By Marcus Relliford
Relliford is a sixth dan and the assistant pastor of Spiritual Union Abide In Christ Ministries in Memphis, TN

          Shalom.
          My name is Marcus Relliford, a.k.a. Rev. Wind. I believe that martial arts are a physical form of spiritually.
          In my case, my foundation and hope is in Christ Jesus. I would like to take a minute and share. Walk with me to Matthew 4: 1-11.
          Most of us believe or would agree that the two real ultimate fighters are Jesus and Satan.
          That is the ultimate fight against good and evil. I often look at this passage and can’t help but see the parallel of two warriors squaring off.
          Often in a physical match, a person relies on what one might call discipline. Discipline is your particular style or training. In a match, when the pressure from your opponent is on, smart fighters always depend on their training. Depending on your way, determines what you do.
          In this case our Master was led to the wilderness by the Spirit. The wilderness represents an area of testing. We, as martial artist, all know about testing. That is the time to see if you are ready, prepared, disciplined.
          After fasting for 40 days and nights, the tempter came to challenge Him. At the point where our Lord was vulnerable, hungry, the enemy tried to attack.
          As a warrior you must respect your enemies. What I mean is, don’t put anything past them. The time or point where you are most weak is when the enemy will attack. 
 
Attack 1
          Matthew 4:3, “And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”
          The enemy always brings doubt to you. He wants you to forget who you are.
          Matthew 4:4, “But he answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”’”
          It’s important to note that our Master relied on the scriptures.
          In Deuteronomy 8:3 you find those very words Jesus quoted. It was a time where God wanted to humble the children of Israel that they may know and depend on God alone.
          Really, Jesus was depending on what he was taught by the Father. He and God are one, and He trusted Him.

Attack 2
          Matthew 4:5-7, “Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, ‘If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, “He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”’ Jesus said unto him, ‘It is written again, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”’”
          The enemy is trying to use your own style against you. Again, by bringing questions, as if you had to prove something to him. Satan quoted from Psalm 91: 5-6.
          Notice the counter from the Lord, he quotes Duet 6: 6-16. Meaning, don’t test me!
          I’m sensing the Lord’s controlled anger. He told the children of Israel in Deut. 6:13-16:

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve Him, and shalt swear by His name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth. Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

          Note for the enemy: There is a time and place for certain things, but your temptation has been noted!
          The one thing martial arts should have taught all of us is controlled anger. Stop allowing anybody to make you do anything. When you are out of control, you lack focus. This, in turn, makes you forget your training.
          The Bible says be angry and sin not. Don’t let your emotions take over your discipline.

Attack 3
           Matthew 4:8-9, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, ‘All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.’”
          The enemy is getting desperate. Everything is on the table. He has gone to his main go-to move!
          Matthew 4:10-11, “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.”
          The enemy in despair puts all his cards on the table, trying to get you to bite. Notice our Master, with focus and discipline, responds with confidence: BEGONE! I OBEY MY FATHER ONLY!
          Remembering who you are and trusting whom you belong too and what you have been taught can save you in any attack!
          My master through this lesson has taught me in both spiritual and physical matters to trust my Instructor, the Heavenly Father, and His instructions, The Word.
          He has taught me to keep my emotions in check, stay in control, don’t panic, and when the pressure is at its highest, have the confidence to stay true to my discipline!