INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES

What is more tempting to you – big brownie, a slice of cheesecake or Apple Pie?

Leader note: A good way to transition to the next question is by saying, “It seems like we all understand what it is like to be tempted, let’s look at what James has to say about temptations in our lives”.

 

OBSERVATION – 15 MINUTES

Read James 1:12-18.  What do you learn about temptation?

 

Leader note:  For purposes of clarity, the definition of temptation is “enticement to evil”. 

With that consideration, here is what James says about temptations.  He says God blesses endurance of temptation with the crown of life which is victory over sin versus giving into temptation which leads to sin or death.  Temptation comes from our own desires, not from God.  Temptation can lead to sin.  Temptation is not good or perfect – so it can’t come from God.  Temptation is not a part of creation.

Leader note:  At this point you may need to ask your group a follow up question, “When you look at temptations, what are truths we need to endure?” 

This should get your group to consider the truths that James tells us to remember.  God is good – all the time.  God gives good gifts.  God never changes.  God never entices to evil.  God does give desires but not temptations.  God gave us his true Word – Jesus.  We are God’s prized possession. 

 

UNDERSTANDING – 25 MINUTES

What is the process of desire, temptation, defeat, and victory?  What does this look like in your life?

Leader note:  It is imperative that your group understand that there is a clear process that leads from desires (not bad) to temptation (can be bad) to sin (bad/death).  Use the following equation with your group to help understand the process.

Desire leads to Temptation (lure, enticement to evil) which leads to a decision for either action of sin which leads to death or action of endurance and trust which leads to life.

Leader note: For the second part of the question it would be helpful if you have a flip chart or white board to draw a chart like the one that follows or you can just make copies of the one provided for your group.

Instructions for filling out the chart:

In the column on the left, list all the desires in life.  Remember, desires are not bad, in fact many are natural, basic necessities of life. 

 Once you have filled in the “Desires” ask your group how that innocent desire can turn into a temptation – a lure or enticement to evil.  It is also important to discuss with your group that  temptation comes from three places; Satan, the world, and you (the person being tempted).  Understanding that will help your group move the desire to temptation.  For instance, the desire to eat in and of itself is not bad, but when the world tempts us with fast-food mega burgers and restaurants serve slices of cake that take an entire plate that leads to temptation.  Another example would be intimacy.  Again, the desire to be intimate is a God-given desire, not a bad one.  But when you walk into any 7-11 Store there are magazines with seductive and sexual covers everywhere you look.  One more example would be the desire for a car.  Transportation is a basic need, we depend on transportation for school, work, and home responsibilities.  When we see our neighbors getting the newest Mercedes or sports car all of a sudden there is temptation to upgrade, sometimes beyond our means.  Have your group fill out the second column with the temptations of the world, themselves, or Satan.

Next look at the third column and discuss and record what would happen if you made the decision to sin.  Go through each temptation and think about what would happen if you gave into temptation. 

Finally, in the last column, consider what would happen if, instead of giving into temptation, you chose to trust God and endure against temptation.  List what your group thinks the outcome would be for each temptation.

 

 

Desire                             Temptation                 Sin/Death                              Trust/Life

Food	Fast food, Huge Portions Unhealthy Choices	Gluttony, obesity, Unhealthy lifestyles	Self-control, healthy lifestyles, feeling good
Transportation	Expensive cars	Overspending, debt	Manageable finances
Intimacy	Internet porn, Flirting	Affairs, inappropriate relationships,	Trust in relationships, Pure heart, inner peace
Shelter
Fun and happiness
Safety
Success
Intimacy
Relationship
Income/Job
Love

 

What does James say is needed to endure temptation? 

Leader note: After filling out the chart in 3a it will be good to discuss the fact that God gives us what we need to endure the temptations. By focusing on the truths that God is good – all the time, that He never changes, it makes it possible to endure the temptations and withstand the incitement to evil.

 

APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES

What is one desire in your life where the enticement isn’t strong and one where it is?

Leader note:  Have each member of your group look at the list you compiled above.  Have them choose one temptation that they feel doesn’t cross the line from desire to temptation and one that does.  You may have some that are reluctant to share, especially where they are basically confessing something that may be difficult.  Be willing to move on without making them feel uncomfortable.  This would be a good time for you to share first as leader.  If your group hears your heart of humility they will be more likely to follow.

 

Leader note:  You may want to answer all of the application questions at once.  Start with stating where you feel you have control and then move on to the area of temptation and follow it through to the discussion of decisions and then truths for endurance.

 

In the area of your weakness where does the decision to sin/death lead?  Where does the decision to trust/life lead?

Leader note:  For each member that was able to share about a weakness, have them discuss where the decision to give in to the temptation would lead and where the decision to endure and resist the temptation, choosing life instead would lead.  Again, this is a good question for you as a leader to share first.  You may be able to say that because you have given into this temptation before, you know the result.  If your weakness is food, and the temptation is fast food, you know the result of giving into that temptation – extra weight, not feeling great, feeling remorse for going off a diet.  What would happen if this time you chose to make a salad instead?  Tell the group how that would feel and what kind of life that gives you.

Which truth do you need to endure?

Leader note:   Look at the list of truths you compiled from the previous questions.  Which truth will help you to endure the temptations you face?  Knowing that the temptation is not from God, but from either yourself, Satan or the world may help you to call on God for strength to resist.  Possibly recognizing the God has been faithful in the past and knowing He never changes will help you trust Him again. 

 

Pray:  Spend the last few minutes of your time together praying that God will reveal areas of your life where desires are turning to temptations and that he will give you strength to endure each temptation as they come along.  Pray that God will bring each member of your group to mind as you go through the week and that you will be diligent to pray for each one and the temptations they face.  Praise God for his faithfulness, His trustworthiness and His good and perfect gifts.  Take a minute, either aloud or in silence, to reflect on what it means to be God’s chosen possession.  You may want to read 1 Corinthians 10:13 to your group which is filled with hope:  “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”

 

Live it out

How can we bring the hope of 1 Corinthians 10:13 to those who struggle in our community?