• New Testament Reading: Matthew 3:1 – 4:11
• Old Testament Passage: Isaiah 40:1-5
• Points to Ponder

“Repent…for it is written”

The message from God to humanity has always been the same. In order to live in the presence of
God, now and for eternity, we must change our minds and our hearts – we must repent. God will
continue to work out his plan whether we take heed of his message or not.

Living a changed life begins with baptism and continues in the daily battles with self, sin and Satan.
Jesus’ humility in submitting to God’s plan and his determination to do God’s will brought him
through the most challenging temptations. Jesus prevailed over temptation because he knew the
word of God and could not be manipulated into satisfying the desires of his flesh.

Repentance is not a one time, pre-baptism decision. The proof of our repentance is demonstrated in
how we respond to the daily temptations of sin. What is more important: that we feed our souls on
the word of God or that we feed our bodies? Do we trust God’s promises to take care of ,and
provide for, us, or do we test his patience and love by living on the edge of worldliness? Do we
persevere in following the path Jesus marked out for us or are we willing to take the shortcuts
offered by the world?

• Questions to Consider: If you are a Christian then you made the decision to repent and you
made the commitment to continue to turn away from sin and walk the path of righteousness.
How has it been going lately? Is your repentance ongoing? Are you continuing to say “No” to
Satan and “Yes” to what is written?