By definition a gauntlet is a piece of armor worn on the hand or wrist of an ancient warrior. To take the gauntlet off and throw it down at the foot of an adversary is to make a challenge to fight or to accept a challenge to fight.
In Matthew 4:3 our adversary the devil, in effect, threw down the gauntlet before the Lord Jesus when he asked the Lord to do three things: (1) to make bread from stones to satisfy his hunger (2) to perform a miracle to demonstrate his power, and (3) to denounce his loyalty to the Father and to the Father’s plan which was to redeem mankind.
Did Jesus have the power and the authority to do these things? the answer is yes, he did. As we are tested, so Jesus was tested. Jesus passed this test as he did every test. We have failed the test many times and Jesus knows, forgives and loves us still.
Hebrews 4:15 ” We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. “
Notice how Jesus countered this challenge of Satan. He did not argue, and he did not debate. He simply quoted Scripture.
When you are tempted by Satan to do or say something that you know is wrong, how do you respond? Do you argue, rationalize or make excuses? Don’t do any of these things. Satan is deceitful and smarter than you or me. If we argue with Satan, we will have a real problem.
Jesus knew the trap Satan was setting for him and refused to debate the issue. He simply quoted what the Scriptures had to say about each issue. and Satan immediately left him (vs 11). And this is our example to follow.
The word of God is the Christian’s offensive weapon in our spiritual warfare and is very well described in Hebrews 4: 12 which says: ” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Scripture memory takes time and effort but will pay great dividends, if you persevere. It has been said that there are three keys to successful scripture memory, and they are: Review, Review and Review. Some people can memorize a verse of Scripture in 5 to 10 minutes and quote it word perfectly and yet tomorrow can only remember a few words of the verse. So, focus on the three Rs.
There are excellent programs for scripture memory on the market and I would encourage you to select one and get started. And one more thought, Scripture memory alone will not change your life, (example Satan) but application of memorized Scripture will. James 1: 2 2 is very clear: ” But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. “
Let me encourage you to begin right now by memorizing these verses from Psalm 119: 9- 11
” How shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: 0 let me not wander from thy commandments, Thy word have a hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.”
And remember the three letters I mentioned above!
Let me encourage you to throw down the gauntlet and take up the challenge of Scripture memory! You will never regret it!