INTRODUCTION: What passage of Scripture do you quote when you are facing temptation?
READ: Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:1-11
WATCH SERMON
DISCUSS
We know that the serpent/Satan is crafty. How do we see Satan using confusion, restriction, negativity, and lies to distort the truth for Eve?
What are some of the questions you have seen Satan use to distort the truth and the beauty that God has for us?
Satan used both confusion and lies to tempt Eve. What areas of your life are you more prone to sin as a result of confusion? What areas of your life does Satan use lies and distortion to lead you to sin?
Lisa Terkuerst writes, “Temptation only works if our enemy keeps the consequences hidden from us”. How has Satan minimized and withheld the consequences or impact of sin from you in order to tempt you and move you toward sin?
What do we learn about Satan’s tactics from Matthew 4:1-11 in the following three temptations:
– God will not provide for you
– God does not love, care for, or protect you
– You can be a better god without it costing you anything
Which tactic do you struggle with the most?
Why is Scripture so powerful when it comes to fighting against temptation?
How have you used Scripture to fight against temptation?
How have you experienced Satan twisting and distorting Scripture in order to tempt you?
Where is God calling you to grow in your knowledge, understanding, and application of Scripture so that you are prepared to “stand”?
PRAY
Take some time to summarize what you have heard your group share and how we can pray for one another.
What are some themes you have heard others share about using the Bible to withstand temptation? How does that lead us to praise Him? What are some needs and concerns that were shared? How can we pray specifically for you this week?
FOR FURTHER STUDY
The following is not meant for large group discussion but can be done as an individual study to grow in your understanding of Scripture and the way it transforms our lives.
→ Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. As you read these two separate accounts, make a list of what you observe about the temptations of Jesus. Then, reflect on how Satan tends to use similar tactics to move you toward sin.
→ Read the beginning of the following article by Amy Simpson that describes our proclivity toward managing sin vs. mastering sin using the analogy of a garden: http://blackchristiannews.com/2019/03/amy-simpson-when-moral-boundaries-around-christian-ministries-become-incubators-for-sin/
While this article is speaking about Christian pastors and leaders, we can all relate to the ways we set up boundaries and walls in order to manage our sin without actually dealing with it. What are some of the boundaries you have set up that might have initially been healthy but are currently keeping you from dealing with the heart issue?
What are some of the next steps you sense God calling you to in order to experience freedom from this area of sin?
Who do you need to invite into this process to pray with and encourage you as you take the next steps to mastering sin?
→ One unique, helpful resource that can help challenge our thinking on the ways Satan tempts us is a book by C.S. Lewis called The Screwtape Letters. If you don’t have time to read the whole book, consider some of these quotes from the book that can challenge the ways we view Satan’s tactics and schemes: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2920952-the-screwtape-letters
If you wrote a fictional story about how Satan tempts you, what would be some of the primary tactics he would use?
Examples could include: Minimizing sin, busyness, divisiveness in relationships, shame, twisting truth in Scripture, “coasting” in your relationship with God, comparison with others, etc.