FaithFULL Living: Temptation

Our Second lesson in our FaithFULL Living Series taken from James deals with Temptation:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2372651/Faith%20FULL%20Living%202.temptations.pdf

Read I Corinthians 10:13
• Name as many encouraging things as you can from this verse.

Read James 1:12-18
• What is the difference between trials and temptations?
􀂆 What is God’s purpose in our trials (remember last week’s lesson)?
􀂆 What is Satan’s purpose in our temptations?
• God is never the source of temptation to evil. Of what things is he the source (1:5, 16-18)?

• Explain sin’s progression in verses 14-15 using today’s fishing analogy.
􀂆 The bait is dropped (Satan knows our inner-desires)
􀂆 I am attracted to the bait (deceived)
􀂆 I bite the bait (disobedience)
􀂆 I am hooked and fried (death)

• At what point in this progression does it become sin?
• What does understanding the truth of verse 17 have to do with withstanding Satan’s deception?
• How does the word of truth give us a new birth? What does this tell you about the importance of Bible Study?

REFLECT:
1. When you fall into sin who or what are you tempted to blame? How do you avoid responsibility?
2. Briefly discuss the problems we face as a culture with immodesty. What can you do in your home and in our church to address this issue?
3. What “bait” is Satan putting on the hook to draw you away from God?
4. To face this temptation and be victorious which of the following steps from today’s message do you need to take?

Be realistic- Be honest and open about your susceptibility to temptation.

Be responsible- Stop making excuses for your sin and stop shifting the blame to someone or something else.

Be ready- Stay alert to the Devil’s tactics and sins progression.

Be refocused- Get your focus off your weakness and onto….truth, God, scripture, spiritual friendships, serving others.

Be reborn- I need a brand new start through the power of the Holy Spirit.

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadow.” (James 1:16-17)