Prayer, Part 4
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
November 3, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: Matthew 6:13

Introduction to Matthew: Click here for a brief summary on the Gospel of Matthew.

KNOW

READ AND FOCUS ON MATTHEW 6:13
The Greek word used in Verse 13 for “temptation” is “peirasmos.” This word actually possesses several interesting qualities that provide us with a bit of insight. First, it is a neutral word that lacks the connotation of being either good or bad, which contrasts our English word of “temptation.” The root meaning references a testing or a proving, and both of the words “trial” and “temptation” are derived from this exact same Greek word.

  • Review James 1:13 as mentioned by Pastor Anthony. The same word (peirasmos) is used in this verse and reminds us that God is incapable of tempting us. Knowing that God cannot and will not tempt us, why would Jesus even pray this?
  • If we were to view the word “temptation” as mentioned in the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:13) as “testing/trial/temptation,” how does it help clarify the meaning of this request?
  • What does James 1:14-15 teach us about the true origins of our temptation/sin? Though it is often indirect, who is the ultimate source of this? Reference 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Luke 22:31-32, and Mark 1:13.

Knowing exactly what the verses above echo, Jesus finished His prayer with the request that God would deliver us from evil/the evil one.

  • What do Matthew 26:41 and 1 Corinthians 10:12 teach us about our potential to fall into temptation?
  • Knowing that temptation will always be a reality for us in our current un-glorified state, what does 1 Corinthians 10:13 promise us and how does this remove any and all of our possible excuses while simultaneously providing us with peace?
  • In John 17:15, Jesus prays another prayer asking for protection for those who are saved. Read Verses 14-19. Although we must continually battle temptation while we are here, what does Jesus say our role is in this world?
  • Understanding that Satan is the ultimate deceiver, what does James 4:7 tell us to do when we are tempted? How is this truth confirmed through Jesus in the events of Luke 4:13?

READ MATTHEW 4:1
It’s important to remember that God never tempts anyone to sin (James 1:13). God hates sin and does not wish for anyone to engage in it, including His own Son. However, God will lead believers through times of testing, sometimes in order to strengthen their faith (James 1:2). In Matthew 4:1, God’s Spirit leads Jesus into the place and time of testing, but the devil is the one who does the tempting. Jesus’ faith does not need to be strengthened. But this time of testing will provide evidence that He remains sinless despite being tempted to sin just as all human beings are (Hebrews 4:15).

  • Discuss.

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Asking for protection from temptation with the intent of avoiding any and all sin should be an integral part of our prayers. God takes this very seriously given the high price He paid to cover our sins by sacrificing His Son.

  • When you pray, do you ask God to protect you and keep you from temptation and sin? Is this a daily priority within your prayers and can you pray this with a sincere and honest heart?
  • Have you ever attempted to “play the game” by asking for protection with the knowledge that you were not truly intending to step away from your sin or remove yourself from a tempting situation? What does Proverbs 6:27-28 tell us about doing this?
  • Why is “playing the game” so dangerous? Reference Isaiah 59:2 and Hebrews 10:26-29. What does Verse 29 specifically tell us that we are actually doing when we intentionally go on sinning and do not actively seek to avoid temptation?

Jesus is our sympathetic high priest and intercessor who will not abandon us in our time of need.

  • As discussed in the sermon, review Hebrews 4:15-16 with your group. Does it surprise you that Jesus was tempted not only in the three ways highlighted within the Gospels, but in EVERY possible way? How is this comforting when we face temptations that seem too great to overcome?
  • Being that Jesus has walked in our shoes, He knows exactly what we need in these situations. Review verse 16 to remind us what we should ask for in times such as these. What should we do in preparation for these times? Reference Psalm 119:11 and Galatians 5:16.

There is only one path to peace and fulfillment, and despite what the world tells us, sin will always lead to destruction, be it an immediate or delayed response.

  • Why do we have the tendency to continually lead ourselves into temptation, but then go running and crying back to God to deliver us from our own folly?
  • Who else often did this in the Bible and why should we not be so quick to judge them for their foolishness? Read Nehemiah 9:16-31 and note the similarities between us and them.
  • Instead of causing a mess and trying to fix the problem later, what can we do to avoid sin and regret in the first place?
  • What specifically leads you personally into temptation? Is it fear, loneliness, anger, greed, revenge, etc?

Pastor Anthony discussed how almost all of our temptations can be boiled down into two categories: self-protection and self-gratification.

  • How is this echoed in 1 John 2:15-17?
  • Why do these things never fulfill us and always leave us hanging despite the pleasure they entice?

Following Jesus leads us away from temptation and evil.

  • What is the difference between having a belief and being a follower of Jesus?
  • Do you actually WANT God to deliver you from everything and anything that directly or indirectly dishonors, demeans, or grieves Him? Or do you want to walk the line of temptation knowing that “God will forgive me anyways?”
  • Why is following Jesus the only path to true fulfillment?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6 isn’t meant to be repeated over and over in rote format… its intent is to instruct us in the posture and perspective we are to have when we pray.

  • Based on all you have learned over the past 4 weeks through the Lord’s prayer, what are the key takeaways you will begin including in your own prayer life?
  • When you pray this week, remember the example of Jesus and:
    • Address God as your Father
    • Declare His greatness
    • Submit your will to His
    • Pray that God would give you only what He wants you to have
    • Ask for forgiveness and forgive others
    • Request that He would lead you away from anything and everything that displeases Him

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Northwest Prayer Highlight: Pray for:

  • An increased desire for God in our lives
  • Experiencing more of Him

Prayer Team:
Interested in praying with and for others. Learn more by reaching out to us through prayer@nwbible.org.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.