Behind the Curtain, Part 4: “Important vs Immediate”
January 30, 2022

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Message Review

The first way Jesus was tempted was to meet a legitimate need in a way that was disobedient to his Father. The second way Jesus was tempted was to manipulate his Father to act on his behalf instead of cooperating with Him and His plans and purposes. This week, we see that Jesus was tempted to sacrifice what was ultimately important for what was immediately gratifying. If Jesus was tempted to sin in this way, we can guarantee that we will be too. But hidden behind that curtain of temptation is the question, “who will I worship?”

Main Point | Hidden behind the curtain of temptation to sin is the question, “who will I worship?”

Scripture References | Matthew 4:8-10, Deuteronomy 6:10-15, Matthew 4:8-11

Challenge Question | In regard to your biggest temptation, what will glorify God?

Questions

  • Let’s review. Define 1) Sin, 2) Temptation and 3), Immediate gratification.

  • Take time to really think through the following questions and write down your answers: 1) Where are you most tempted to sin? 2) What are the internal temptations that pull you off course? 3) What times in your daily calendar are you tempted to sin? 4) Who in your life tempts you to sin? 5) What places or practices offer you more temptation?

  • Read James 1:14-15. What is the author saying in this passage? What do you think James means when he uses the term death?

  • How do you feel after giving into temptation? Why do you give in to your temptations? How does it correlate with immediate gratification? How does it correlate to who or what you worship?

  • Read Matthew 4:8-11. How did Jesus defeat this temptation? What would it look like for you to handle your temptation in the same way?

  • Do you want to be free? Do you want to find peace? What changes in your routine or those you have surrounded you with, do you need to make a change?

Next Step Challenge

Who or what is Lord over your life? Hidden behind the curtain of temptation to sin is the question, “who will I worship?” In every temptation, we will either worship God or something or someone else. Who will you worship? This week, when tempted, ask “what will glorify God?” When asking that question, you will be immediately provided the answer.

Yearly Bible Plan

  • Monday: Luke 21-22

  • Tuesday: Luke 23-24

  • Wednesday: John 1-3

  • Thursday: John 4-5

  • Friday: John 6-7

  • Saturday: John 8-9

  • Sunday: John 10-11

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