Let's face it...temptation is all around us. It is that constant force that is trying to knock us off of the trail in our journey with Jesus. And the trickiest thing about temption?...It is not always easy to detect at the onset. Let's face it...for the most part, we tend to think of (and are taught that) temptation in terms of the sexual realm of our lives. But if we were honest with ourselves, we would see that we are tempted everyday in multiple areas of our lives. Academics, relationships, finances, sports, family, etc...temptation comes in big pacakges but also in small ones. And if we aren't careful, temptation can throw us so far off the path that we don't even know which way is correct anymore...black and white turns grey and fuzzy...
So how do we deal with it? Is it self-control? A pep-talk to try harder? Well yeah...but there is so much more at the core...there is an underlying root, that if we don't rip out (with God's help!), we will keep coming back to temptation time and time again...because really, temptation is more than just about self-control...
On Sunday night, In Matthew 4, we saw Jesus show us that temptation...at its fundamental core, comes down to us trusting ourselves or trusting God to meet the legitimate needs in our lives. At the core of each one of our temptations is a legitimate need (compaionship, acceptance, self-worth, etc...) that we can either trust God to fill, or we can cut some corners, do some things we shouldn't, and take things into our own hands. At the root, temptation is about trusting God...
As you think through, pray about, and live out this idea of temptation this week, use these questions to help guide you as you seek to grow deeper in your understanding of temptation, your needs, and God's promises to meet those needs...
1. How have you been tempted this past week? What was the core, legit issue at hand? How did you deal with it?
2. Read over Matthew 4:1-4 again...what sticks out to you about how Jesus handled the temptations he faced? Look to your own life...how do you tend to deal with everyday temptations?
3. Why do we tend to take things into our hands with it comes to meeting our needs? Why is it hard to trust God?
4. Read Deuteronomy 8:1-3...God gave manna each day to His people so that they would remember His promises. Manna was a symbol to them that God would provide for their legitimate needs...what type of symbol do you have, or how are you reminded that God provides for your legit needs?
5. Think of an area in your life where it is difficult for you to really trust God. Answer these questions about that area:
A. Does God care about this particular thing in my life?
B. Do I think God is big enough to take care of this area of my life?
C. Can God be trusted to take care of this area of my life?
Which of these questions was hardest to answer "yes" to? Why do you think that is?
Plan to join us this Thursday night, from 7:00pm-8:30pm at Matt & Amanda's where we will discuss these things together as a group. Hope to see you there!
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