Countering Temptation

January 17, 2021

Prepare a counter-strategy!

Devil's Strategy

1. Attack spiritual vitality (Luke 4:1-2)
2. Sow doubt regarding identity (Luke 4:3, 9)
3. Twist truth (Luke 4:5-11)
4. Persist (Luke 4:13)

Jesus' Counter-strategy

1. Trust God.
2. Know the truth.
3. Be on guard.

Icebreaker

Have you ever learned any type of self-defense? If so, why did you learn it? If not, does that interest you?

Digging Deeper

1. Read Luke 4:1-13.

   • What is the devil's strategy?
   • What is Jesus' counter-strategy?
   • What do you observe about both strategies?

2. What is similar and different between Jesus' tempation and Adam's fall into sin as described in Genesis 3:1-6?

3. "In Luke’s day, it was commonly assumed that true greatness was incompatible with suffering, deprivation, and humiliation. How does Satan apply similar logic as he tempts Jesus? What details of Luke 4:9–13 foreshadow the fact that Jesus will endure ultimate suffering on the cross?" [source]

4. According to Ephesians 2:1-3, from what three places does sin and temptation arise?

5. Read James 1:13-15. Where does James locate the origin of sin?

6. Why is important to know that sin arises from the world, the flesh, and the devil? How does it shape our understanding of the antidote to sin?

Next Steps

1. In 1942, C.S. Lewis publised The Screwtape Letters, a series of letters from a senior demon (named Screwtape) to his nephew (named Wormwood) instructing Wormwood on how to lead a man away from "the Enemy" (God) toward "Our Father Below" (the devil). Read this contemporary article written in this same style and then discuss.

   • How realistic are the four signs?
   • What do you think of the strategies? Have you sensed any of them in your own life?
   • What other ways does Satan tempt us, tamper with our faith, and affect our pursuit of God?
   • Why is a piece written in this Screwtape-style (that is, from a demon's perspective) both so jarring, yet also winsome?

2. Read this article on resisting the devil and then discuss.

   • What points are you already doing? How is that going?
   • What points do you think would be helpful to start doing? Why?
   • What other questions or thoughts do you have?

3. Foundational to living a faithful life is Scripture intake. Do you regularly read or listen to the Bible? (Perhaps you use our Daily Guide?)

   • If so, what is God speaking to you? [Hint: make it a habit to ask this question within your group on a regular basis.]
   • In addition, do you ever journal your thoughts? [Hint: Consider using the H.E.A.R. acronym to shape your journals. (PDF)]