CONNECT QUESTIONS- LEADER’S NOTES
Breaking Ground
1. Describe the reality of evil in the world. In others? In yourself? How does it manifest itself?
In our world where the access to information constantly reminds us there is evil all around us this
question should be a good discussion primer. Everyone is thinking about what evil is out there
and how can we correct it.
Additional Question: How can Christians today respond to evil differently than non-Christians?
2. Describe a time when you gave into temptation. How did you rationalize it? What were the
consequences of your choice?
This may be an awkward question for some to answer. However, this question may create some
commonality in your group because all people have rationalized their sin and have dealt with
consequences for their sin. One of the things sin does is make us feel we are the only one
committing that sin. This question may be a freeing question for people in your group to remind
them that they are not alone. When we can realize that we are not the only one struggling then it
allows our groups to connect closer together.
Digging Deeper
1. Read Matthew 6:13. In teaching his disciples and us to pray, Jesus thought it important to ask
God for deliverance from temptation and the evil one. How do you define temptation?
Sometimes we think of a spiritual concept, like temptation, different than the Bible defines it. The
point of this two part question is to help your group have more understanding about temptation.
Matthew 6:13 (ESV)
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
The Greek work translated as “temptation” is used many times in the New Testament, but is
translated by a variety of English words such as tempt, test, and trial. Read: Matthew 4:7, 26:41;
Luke 10:25; Acts 20:19; 2Corinthians 13:5; James 1:2. How do these verses broaden your
understanding of “temptation”?
Matthew 4:7 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Matthew 26:41 (ESV)
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the
flesh is weak.”
Luke 10:25 (ESV)
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to
inherit eternal life?”
Acts 20:19 (ESV)
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through
the plots of the Jews;
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)- In this verse “test yourselves” is a positive thing. The result of the
type of testing is to remember that Jesus Christ is in us. Like a car being tested to assure it’s
safety ability. This NOT saying that one should tempt himself/herself with sin. A recovering
alcoholic should not buy a bottle of whiskey to see if he is over his addiction.
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize
this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
James 1:2 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
2. Jesus knew about trials, temptations and the powers of Satan. Read Matthew 4:1-11. Note that
the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. What does Jesus’ experience with temptation teach you?
When was a time you were following God and the “evil one” tempted you?
A few things we can learn from Jesus’ experience with temptation:
1. We have commonality with him because he was tempted just like we have been.
2. The devil knows exactly where to tempt us. Jesus’ temptation will be different from ours, but
both very hard to resist.
3. In order to fight temptation we need to know and trust the Word of God. Jesus said no, but not
just on his own strength. He knew and trusted God and his words that he has spoken throughout
history.
4. Eventually, the temptation went away.
5. The angels ministered to him after the temptation. Sometimes we give into temptation because
it just feels better, but notice the comfort that Jesus received after he resisted. We receive more
happiness when we resist temptation than when we give into it.
Matthew 4:1-11 (ESV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after
fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If
you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered,
“It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and
said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and
“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the
world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down
and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
3. Read Matthew 26:36-39. Eric pointed out that Jesus taught us to pray for the very thing he would
not experience. What was the result of God’s answer to Jesus in the short term? In the long
term? Describe a time when a “No” from God later proved to be a greater “Yes”.
God’s answer to Jesus in the short term was “no”. Jesus had to suffer, but in the long term Jesus
has allowed us to fellowship and worship God forever which was our created purpose.
Matthew 26:36-39 (ESV)
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit
here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,
he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even
to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and
prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I
will, but as you will.”
4. Read Psalms 119:11; Romans 13:14; 2Timothy 2:22; James 4:7-8. The Psalmist, Paul, and
James give guidance as to how to experience God’s deliverance from the “evil one.” How have
some of these practices helped you? or When might they have been helpful if you had followed
these guidelines?
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Romans 13:14 (ESV)
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV)
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
James 4:7-8 (ESV)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to
God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts,
you double-minded.
Get Growing
1. Oftentimes we underestimate the power of the “evil one” to tempt or entice us, or we overestimate
our own power to resist the “evil one.” What steps can you take to rely on God to deliver you? To
strengthen your own resolve?
2.
Reflect on past week’s times of enticement or temptations. What did you do? How could your
reactions to the same temptations be more Godly given what you have learned this week?