Read James 1:12-18. According to this passage, it is clear that God doesn’t cause temptation in your life but it can be reasoned that God does allow it to happen. Just as trials and persecution forge character and strength in your life, temptation can do the same if you don’t give in to its deceit and destruction.

• Name some things that tempt Christians living in today’s world?


• Where do you see sin’s destruction in the world around you each day?

Read Luke 22:31 and Hebrews 4:15-16. In order to successfully confront and combat temptation you must consistently make a fearless moral inventory, paying attention to the warning signs of weakness and susceptibility in your life. Knowing your weaknesses drives you to depend more and more upon God and helps you see places of trouble before you fail. And even in times of failure, by not giving up or giving in you turn to God’s mercy and grace to strengthen you for the next battle.

• How often do you make a fearless moral inventory of your life? Should you do it more?


• Since we all fail in life, name how you failed recently at work, school, home, etc? Did you learn from your failure?

Read II Samuel 11:1-4. In recognizing your own vulnerable places, you also need to recognize vulnerable seasons in your life. Just as David became vulnerable to temptation through boredom, there are several keys seasons of vulnerability to temptation and sin. The first is loneliness or isolation, when you lack your regular support and accountability systems that help you stay real and transparent. The second season is after a period of success when you might let down, be fatigued, or begin to see yourself in a prideful light. The third is idleness – not serving God which gives you an edge in spiritual strength and dependence upon God. The fourth is questioning God or God’s purpose for life, living outside God’s plans and values.

• When are you most vulnerable to temptation: during times of loneliness, after a season of success, when you are idle, or during times of questioning about God and God’s purposes?


• Have you learned to fight this particular season of weakness? Explain.

Read Luke 4:1-12 and II Timothy 2:22. Finally, you must also commit to no compromise or shortcuts. Just as Jesus was tempted to take shortcuts to both gratification and influence, you are tempted to subvert God’s created way of both provision and affluence. You are not to count on easy self satisfying miracles and undeserved popularity to become the person God has called you to be. But you are called to live a disciplined lifestyle of sacrificial servanthood, always checking your motives and heart. If you will commit to living in this way, you will be able to fight those temptations that lead to sin, self destruction, and moral failure.

• In what areas or your life are you tempted to take a shortcut to reach your goals? How do you stay on the path of a disciplined lifestyle?


• Do you struggle with self-focus or self-serving motives? Where do you need to say, “here I am God, use me?”


• What is your next step in dealing with temptation: taking a moral inventory, recognizing and fighting through vulnerable seasons, or committing to no compromise or short cuts?