The Battle Within- Session #1- "It's Always More Than Just An Apple"

This past Sunday night, we kicked up a new teaching series entitled, "The Battle Within." My good friend Doug came and started things off right by sharing from his own life the truth that when it comes to temptation, there is always more at stake than just an apple. He walked us through the point that when it comes to temptation, we aren't just making a split second decision, we are making a decision that in one way or another is going to impact our future. For Adam and Eve, a piece of fruit wasn't the only thing on the line. Their relationships with God, their purity, innocence, and all of human history was hanging in the balance as they made that first wrong decision. What would they choose? We don't have to wait around to see what happened...they gave in, and sin entered the picture. And ever since, we have been affected by their failure to say no.

We are tempted every day of our lives. Whether it be physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. We come to cross roads everyday, choices that we must make. For you, is it just one look, one thought, one word- no big deal? Or for you, do you see the downward spiral that giving in to temptation costs you- the big picture? Jesus gave us a great example to follow in Matthew 4 when it comes to dealing with the everyday temptations that we face as students.
Over the next few weeks, we will look at how Jesus was tempted, his reaction, and what it meant "in the moment" as well as for all of human history to follow. Temptation- it is always more than just an apple...

As you think about the temptations that you face each day, use these questions and thoughts to help you strive to grow closer in your walk with Jesus...

1. Read Genesis 3... once they give into temptation, what changed in the garden?

2. Look at verse 6...part of the temptation for Eve was that the fruit looked "good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable..."- Think of the temptations that you face...how in your mind are these things "good" and "desirable"? What desires do they supposedly "fulfill"?

3. Think about this temptation of Adam and Eve...they were tempted to be fullfilled and desired things outside of of their relationship with God...how is your relationship with God affected when you seek satisfaction anf fullfillment outside of your relationship with God?

4. Think of a temptation that you have given into multiple times...make a timeline tracing it back to its beginning in your life...How have you come to this place? When did the temptation start? How did things become blurred throughout its existence in your life?

5. How does looking at temptation as affecting more than just the "here and now" change your outlook on it?

6. Read 1st Corinthians 10:13...what promise are you given from this verse? How does it give you hope for dealing with temptation?

7. How is temptation linked to your trust in God?

Take some time this week to look over these thoughts and questions and allow yourself to be challenged to think about the temptations of your life. Plan to join us at Matt & Amanda's Thursday night, from 7pm-8:30pm as we discuss this issue further. We hope to see you there!