In a powerful address at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Seseme, Bishop Mbitse Godfrey urged the 205 confirmands to ground their lives in the Word of God. Citing Jesus’ triumph over temptation in Matthew 4:1-11, the bishop reminded worshippers that true spiritual victory over the devil comes from being rooted in Scripture.

“If you’re rooted in the Word of God, you defeat the devil,” Bishop Godfrey stated, highlighting that Jesus Himself defeated Satan with the Word. He emphasized that Christians must be vigilant for the devil’s craftiness, noting that the foe can manipulate Scripture to confuse or trap people if believers read verses in isolation.

Bishop Godfrey cautioned against cherry-picking verses. He urged readers to study the broader biblical context, arguing that a holistic approach to Scripture equips believers to discern truth and make sound decisions that resist spiritual deception.

Drawing from the temptation of Christ, the bishop explained how Satan attempted to lure Jesus with a spectacular display by quoting Psalm 91:11-12, promising protection in exchange for a test of God. In response, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16, insisting, “It is written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” The bishop highlighted this exchange as a model for Christians: rely on the full counsel of Scripture rather than single, isolated verses.

During the Confirmation Service, held on February 11, 2025, parishioners pledged to live out their faith in accordance with God’s Word. The bishop’s message centers on the ongoing need for biblical literacy and spiritual discernment in a world where even sacred texts can be misused.

As the church continues to empower new members in their faith journey, Bishop Godfrey’s exhortation serves as a timely reminder: scriptural grounding is essential for resisting deception and growing in Christ.