Small Group Discussion Guide
Sermon Series: Wise Up
Sermon Title: Temptation
BREAK THE ICE:
How do we fight against temptation? It happens daily to each of us.
Transition: So let’s look at temptation more closely today . . .
Read 1 Peter 5:8
How is our adversary described?
What is He doing?
Transition: Today there are three strategies that Satan uses in tempting you and me . . .
- Doubt
- Deceit
- Desire
DIG IN:
Read Genesis 3:1-6
Why did the serpent use the words, “Did God really say” in verse 1?
A. Satan uses Doubt in Temptation
Satan tempted Eve with putting doubt in her mind.
Has He ever said this to you?
“Come on, it’s not going to hurt anybody. God’s not going to punish you, enjoy yourself”
- it happens with choices in what to watch, or cast our eyes upon
- it happens with purchases, the way we spend our earned income
- it happens with the urges, and indulgences
Transition: So, Satan utilizes doubt in temptation, (it’s a momentary loss of truth). Secondly,
B. Satan uses Deceit in Temptation
Read Matthew 4:3-10
When Satan says the words, “If you are the Son of God”, what was he utilizing?
Note: Satan deceives by twisting(distorting) the truth. Jesus IS THE SON OF GOD !
How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptation all three times in verses 4, 7, 10?
Read John 17:17
Whose word is truth? What does truth accomplish?
Read Proverbs 4:20-21
How does this verse correlate with John 17:17?
Truth – Jesus didn’t fight with force, He fought with truth.
Transition: Satan utilizes doubt and deception in temptation Thirdly,
C. Satan uses Desire in Temptation
Read Proverbs 4:23
What is the command in this verse for us?
What is the truth in this verse for us?
Truth – Desire begins in the heart!
Read Proverbs 23:26
What is the request in this verse?
Summation of the Lesson:
Satan is active in the world, and in your and my life. He is strategic in his personal attack daily.
He hurls arrows of doubt, deceit and desire to engage the mind and heart. Therefore, we
must be constantly vigilant and on guard, because he prowls like a lion! His aim is defeat and destruction.
BRING IT HOME:
What was your one compelling take-a-way today?
Personal Application:
Doubt, Deceit, Desire . . . Which of these three arrows of Satan is hitting it’s mark you right now?
Your homework assignment:
How will you work on the arrow of impact this week with God?
Let’s Pray