LG Sermon Guide: Mar 20-26
filed in Life Group Sermon Guide on Mar.19, 2010
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.
