Truthers Week 2 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
Temptation is everywhere, but there is an escape.
Discussion Starter:
What food do you find the most tempting?
Introduction:
Temptation is tough, but God promised a way of escape. God knows you; He created you. He also knows and understands Satan, who is constantly putting tripping hazards in your path. Satan continues to tempt you with the things that are your weaknesses. Sin takes you farther than you wanted to go and costs more than you wanted to pay. However, God gives us grace.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: James 1:13-17
Discussion Questions:
-
- Read James 1:13-15. Have you ever been tempted to blame temptation or sin on God? It’s pretty common to want to shift the blame when we do something wrong. Think of Adam and Eve in the garden or the kid who says, “the dog ate my homework.” How can we avoid shifting the blame? Or, put another way, what makes it easier to take responsibility for our sin?
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How is God faithful to you when you are tempted? Why does He provide a way out when you are tempted? If you feel comfortable, please share with the group a time you were tempted and God provided a way out.
- Read James 1:16-17. No one likes to be deceived, but Satan is a master deceiver. How can we discern between God’s “good and perfect gifts” and Satan’s temptations?
- Read 1 Peter 5: 8-9. How can we be alert to the schemes of the enemy in our daily life? What are some practical steps you take to avoid temptation?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read James 1:13-17 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Have you ever cheated? On a test? On your taxes? In a relationship? Later in the book of James, in chapter five, it says “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” You do not have to go into specific details, but you can confess to one another that Satan tempted you, and you took the bait. Model God’s forgiveness to one another. Remind each other of how much God loves you and forgives you. Strengthen each other and build each other up.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Are you serving at your campus? Attend Next Steps at your campus on the 3rd weekend of the month to learn more about serving using your spiritual gifts. Or, click here to learn more: https://faithpromise.org/serving.
Engaging in Community and the World:
Make phone calls, send emails, text, or write letters to those who may feel isolated at this time. Do you have friends or relatives in nursing homes? Many are not allowed any visitors at this time. Or do you know someone who lives alone? While we must use our common sense and follow doctors’ directives, we can still connect with other people.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Did you talk to anyone about conspiracy theories after hearing the beginning of this series? Remember, we are Christ-Truthers! We believe in some pretty incredible things. Do not be offended if people you know think that Christianity is just another conspiracy. Share why you believe what you do.
Leader’s Notes
- Some examples of things that make it easier to take responsibility for sin include knowing that God forgives us, having relationships where we can share our sin and struggles and still be forgiven and loved, and seeing those in positions of leadership take responsibility for their failures.
- Leaders, remember that if you model sharing real problems, then those in your group will be more likely to share.
- The second half of verse 17 tells us that God does not change like shifting shadows. The rewards that Satan offers us through temptation are often fleeting and always temporary. We may get something we want in the short term (like a fish getting a worm), but in the long term we have been “hooked” and there will be consequences for our sin.
- Answers will vary but possibility include avoiding things or places that we know we will tempt us. For example, if you know you tend to overeat, then an all-you-can-eat buffet is not the best restaurant choice to avoid temptation. We can also use technology to help us avoid temptation. For example, if you have struggled with pornography, you can set filters on your phone to limit the types of images and videos that can be displayed without entering a passcode. For extra accountability, you can let a trusted friend or family member set the passcode.
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
