Legacy Adult Enrichment

Date: March 20-21, 2010
Sermon Title: Prayer: “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
Sermon Text: Matthew 6:13a

Sermon Review: The Lord’s Prayer was given as part of the Sermon on the Mount.  But do you know what had just occurred in the Lord’s life right prior to this wonderful teaching? Jesus had just been led into the wilderness for 40 days where on the one hand He experienced a trial and test and on the other He was being “tempted” by Satan.  So with this fresh on His mind, He implored His followers to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.”  Meaning, we should pray, “Father don’t give us a trial that is going to become an irresistible temptation but rather deliver us from any trial that would bring evil on us as a natural consequence.

Ice Breaker

• What is one of your “guilty pleasures”?

Exploring the Text

• Read James 1:13-15. What is the difference between God testing us and the temptations we all face?
• Why can’t God be tempted by evil?
• What is our role in temptation? What is Satan’s role?
• In your own words, how would you describe what we learn here about the process of temptation? How have you seen it play out in your life?
• What are some ways to cut off that process before the desire becomes sin?
• Which of those strategies are most or least effective for you?
• Read v. 18. How does the birth/death imagery here and in v. 15 add to your understanding of temptation?

Challenge

• Is “Lead me not into temptation” part of your daily prayer life? Make a conscious effort to pray that prayer earnestly every day this week. Repeat it often throughout the day, especially when temptations come.

Daily Devotionals
Theme: As we also have forgiven our debtors
Main Text: Matthew 6:12b, 14-15

Monday – Ephesians 4:31-32. We have received much grace and forgiveness in Christ. Where might you be without that forgiveness? What actions reveal that we have not forgiven another? How can you extend compassion/forgiveness today?
Gracious God, thank You for Your forgiveness. Help me remove all malice from my heart and replace it with compassion and forgiveness

 

 Daily Devo: 3-15-2010 [1:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Daily Devotionals
Theme: As we also have forgiven our debtors
Main Text: Matthew 6:12b, 14-15

Tuesday – Colossians 4:12-13. As God’s chosen people, we are to clothe ourselves with His character. Are you wearing these traits, even in difficult relationships? Which of these traits/clothes do you need to pull out of the closet and don again? How does that help you forgive?

Compassionate God, thank You for choosing me to be yours. Help us wear Your character, to love and forgive one another, all to Your glory.

 

 Daily Devo: Tue 3-16-10 [1:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Daily Devotionals
Theme: As we also have forgiven our debtors
Main Text: Matthew 6:12b, 14-15

Wednesday – Hebrews 12:14-15. Failing to extend grace to others may cause trouble and defile many. How does one live in peace with all men without forgiveness? How does forgiveness stunt the growth of a bitter root?
Holy God, help me forgive others, to extend grace. Remove and destroy any bitter roots in my life, that others may see You and Your grace.

 

 Daily Devo: Wed 3-17-10 [1:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Daily Devotionals
Theme: As we also have forgiven our debtors
Main Text: Matthew 6:12b, 14-15

Thursday – 1 John 2:9-11. Our unforgiving, hateful heart causes us to fumble in the darkness and miss living in the light. How does our failure to forgive others blind us to God’s Truth and direction?  How can you walk in the light again?
Revealing God, forgive me for staying in darkness, for hating my brother and refusing Your ways. Help me love; help me live in Your light.

 

 Daily Devo: Thu 3-18-10 [1:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Daily Devotionals
Theme: As we also have forgiven our debtors
Main Text: Matthew 6:12b, 14-15

Friday – Mark 11:25. Our unforgiving heart hinders our prayers to our Father. Who do you need to forgive, right now, before you pray any further?
Forgiving Father, please forgive me for not forgiving.  I forgive today.

 

 Daily Devo: 3-19-10 [1:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download