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Bottom Line: We are tempted to pursue
the right thing the wrong way. Scripture References: Matthew 4:8-10; Matthew
28:18-20; Deuteronomy 6:10-12 |
When
it comes to temptation, there are some things that are just obvious “wrongs.”
There are some things that we know not to do. But often, we face temptation in
areas related to goals and ambitions that are normal and healthy—and we are
tempted to pursue the right thing in the wrong way. This week your goal is to
help break the “rationalizing” process behind these cycles of temptation. This
is going to take a big picture perspective. Use some time before small group to
think about how you may have seen integrity rewarded and dishonesty lead to
frustration. You may want to share a story from your own observations.
Middle School Questions:
- What are three things that you want out of life
in the next three years? (Have everyone share)
- Think about the goals and ambitions of the
person on your left. What are some “shortcuts” that might help him or her
get what they want—but might not be entirely good choices?
- What might make a person choose to take a
“shortcut” to get to one of these goals?
- If you choose to take a shortcut, what are you
saying about your trust in God? Have you ever thought a shortcut and your
trust in God were connected? What could you miss out on if you always
choose to do things your own way instead of trusting in God?
- Listen to this statement: “You’ll never
accomplish the will of God by abandoning the principles of God. And you’ll
never maintain the blessing of God if you abandon the values of God.” Do
you believe this? Have you ever had an experience where you saw this was
true? (As a leader, this might be a good time to share a story of how you
have seen this work out in someone’s life.)
- How will this series change the way you think
about temptation?
- What’s one thing you want to do the next time
you face temptation?
8. What is something you learned today? What is something you don’t want to forget about this series?
High School Questions:
- What did you think of the talk this week? What did you hear the speaker say?
- Would you describe yourself as a goal-oriented
or driven person? Why or why not?
- What are some of the goals or ambitions that
you have in your life? (have everyone share)
- Thinking about the goals and ambitions of the
person on your left, what are some “shortcuts” that might present
themselves? How might that person be tempted to accomplish his or her
goals by abandoning God’s principles?
- What makes it so easy to rationalize
sacrificing some of God’s principles in order to reach a goal or ambition
like the ones you mentioned?
- Have someone read Jeremiah 12:1: “You are always righteous, O Lord, when I bring a case before
you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of
the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?” Have you
ever felt like the prophet Jeremiah? Why does it sometimes look like the
“wicked prosper”?
- “You’ll never accomplish the will of God by
abandoning the principles of God. And you’ll never maintain the blessing
of God if you abandon the values of God.” Do you believe this? Have you
ever had an experience where you saw this was true? (As a leader, this
might be a good time to share a story of how you have seen this work out
in someone’s life.)
- What are some of the potential problems with
taking shortcuts?
- How will this series change the way you think
about temptation?
- Has going through this series made you feel
more or less confident about your ability to resist temptation? Do you
think it is possible for you to keep resisting temptation? How?
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