Pen & Psalm · Reading plans

Guided reading plan · 7 days

Resisting Evil

A 7-day study on standing firm against spiritual darkness through the power of Christ.

Start this plan free

The journey, day by day

Each day pairs a Scripture reading with its historical context, connections across the Bible, a short prayer, and journal prompts to write through.

  1. Day 1 The Wilderness Temptation
    Matthew 4:1-11
  2. Day 2 The Armor of God
    Ephesians 6:10-18
  3. Day 3 Submit and Resist
    James 4:1-10
  4. Day 4 Be Sober and Vigilant
    1 Peter 5:1-11
  5. Day 5 Greater Is He
    1 John 4:1-8
  6. Day 6 Overcome Evil with Good
    Romans 12:14-21
  7. Day 7 Victory Through the Blood
    Revelation 12:7-17
Inside day one — a sample

Scripture · Matthew 4:1-11

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Matthew 4:10-11 · KJV

Historical context

After forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus faced Satan's direct assault. The devil attacked at Jesus' points of vulnerability—physical hunger, the desire to prove Himself, and the temptation to take a shortcut to His rightful kingship. Jesus responded to each temptation not with argument or debate, but with Scripture: 'It is written.' When He finally commanded Satan to leave, the devil had no choice but to obey.

Scripture connections

This passage parallels Israel's forty years in the wilderness, where they failed every test Jesus passed. Luke 4 tells the same story but notes Satan 'departed from him for a season'—temptation returns, but so does victory. Hebrews 4:15 assures us Jesus was 'tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.'

Why this day matters

We begin by watching the Master at work. Jesus shows us that resisting evil isn't about willpower or cleverness—it's about knowing God's Word and standing on it. The enemy must flee when confronted with truth spoken in faith.

Prayer for Strength

Lord Jesus, You faced the enemy and won. Teach me to stand firm as You did, armed with Your Word and anchored in Your truth. When temptation comes, give me the strength to say 'Get thee hence.' Amen.

Journal prompts

  • Which of Satan's three temptations (appetite, pride, or shortcuts) do you find most difficult to resist?
  • How does Jesus' use of Scripture challenge you to know God's Word better?
  • What 'wilderness' season are you in right now, and how might God be using it to strengthen you?

This plan is part of Premium ($3/month) — or start it free: your first reading plan is always free, whichever one you choose.

Day one is ready

Begin “Resisting Evil” today.

Open the app, pick this plan, and write your first page — free to start, on any device.

Start journaling free

See all nine reading plans →