How To Win Over Temptation | James Pt 2 | LifeGroup Study Guide

May 15, 2022 | by Mike Prah

LIFEGROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

HOW TO WIN OVER TEMPTATIONS
JAMES: PRACTICAL GRACE-FILLED LIVING SERIES - Part 2 of 10
James 1:12-18 | Week of May 15, 2022| Mike Prah

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SERMON OVERVIEW

The oldest problem in the world is temptation. It started with Adam and Eve. They were defeated by temptation and had to endure pain & hardship. As Oscar Wilde (Irish poet) said, "Sometimes I can resist everything except temptation." That may be true of many of us. In this study guide, we will discuss how to overcome temptation

A. OPEN YOUR SESSION WITH PRAYER

B. ICE BREAKER

Take time to share what's going on in your life, testimonies, or upcoming events. Recognize birthdays and anniversaries. And/or select Icebreaker questions to discuss.

C. BIBLE DISCUSSION: PICK THE POINTS YOU WANT TO DISCUSS

I. REVIEWING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What fresh insight did you learn from the sermon?

(b). What Bible verse cited in the message stands out to you the most? Why?

II: PERSONALIZING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What did you hear that encouraged or reassured you?

(b). How did the message increase your love for God or Jesus Christ?

III: ENCOURAGING APPLICATION OF THE SERMON

(a). If we diligently apply the message, what effect would it have on your personal lives and walk with Christ?

D: DIGGING DEEPER

1. I CAN OVERCOME TEMPTATION BY BEING REALISTIC!

"When you are tempted..." James 1:13a (NLT)

"Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because He was tempted in every way that we are. But He did not sin!" Hebrews 4:15 (CEV)

Pastor Mike mentioned that we will be tempted just because we are human. The more committed you are to Christ, the more you're going to be tempted. What reasons to trust God does Hebrews 4:15 passage offer you?

2. I CAN OVERCOME TEMPTATION BY BEING RESPONSIBLE!

"When you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else." James 4:13 (NLT)

Some pitfalls we face are (1) denying our vulnerability to temptation and (2) failing to take responsibility for our actions. What do you think might happen if we are not realistic about the things that tempt us and do not take personal responsibility?

3. I CAN OVERCOME TEMPTATION BY BEING READY

"Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed … Don't be deceived." James 1:14,16a (NIV)

Pastor Mike mentioned that: Temptation is when we abuse and misuse the good things that God has given us. Temptation is fulfilling a legitimate desire in the wrong way, wrong time, or wrong amount.

What does this teaching mean to you? What are some of our natural human desires does Satan tempts us to fulfill in illegitimate ways to harm us?

4 STEPS THE DEVIL USES TO TEMPT US — 4Ds

"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death." James 1:14-15 (NLT)

Desire | 2. Deception | 3. Disobedience | 4. Death (Separation from God)

What does this teaching mean to you?

4. I CAN OVERCOME TEMPTATION BY REFOCUSING

"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens." James 1:17 (NLT)

Pastor Mike mentioned the Principle of Replacement. You get rid of a wrong thought by replacing it with a good one. Essentially, you reprogram your mind with new, honorable thought patterns based on God's Word to defeat the temptation, addiction, or stronghold.

In way ways do our thoughts affect our ability to overcome temptations?
What do we need to focus on to overcome temptation?

"Submit yourselves completely to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you." James 4:7-8 (GN+ NCV)

According to James 4:7-8, how can you resist the devil and cause him to run away from you?

F. ADDITIONAL STUDY

Reflect on each Scripture passage below and be encouraged by God's promises and resources to support you overcome temptation and the devil. Share 1 or 2 that encourages you to draw closer to God.

"God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13b (NIV)

"Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18 (NLT)

"The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

"God said to me: "My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak." I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. 10 I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (GN)

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" Matthew 6:13 (NIV)

"Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked people. I will rescue you from their cruel hands" Jeremiah 15:21 (NLT)

E. PRAYER TIME - PRAYER POINTS

Pray for each LifeGroup member to respond positively to this message and follow through in the application.
Ask for prayer requests and pray for the individual needs of your group.
Closing Prayer

THANKS FOR COMING! INVITE FRIENDS & COME BACK NEXT WEEK! PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANYONE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR MEETING. GOD BLESS YOU!