learned before so that we do not forget God’s word.

We grow by putting God’s word into practice.

Hebrews 5:12-14 - We must study and practice so we will be ready for the solid food of God’s word.

I Timothy 3:4-5 - An elder must show his spiritual maturity by managing his own house well.