Temptation
We all experience desires and temptations that pull us away from what God wants for us. While the world encourages us to satisfy every desire, Scripture reminds us that not everything we do is helpful, and anything we continually give ourselves to can eventually control us. Temptation does not come from God, but His love and grace meet us in our struggle. Through Jesus, we are forgiven, made new, and given the strength to pursue what honors God rather than simply what satisfies us in the moment.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Leader Note: This section is designed to get the discussion started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must be comfortable discussing Scripture and how it applies to their lives.
Reminder: Leaders we will not be discussing sex in the guide as it can be a difficult topic to navigate in a group setting. We want to be cautious to keep life group a safe place and not introduce topics that are too hard to handle in a group setting. The goal is to introduce the struggle between immediate satisfaction and what is ultimately best for us and then move into a deeper conversation about temptation and desire.
Appetizer
What is something silly you have a hard time enjoying in moderation or somehow it always turns into more than you intended: snacks, games, scrolling, television, or something else?
Main Course
1 Corinthians 10:13
• What does this verse say is true about the temptations we face and how does that challenge the way we think about our own temptations?
• What do you think it means that God will “provide the way of escape’? What might that look like in real life?
• Think about a temptation people commonly face. What might the “way of escape” look like before it turns to sin? Where might God be providing an escape for you, in an area where you regularly face temptation?
Leader Note: Temptation is something everyone experiences, but God is faithful. He will not leave us alone in the struggle. The way out may look different depending on the situation; it could be walking away, changing a habit, setting a boundary, praying, or asking someone we trust for help.
James 1:13-15
• According to this passage, where does temptation come from, and not come from? Why does the distinction matter?
• When does this passage say we are tempted?
• Why do you think James describes the progression step by step? How can recognizing that help us when we are tempted?
Leader Note: Temptation does not come from God. It begins when our desires pull us away from Him. When those desires go unchecked, they can lead to sin and painful consequences.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• What does Paul say is true about the bodies of those who belong to Christ?
• Why does Paul connect belonging to God with what we do with our bodies?
• How might remembering that you belong to God change the way you respond when something we desire conflicts with what honors Him?
Leader Note: Our bodies belong to God and are temples of the Holy Spirit. Remembering that Jesus paid the price for our freedom can help us choose what honors God rather than simply what satisfies us in the moment.
Dessert - Optional Deeper Dive:
1 Corinthians 6:12-13
• What does Paul mean when he says, “I will not be mastered by anything”? How is being free to do something different from being controlled by it?
• Why is simply being allowed to do something not enough to make it a good choice? Can you think of an example of this? What might be some signs that something is beginning to take control?
Leader Note: Just because we are free to do something does not mean it is helpful or good for us. God created us for more than satisfying every desire, and freedom in Christ means we do not have to be controlled by anything.
Turning Down the Heat – Action Step
This week, identify one temptation or desire that can pull you away from God. Before you face it, decide what your “way of escape” will be, praying, setting a boundary, changing a habit, walking away, or reaching out to someone you trust. When temptation comes, pause and ask; is this helping me honor God, or is it beginning to control me?