Read James 1:14-15. James is very clear that the anatomy of sin leads to severe consequences and these can include destruction and/or death of relationships, reputation, and career as well as disconnecting from God and God’s purposes. It seems like everyday reveals another public figure that has compromised their morality and fallen to temptation with devastating consequences. But you are called to put away temptation before it leads to such life self-destruction.

• Where have you seen the consequences of personal sin in our world this week?


• When do you think you are most susceptible to temptation or spiritual sabotage?

Read Luke 4:1-4 & Deuteronomy 8:3. In order to deal with temptation you need to look at Jesus; how he was tempted and how he fought it. The first temptation was to give in to instant feel-goods. Jesus was lead by the Holy Spirit to the desert for a time of fasting and prayer to seek and discern the God’s will for his ministry. The devil however, wanted Jesus to be double-minded and to satisfy his hunger with a quick miracle instead of a working in God’s process of commitment and work. Jesus was not only self aware of his hunger but also knew to work God’s word and apply it, instead of looking for the quick fix.

• What is an instant feel-good that you like?
  Does it sabotage any of your personal goals in life?


• Describe a time you worked hard to achieve something?
  What was the key to your success?

Read Luke 4:5-8. The second temptation Jesus faced was to take a short cut to influence and affluence. God’s mission for Jesus’ ultimate success included both servanthood and sacrifice, which is also God’s will for you. It is only through a result of disciplined lifestyle of sacrificial servanthood that God’s kingdom is built. And it is in that that you will find great influence and affluence. There are no short cuts, just detours in the wrong direction.

• What short cut are you tempted by the most?
  Why do you think that is?


• What do you think are the qualities of a leader versus being just a personality?


• How do you want your life to have significance in this world?

Read Luke 4:9-13. The last temptation Jesus faced was giving in to a self focused religion instead of a self giving life. When you give to receive, you begin to see yourself as being favored by God over others or see yourself as the exception to the rule. You are called to give to help people and to serve God’s mission and God who has given you a trust will take care of you and your needs.

• Have you ever “used” God to ask for a selfish desire or to promote yourself?
  What happened?


• What is a trust God has given you in your life right now?
  How are you protecting that trust?


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

Real repentance is allowing God to crucify your duplicity and committing to the way of the cross.

• What do you need to do to better fight off the temptations in your life right now?