Don’t Take the Shortcut

Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Following God doesn’t mean life will always be easy. Sometimes we are led into the wilderness. God wants to change us into His image and that requires testing, temptation and hardship. For these are the things that develop character (Romans 5:3-4). The temptation to sin is universal and falls into three categories, physical pleasure, materialism/security, and pride in our achievements and possessions (1 John 2:16). Jesus faced temptation just like us, yet He never gave in. He never sinned. In each temptation recorded in Luke four, Satan used a selfish tactic to justify the action and get Jesus to rely on Himself instead of God. Jesus faced these temptations by relying on God and His Word.

Today we are tempted to doubt what we believe, doubt God’s love, forgiveness and even His existence. We are tempted to live independent of God and we are tempted to become distracted by materialism. The wrong way to struggle with temptation begins with the wrong motive, shame which is not the godly grief of 2 Corinthians 7:10. Then, when we isolate ourselves, we don’t realize our sins and the root iniquities behind them. Legalism is also self delusion, thinking we can check external boxes to please God. And when we lean into self power, we white knuckle it, rather than depending upon the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:3). The Spirit began your faith, stop trying to perfect it yourselves. The right way to struggle with temptation is having the right motive, godly grief Psalm 51:4, engage in community, understand God’s grace, and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 12:2).

1. What makes some temptations harder to fight than others?
   

2. How would you define temptation?
   

Consider this

Satan quoted Scripture in his attempt to tempt Jesus. However, he actually misquoted Psalm 91:11-12 to change the meaning and subtly turn Jesus away from the Father. Beware, in the same way, Satan may quote or misquote scriptures to turn believers away from God today.

1. Read Luke 4:1-13.

   • Who led Jesus into the wilderness?
   • What types of temptations are demonstrated in this passage?
   • How did Jesus answer the three temptations?
     

2. Was Satan able to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world? (see 2 Corinthians 4:4, John 12:31, Ephesians 2:2). What does this tell you about the types of lies that Satan whispers to believers today?
   

3. According to 1 John 2:16 there are three categories of temptation, but the varieties within these types are as diverse as are people and circumstances.

   • What are some other sins of the flesh?
   • What is another word for craving what we see?
   • Define pride.
     

4. What types of temptations are most common for you?
   

5. List some things/circumstances that make believers especially vulnerable to temptations? Can you share some things that make you more vulnerable to temptations?
   

6. Read James 4:7. What does it say about resisting the Devil? What are believers commanded to do first? Why is that important?
   

7. What does Proverbs 18:1 have to say about isolation?
   

8. How can you depend upon and be empowered by the Holy Spirit when confronted with temptations?
   

9. Read Luke 4:13. What does this verse tell you about Satan and his strategy to trip up believers today?
   

Moving forward – Application

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4).

1. What steps can you take this week to resist the temptations you struggle with the most?
   

2. What in your life do you need to submit to God this week?
   

3. Read Galatians 6:2. This week, how can you connect with other trusted believers and avoid isolation when it comes to temptation?
   

4. How can you get a better understanding of and embrace God’s grace this week?