Temptation

March 21, 2021

Main idea: Pray or be prey.

Why pray about temptation?

  1. We have a low view of temptation.
  2. We have an enemy who places a high priority on tempting.
  3. We are easily tempted.

How pray about temptation?

  1. Desperation (Luke 22:40, 46)
  2. Delight (Hebrews 2:18)
  3. Confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Icebreaker

In the following pairs, which do you find more tempting:

  • Chocolate cake or mango boba tea?
  • A bowl of hot ramen or a bucket of freshly-prepared KFC?
  • A free trip to Singapore (travel, lodging, etc. included) or a free bedroom remodel?
  • Installing a swimming pool in your backyard or a gym membership?
  • Playing Animal Crossing or Settlers of Catan?

Digging Deeper

  1. When considering how to resist temptation, we might be tempted (🙂) to focus on actions such as fleeing temptation, having an accountability partner, or memorizing Scripture. While each of those is a good idea, we might neglect prayer. Why do we so often neglect prayer when it comes to temptation?

  2. Trace the flow of temptation — from the first inkling to end result — according to James 1:13-15.

  3. God sometimes tests his people (see Deuteronomy 8:2). What is the difference between a test and temptation? How would this petition of the Lord’s Prayer be different if the word was “test” rather than “temptation”?

  4. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. How do these verses give the Christian confidence to cry out to Jesus regarding temptation?

  5. Do you have confidence that God will answer your prayer and guard you from temptation? Why or why not?

Next Steps

  1. Read and consider this quote from C.S. Lewis: "A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is. You find out the strength of the German army by fighting against it, not by giving in. You find out the strength of a wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in. . . . Christ, because he was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means." What encouragement does this give you?

  2. Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13. How might this help you as you face temptation this week?

  3. As we wrap up this series on the Lord’s Prayer, what has God taught you through this? How have you experienced God in this series? How has your prayer life grown? What are your next steps when it comes to prayer?

  4. Conclude your time by praying through the Lord's Prayer. Pause after each petition and allow group members to voice short prayers in response.

Announcements

  • Good Friday Service at 7 pm on Friday, April 2, 2021.

  • Feel free to take a break from your group the week of Easter Sunday (April 4)! There will be no specific growth group guide provided.

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