Sermon Notes
InFORMATION + APPLICATION = TransFORMATION.
Three ways Satan tries to stop spiritual progress:
1. Satan appeals to your FLESH.
“…tell these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:3)
You’re tempted to STOP the good and serve yourself.
2. Satan appeals to POSITION.
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down…” (Matthew 4:6)
You’re tempted to DEFEND your pride.
3. Satan appeals to your VALUE.
“All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9)
You’re tempted to place your value in THINGS.
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – What bad habit or compulsion did you have when you were younger that you no longer struggle with? What happened to change it?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Pastor Dave pointed out, “When people are asked why they don’t believe in God, the number one answer is, ‘Suffering.’ When Christians are asked when they grew the most in their lives, the number one answer is, ‘Suffering.’” Do you find this to be true in your experience? Share an example from your own life.
Read Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus was tempted by Satan, but He resisted him and did not sin. How does this knowledge help us to resist temptation?
Why did Satan tempt Jesus? Why does he tempt Christians?
How did Jesus respond to Satan in the wilderness?
How is Jesus’ response to temptation similar to or different from your reaction to temptation, trial or difficulty? Share an example.
Was Jesus left alone while He was being tempted? (Matthew 4:1, 11) How does knowing that God is with us during difficult times help us to stand up to temptation?
Why does God allow us to experience difficulties, pain, temptation and disappointments?
James 1:2-3 (Testing produces perseverance and maturity.)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (We experience God’s comfort and we comfort others.)
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (God’s power is revealed in our weakness.)
We learned that InFORMATION + Application = TransFORMATION. How does this knowledge help you to accept your current circumstances as God’s work in your life?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday
“InFORMATION + Application = TransFORMATION.” How have you seen this principle at work in your own life?
Tuesday – Reflect
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
What weaknesses can you take to Jesus with confidence that he understands?
Wednesday – Reflect
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
What temptations can you take to God for strength to resist and provision of a way out?
Thursday – Reflect
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:7-10
What is this saying to you about resisting temptation today?
Friday
Consider (from the sermon) the three ways Satan tries to stop spiritual progress. Ask God to reveal which of these you are vulnerable to. Ask Him for Bible references, wisdom and power to resist Satan. (Many Bibles have a list of topical verses in the back or topics can be found online.)
Saturday
Who can use your encouragement during a difficult time? Develop an action plan to encourage them this week.