LG Questions :: 03/13/2011

03/13/2011 :: Ken DePeal
"Deception" Series :: For Further Consideration

Read John 10:10, Ephesians 6:10-13, and John 8:44. What do all these Scriptures have to say about our Enemy, and how we are to think of him and respond to him?

Read 1st Corinthians 10:13. Pastor Ken talked about temptation being universal, limited, and overcomeable. What did you learn/what was affirmed as you heard him speak about these points?

"Temptation is not the same as sin." How would you best distinguish between temptation and sin?

Read 1st Peter 5:8. What does Peter make clear about our Enemy's intentions for us?

Read Luke 4:1-13, then consider...

:: Previous to chapter 4, what had just happened?

:: How did Jesus end up in the desert?

:: What was the purpose of this desert experience?

:: What were the three temptations Jesus faced, and how did he respond each time?


If Jesus was tempted physically, spiritually, and psychologically, do you think we will be, too? And while we're thinking of it, when is Satan most likely to tempt us? Pastor Ken shared a few - when we're physically drained, when we're waiting on God, etc. - what others did he mention, and what others would you add?


Read Hebrews 4:12. What does this verse indicate about the Word? Why is the Word so uniquely powerful and insightful?


Why is it so important to know the Word of God? In fact, why was it so important in Luke 4, when Jesus quoted Scripture to the Devil?


Why do you think most people don't give the regular reading of God's Word a higher priority in their lives?


When people say they're "too busy" to read God's Word, do you buy that? What do you think - are people really too busy to spend time in God's Word? What's the real problem?


Have you ever had success with consistently reading God's Word? Take a moment and share some insights with your group. Encourage each other with some ways to make God's Word a higher priority personally and as a group.


Pastor Ken asked the church to "commit to the consistent reading of God's Word." Did you make a commitment? If so, what do you think that will look like? What are your goals/objectives as a result?


IN CLOSING :: Ask God to help us - privately and corporately - to make the reading of his Word a higher priority. Ask God to enliven the Words of Scripture, so that they might take root in our hearts as we seek to avoid the deceptions of the Enemy.