Message #16 | “Being Tempted by the Devil” | Luke 4:1-13
Todd Dugard | March 2, 2014
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WARMING UP
1. Brainstorm a list of the most common temptations for the average person today. How do
you think this list is similar and dissimilar to one from 50 or 100 years ago?
2. Billy Sunday said, “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening
the door and inviting him in.” Discuss this statement. Can you clearly differentiate
temptation from actual sin? Unpack this with a practical example.
DIGGING IN
3. What should you do when being tempted by the devil? Don’t be like Jesus . . .
§ Don’t face your temptation alone (4:1a). What reasons might a person give for trying
to overcome temptation or deal with sin without any help? Why is this a bad plan?
What does James 5:16 say about this?
§ Don’t set yourself up to be tempted (4:2a). In what situations are you often more
vulnerable to the devil’s attacks? Why? What should we do instead?
4. What should you do when being tempted by the devil? Be like Jesus . . .
§ Be filled with the Spirit (4:1b). What are the differences between Spirit filling and
Spirit baptism? How can Spirit filling come and go in our lives? How does Spirit
filling manifest itself in our lives?
§ Understand your own weakness (4:2b). Are you willing to admit your own weakness?
Are you aware of the specific temptations that are most likely to trip you up?
§ Recognize the devil’s schemes (4:3, 5-7, 9-11). Pastor Todd said, “Everything the
devil says and does is meant to undermine your understanding of who God says
you are and of your trust in his provision and his love for you.” What does this
mean? How does this fit with the description of Satan in John 8:44b? How have you
seen this in your life?
§ Apply the Word of God (4:4, 8, 12). What does the fact that Jesus himself used
Scripture to refute the devil suggest about our response to temptation? How does
Psalm 119:9-11 reinforce this truth? To what extent is God’s Word a regular
weapon in your battle with Satan?
§ Know that temptation will come again (4:13). What happens when we let our guard
down and become complacent toward the devil? How can we be more vigilant in
resisting temptation?
BREAKING OUT
5. Which area of temptation are you struggling with the most right now?
Be as authentic, transparent, and vulnerable as you can. Pastor Todd
shared the MAP approach to resisting temptation: Moral fences,
Accountable relationships, and Personal disciplines. Which do you
need to bolster in order to overcome Satan’s attack?