INTRODUCTOION: Do you have a “junk drawer” (or two) at your house? How often does it get cleaned out?

READ: Genesis 4:1-7

WATCH SERMON

DISCUSS
1. How have you heard “sin” explained? How has your understanding of sin changed over time?
2. What difference does it make in our lives when we rule over sin versus sin ruling over us?
3. What is a sin in your life that you have seen freedom from? How did that happen?
4. What is the difference between managing sin and mastering sin?
5. Why do we tend to manage sin versus mastering sin?
6. What are some of the “restrictions” we place around our sin? How do these restrictions keep us from pursuing a change in our heart and desires?
7. How do these examples shift the way you understand temptation?
8. How have you experienced temptation as a “traumatic experience”?
9. What does it look like to prepare for temptation? What would be a vision to overcome temptation?
10. What might need to shift in your use of time, technology, relationships, and schedule in order to have the capacity to move toward mastering your sin?

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 temptation? How does that lead us to praise Him? What are some needs and concerns that were shared?
How can we pray 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.

→ Using the following article, reflect on the questions below: https://tifwe.org/the-gospel-of-sin-management-distorts-the-good-news/

How does our incorrect view of sin impact our view of the Gospel and of Scripture?
How does a correct view of sin impact the way you view God and His grace?

→ Reflect on the pace in which you are living life currently. When we begin to recognize that “temptation is a traumatic experience” it often means that we have to leave more time, energy, and capacity in order to not just manage it but to master it. How are you creating space in order to have a rhythm of retreating, resting, and then re-engaging physically, emotionally, relationally, vocationally, and spiritually? In this current season, what does it look like to tend to your own soul? What needs to shift in your relationships, time management, and schedule to create this space for soul care so that you might be able to “bear up under” temptation when it occurs?

→ One helpful tool that you might consider using is an app called “Abide”. This gives some helpful tools and direction as you learn to dwell in the presence of God learn from the Master.