Lesson prepared by Nicki!
With Jesus’ help we can resist temptation.
LUKE 4: 1-13.
1. Discussion: What is temptation?
a. Temptation is a state experienced when a person thinks thoughts, considers intentions or desires things, which are contrary to the thoughts, intents and desires of Almighty God. When those thoughts are fulfilled through action, those intentions translated into achievements and those desires satisfied by accomplishment, then sin is committed. Sin unrepented of by the sinner and not forgiven by the Father leads to death. Temptation is a link in the chain of circumstances that leads to death (James 1:14,15).
2. Activity: What tempts you?
3. Read LUKE 4: 1-13.
LUKE 4: 1-4. Temptation 1:
Jesus was walking around the wilderness for 40 days and “He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry.” (LUKE 4:3)
1. What did Satan offer Jesus? How great was the value of his offer? Bread
2. How difficult do you think it was for Jesus to reject his temptation to accept Satan’s offer?
3. How did Jesus respond to Satan? “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
4. Have you experienced a similar temptation?
LUKE 4: 5-8. Temptation 2:
The devil “showed [Jesus] all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” (LUKE 4:5)
1. What did Satan offer Jesus? How great was the value of his offer? The world
2. Under what condition was Satan’s offer? He had to worship Satan.
3. How did Jesus respond to Satan? “It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
4. What if Jesus caved?
5. Have you experienced a similar temptation?
LUKE 4: 9-13. Temptation 3:
Satan “led [Jesus] to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple” (LUKE 4:9)
1. What did Satan tempt Jesus with? He tried to get Jesus to jump off the temple and call to God to save Him.
2. How would this opportunity benefit Jesus?
3. How did Jesus respond to Satan? “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
4. What if Jesus caved?
5. Have you experienced a similar temptation?
6. What does it mean that “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time”? The devil is always waiting for an opening to tempt you. Especially when you’re weak and vulnerable, he’ll come and try to tempt you. When the opportunity seems fit.
7. Did you notice how Satan tried to use God’s word against Jesus? Didn’t work!
4. Application: Deal with it!
How can we deal with the temptations we are faced with?
5. Key Verse:
“Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (HEBREWS 2:18).
Gray areas – issues that are not clearly black or white, right or wrong. Television, alcohol, clothing styles-how do you know what to do in these areas?
There are 2 extremes to avoid. The first one is license- that’s the party-on attitude that says, “Hey, if it’s not illegal, it’s fine.” Christians get into all kinds of trouble if their standards aren’t higher than this.
The other extreme is just as dangerous. It’s called legalism, which is thinking that you have to obey a huge list of do’s and don’ts in order to be close to God.
Between these 2 extremes is real liberty, the ability to enjoy what’s good in life while avoiding what’s bad. Ask yourself:
1. Will it please God? Avoid anything that God will eventually judge and destroy.
2. Will it help me? Think about whether the activity is beneficial for your heath and spiritual growth.
3. Could it enslave me? If the activity is tempting, addiction or really time-consuming, watch out.
4. Will it hurt something else? How would it feel to be in their shoes?
What are the biggest gray areas you have to deal with (activities that the Bible doesn’t specifically say are right or wrong)?
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