Text: Luke 4:1-4
Memory verse:
“being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.” Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭
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Self-discipline is the highest form of government. Discipline is imposing self-standards and restrictions triggered by a desire that is greater than any other alternative. It’s self-policing. It’s self-management. No body ever becomes great and sustain greatness without self-control. Samson was destined great before his birth and became great but couldn’t sustain that greatness for lack of self-discipline. It is much easier to control man and brutes than to control self.Though, hardest to control, it gives incomparable dividends. It is often said that hunger is the first element of self-discipline and if you can control what you eat, you can control everything. “An open town and without defenses, such is a man lacking self control” (Prov 25:28 Jerus).
Notice the following points in our day’s text. 1. Jesus was led to fast for forty days. 2.He endured and didn’t fail through the forty days. 3.Jesus knew that He was going on a forty days fast and had prepared His mind for it. 4. Jesus kept His resolve throughout the forty days of fast. 5. After the fast, He was hungry, since He knew He was through with the days He set His mind on from the beginning, so it was normal for hunger to come. 6.It was at this point that the devil tempted Him with food. You are most vulnerable at your time of weakness and at the finish line.
Lastly, Jesus, though hungry (I believe, badly hungry), didn’t yield to the temptation. “…He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry. “The devil, playing on his hunger, gave the first test: “Since you’re God’s Son, command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread.” (Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭2-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬).
Friends, 2 Timothy 1:7 says God has given you the spirit of discipline, so receive grace to put the spirit to work through the training of fasting.

Prayer points
1.Father, I receive grace to discipline myself through fasting and to control my appetite in Jesus name.
2.Father, help me to uphold my self-imposed standards and restrictions at all times and seasons in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1.He who can’t control his appetite can’t control anything.
2.I am conscious that I am most vulnerable at my weakest hour and at the time of celebration, so my self-control device is active.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng