Temptation

Starter Question

Maybe it’s binge-watching a certain show or some kind of candy or dessert or something else. What’s one of your “guilty pleasures?” That is something you can’t resist if it’s in the room with you.

Message Questions

Read Isaiah 53:6. Being called a sheep is kind of an insult. You probably don’t have much context for how sheep operate, but Matt gave some this week. What do you think the point of this comparison is?

Our wants and desires can be powerful, leading us away from safety almost thoughtlessly. Meaning we tend to wander away from the path that’s best for us. We are so susceptible to temptation. Do you feel that pull in your own life? If so, what are some examples?

Read John 8:42-47. Jesus is especially talking to the religious leaders of his day, not necessarily you. But look at how he characterizes our spiritual enemy. First, summarize what he’s saying.

If we’re something like sheep and he’s a liar, how do you think that works for us?

I love the way John Mark Comer describes the multifaceted danger we’re in: “[My] working theory of the devil’s strategy: deceitful ideas that play to disordered desires that are normalized in a sinful society” (John Mark Comer, Live No Lies).

Read James 1:13-15. What are some important things to note from this passage about our role and God’s role in temptation?

When we mess up, how can God’s grace help us, and what are some ways it can’t?

Challenge

Read 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Like sheep, sometimes we can use some protection and boundaries. What are some intentional ways we can protect ourselves from temptations? Here are some specific categories for your brainstorming: sexuality, finances, and pride (keeping up appearances rather than taking responsibility).

Did you come up with anything you’d like to try?

Prayer

Let’s wrap this series up by praying “The Lord’s Prayer” in a few different translations/paraphrases. Have different people read each one as a prayer.

NLT
Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
    as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.

The Message
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.

The Passion Translation

Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms,
may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn.
Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.
We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day.
Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil.
For you are the King who rules with power and glory forever. Amen.’