Beginning of Lent

Dealing with Temptation

Going to the Desert
Read Matthew 4: 1-11
1) When Jesus goes into the desert, it says that he fasts for 40 days and nights. Why does Jesus fast? What does or can fasting do for us? What experiences have you had with fasting? Have you ever felt closer to God when fasting? Why would fasting bring us closer to God?

2) Scripture says that as a result of fasting, Jesus was famished? What does that mean? Why do you think that the tempter or devil appeared at this point? Do you ever feel like bad things happen to you at the worst possible times? Have you ever thought that the “tempter” knows when you are at your weakest?

3) The “tempter” begins to tempt Jesus, first by coming at his hunger, his most immediate weakness. How does Jesus respond to him? What does this mean? What does this mean for you in your efforts against temptation?

4) The “tempter” then asks Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the Temple in order to show that he is the Son of God. How does Jesus respond? What does this mean? What does this mean for you in your efforts against temptation?

5) The “tempter” then tempts Jesus with power and control. Do you think this is tempting in our day and age? How does Jesus respond? What does this mean? What does this mean for you in your efforts against temptation? What are some of the things that people worship other than God?

6) When the devil leaves, what happens? Have you ever felt the comfort of something good when you have been through a tough time?

How the “tempter” works
Read 1 Peter 5: 6-8
1) This verse paints the devil as a lion on the prowl. What does a lion on the prowl look like? So how should you expect temptation to present itself to you?

2) What do you have available to you to help fight temptation?

Read 1 Peter 5: 9-11
3) What does scripture promise us if we stay strong against temptation? How does that make you feel?

Going to the Desert with Jesus
This Season of Lent offers you great opportunity to walk with Jesus in the Desert sharpening your defenses against the evil one. During Lent we are called to withdraw from selfish wants (Sacrifice), give talent, time, and resources to worthy causes (Almsgiving), and to serve the poor (Acts of Mercy). We are called to set aside us for a little while and grow with Christ towards the needs of others.

1) During this season of Lent, how are you going to sacrifice yourself?
2) During this season of Lent, how are you going to practice almsgiving?
3) During this season of Lent, how are you going to practice acts of mercy?