July 14, 2024
Temptation Pt. 2 | Matt. 4:1-11
Is God Testing Me?
We’re halfway through our study of Jesus’ three temptations. One aspect that often goes unnoticed about this event is His incredible restraint. Such humility! In a situation that might suggest a dramatic "clash of the Titans" with lightning bolts and grandiose speeches, Jesus' response to Satan’s second temptation is remarkably succinct—just one line. Talk about understated! How might humility influence the way you resist temptation?
Songs for this week: Spotify
- Recall a time when you felt like God failed you. Share that story.
- On a scale of 1-10, how important is it to you that people respect you? How do you handle disrespect from others?
- Satan quotes the Bible! What steps can Christians take to ensure they don’t misuse the truths of the Bible?
- Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6, which references a story in Exodus 17. Find that story. Explain how God experienced that as a test of His goodness and why that was a problem.
- Are you testing God in your life with conditional statements like, “God, if you do this, then I’ll do that”? What might be a better approach to the difficult situations you face?
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Recent Sermons
Discover how staying connected to Jesus—the true vine—produces lasting spiritual fruit. Learn how a simple Rule of Life, shaped by practices like prayer, Scripture, sabbath, solitude, community, and service, helps us remain rooted in Him.
Mark 2:17 - Jesus came to call sinners—those who know they miss the mark. Following him begins with humility and self-awareness, not perfection.
Matthew 26:36-39 - Christian practices like prayer and Sabbath quiet the noise so we can hear God’s voice and face the deeper emotions He invites us to heal.
Mark 1:35 - Jesus modelled a life of restraint and rhythm, showing us how to live with peace and purpose even amid urgency through the practices he shared.
Luke 6:39-49 - Jesus reminds us that we all have teachers shaping us. Some lead us astray, but when we follow him, we learn to live as we were truly meant to.
Romans 12:1-2 - Jesus’ invitation is to follow him: to be with him, become like him, and do what he did. We surrender control to Jesus, resist the pattern of the world that shapes us, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
