July 21, 2024
Temptation Pt. 3 | Matt. 4:1-11
What’s Wrong with Shortcuts?
Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness happened at the hands of an enemy who wanted to derail him … and who now wants to destroy us. We need to be aware of this enemy’s presence, stay alert to his methods, and learn how to avoid them.
Songs for this week: Spotify
- In what ways does our culture minimize or make light of the devil and his strategies?
- What is your view of the devil? Skeptical? Curious? Avoidant? Fearful? Why?
- The devil offered an easy way to the kingdom Jesus had come for. Explain the problem with the devil’s shortcut. Where do you see people taking those kinds of shortcuts today?
- The tempter came to Jesus when he was isolated in the wilderness. When are you most vulnerable to temptation?
- What is the enemy whispering most often to you these days? What Scripture would help you turn to Jesus in those moments?
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Recent Sermons
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.
Mark 1:16-18 -We begin our series on Practicing the Way—exploring how Jesus’ rhythms of prayer, fasting, solitude, and Sabbath invite ordinary people to grow in grace and intimacy with God
Acts 17:16-34 -Paul shares the hope of Jesus in everyday language, guiding seekers toward truth and showing where their search for God had gone astray.
Acts 13:1-5 -The first Christians had small groups! They knew, because Jesus modelled it, that we’re much better in groups than we are as individuals. The group that gathered in Antioch was diverse, zoned in on Jesus and figuring out how to be outward-facing. Your own group will want all that and more!
