Pause, Part 1

Forty-One Days

INTRODUCTION:
Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to turn away from temptation? What is it that leads you to keep making the same poor choices? Could it be that the reason you find temptation so, well, tempting is that you've never paused to think about what is at stake? In this session we will discuss what really hangs in the balance when you are faced with temptation.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Read Matthew 3:16-4:1. What was at stake when Jesus was tempted?

1.) Why do we tend to minimize what is at stake when we are tempted?
2.) Share an example of a time in your life when your response to temptation impacted your future?
3.) How have you seen an individuals poor choices impact the lives of others?
4.) How does temptation affect your faith?
5.) How does it help to keep the consequences in mind when you are faced with temptation?

THINK ABOUT IT:
There is always more at stake than we think. If you're young, you have a lot of future at stake. If you are old, you have a lot of legacy at stake. If you are in between, you have both a future and a legacy at stake. When you are tempted, what is on the line? WHAT WILL YOU DO?When faced with temptation this week, commit to pause and say the following, "Temptation, you're not going to steal my future. You're not going to steal my family. You're not going to steal my faith."
CHANGING YOUR MIND:
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:14