Behind the Curtain, Part 3: “Cooperation or Manipulation”
January 23, 2022

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Message Review

God is a God of love, blessing, salvation, protection, and forgiveness. He only asks for our faith and trust in Him as He works in our lives. When we fall into temptation, we are faced with the choice to either manipulate God and try and force these things out of him or have faith in God by cooperating with Him. The question is, will you try and manipulate God or cooperate with God in the midst of temptation?

Main Point | The decision behind temptation is, “will I manipulate or cooperate?”

Scripture References | Matthew 4:7, Exodus 17:1-7, Deuteronomy 6:16-17, Matthew 4:5-7

Challenge Question | Do you try to manipulate God to act on your behalf, or do you strive to cooperate with him?

Questions

  • As you think about this week’s message, what stuck out to you the most? What questions do you still have?

  • Define and contrast manipulation and cooperation. Where have you seen each of these on display recently in your own life?

  • Read Exodus 17:1-7 and Deuteronomy 6:16-17. What are the contexts of these passages? What is being communicated? Do you see manipulation or cooperation? Now read Matthew 4:5-7 where Jesus is being tempted. How do you manipulation and cooperation in this passage?

  • Pastor Ronnie said “the real temptation for Jesus was to manipulate God to act on his behalf.” What would have been the downfall if Jesus took the path of manipulation instead of cooperation?

  • What are the differences in destinations between those who choose a life of manipulation verses those who choose a life of cooperation?

  • Now think about your own life and that temptation you deal with. Are you manipulating or cooperating? What have been and are the consequences of your choice in manipulation? What’s at stake? What are the benefits of cooperating?

Next Step Challenge

Do you want to take a step forward and put that temptation behind you? If so, Pastor Ronnie invited everyone to start surrendering every area of life by praying and saying, “not my will but yours be done.” Why? Because behind surrender is everything you need and want – God himself. This week, in the midst of that temptation, what will you do?

Yearly Bible Plan

  • Monday: Luke 6-7

  • Tuesday: Luke 8-9

  • Wednesday: Luke 10-11

  • Thursday: Luke 12-13

  • Friday: Luke 14-16

  • Saturday: Luke 17-18

  • Sunday: Luke 19-20

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.