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Breaking Free with God’s Word

1. REFLECTION: DECEPTION AND DOUBT
   • Reflect on a time when you struggled with doubt or confusion about God’s Word. What triggered it?
   • Write down the specific questions or lies you faced (e.g., “Does God really care about me?” or “Can I trust His promises?”).
2. IDENTIFY THE KNOTS
   Read Genesis 3:1-5. Identify the devil’s strategy in these steps:
   • Step 1: Subtle insinuation (e.g., “Has God really said?”).
   • Step 2: Bold contradiction (e.g., “God hasn’t really said…xuz”).
   • Step 3: Full deception (e.g., “let me tell you…zyx.”

   • Personal Application: How has the enemy used these steps to challenge your faith? Write examples from your own life.

3. ANCHOR IN TRUTH
   • Read Matthew 4:1-11. How did Jesus respond to the devil’s temptations?
   • Write down Jesus’ responses, starting with “It is written…” How does this demonstrate the importance of knowing Scripture?
4. CONFRONT BAD THEOLOGY
   • Reflect on any theology or beliefs you’ve held that does not align with Scripture. Examples could include:
     • “God only loves me when I’m good.”
     • “God doesn’t care about my suffering.”
     • “Faith means never doubting.”
     • “God is absent.”
     • “There is no devil.”
     • “We have no part in the cause of suffering.”
     • “Nothing we do will make a difference.”
   • Ask yourself: Is this belief rooted in God’s Word? If not, what Scriptures correct this misunderstanding?
5. EXISTENTIAL QUESTIONS: FINDING THE ANSWERS
   • Write down your own existential questions (e.g., “Why does suffering exist?” or “What is my purpose?”).
   • Search Scripture for answers. Here are some verses to start with:
     • Psalm 42:5 (“Why are you cast down?…”): Reflecting the cry of the soul.
     • Romans 8:28 (“All things work together for good…”): God’s transformation of suffering (Plan B).
     • John 10:10 (“I came that they will have life…”): God’s plan for abundant life (Plan A).
     • 3 John 1:2 (“…in every way you will prosper and enjoy good health…”): God’s commitment to our wellbeing.
6. BUILD YOUR DEFENSE: KNOW THE WORD
   • Memorise key verses that address common doubts:
     • Romans 10:17 (“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”).
     • John 6:63 (“The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”).
     • Hebrews 4:12 (“The Word of God is alive and active…”).
     • Ephesians 6:11–12 (“..our battle is against spiritual beings…”).
   • How can these verses equip you to stand against the enemy’s lies?
7. PRAY AND SEEK DISCERNMENT
   • Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognise the enemy’s lies. Use this prayer as a guide: “Lord, open my eyes to Your truth and guard my heart against deception. Help me to stand on the solid foundation of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
8. PRACTICAL ACTION: CUTTING THE KNOTS
   • Identify one specific lie or doubt you’ve believed recently. Write it down.
   • Find a verse that counters this lie. Write it next to the lie and declare it aloud. Example:
     • Lie: “I’ll never overcome this struggle.”
     • Truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

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TAKEAWAY

The devil’s lies are like knots—subtle, persistent, and binding. But the Word of God is the sword that cuts through them, freeing us to live in the truth. Rule one in this battle is simple but profound: Know the Word. Trust the Word. Do the Word.

This does not promise that the answers will come swiftly, but with unwavering persistence, I assure you, without a doubt, that every answer you seek will come to you in due time. You must dig deep, tirelessly, until you uncover the treasure that lies within you. With the right guidance, you will find more than mere rocks and dirt—there is a gem of great price waiting to be discovered, one that will make every bit of effort worthwhile. Keep pressing forward, for the truth will find its way to you, without fail. Perseverance is key in this journey. As it is written, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Keep moving forward, trusting that each step you take in faith brings you closer to the answers you seek and the treasures within you.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Precious things—like treasures, gold, and jewels—are always found in the darkness. God is not hiding them from you; He is hiding them for you. Trust that in the depths, where the light seems distant, the greatest treasures await your discovery.

Peter Hasert

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What strategies does the devil use to undermine faith?
• How does doubt manifest, and how can it be overcome?
• How can scripture offer strength and guidance in doubt?
• What is the role of prayer in overcoming spiritual challenges?