MAIN POINT:

We must take action in our fight against temptation.

ICEBREAKER:

Are you a hoarder or a purger? Do you find it difficult to clean out junk around the house?

INTRODUCTION:

This is the last week of our series The Goods. Pastor Chris stressed the importance of taking action against temptation. The sins in our past can haunt us in the present. Satan knows where we have fallen into temptation before, and he can push us in the same direction in the future. You are not without hope! No matter where you have been or what you have done, said, or thought, God offers forgiveness and love through the blood of Christ. As it says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we have “divinely powerful” weapons for the destruction of fortresses. We must bring our temptations into the light. Sharing our temptations with other believers brings them into the light and gives us accountability when we struggle. Confessing sin to a fellow believer brings healing. Small groups provide a safe environment in which to share our stories and receive love, comfort, and advice about how to improve our daily walk.

ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

1. How do we take every thought captive for Christ?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

2. Have you ever run a race or competed in a difficult athletic event? What kind of training/discipline was required to prepare?
3. How is discipline in fighting temptation and the urge to sin similar to the discipline required by athletes?
4. What kind of barriers or boundaries do you set for yourself to protect yourself from falling into temptation?

Read Romans 12:1-3 and Romans 12:15-16.

5. What kind of sacrifice are we to be?
6. How does being in a community of believers help us to become more holy?
7. Is your group living out verses 15 and 16?

Read James 5:16.

8. Have you ever confessed your sin to someone else?
9. What is the result of confession according to this verse? How have you found this to be true?
10. Do you have a safe person to talk to when you are struggling with sin or temptation?

LEADER NOTES:

1. Know God’s truth. Have a store of memory verses, so that when faced with the lie of temptation and what the sin will bring, you are armed with God’s truth. When facing temptation, if possible remove yourself from the situation. Recognize improper trains of thought, and get off the train!
5. We are to be a living and holy sacrifice (verse 1).
9. The result of confession is healing.
10. Leaders, note that your group members may not feel comfortable confessing to one another during group (particularly in mixed company), but the spirit of this question is to make people aware of the necessity of having a Christian counselor/friend who can help them bring sin into the light.