1. UNDERSTAND HOW TEMPTATION WORKS (GEN.3:1-6)
Step 1: A Wrong Desire inside me (James 1:14-15)
Step 2: Doubt God's Word – "Did God really say . . . not to do this?"
Step 3: Deception – "It's no big deal" I believe Satan's LIE
Step 4: DISOBEDIENCE – I'm hooked & defeated
2. KNOW WHAT MAKES ME VULNERABLE (TO SIN)
"Do not give the devil a foothold." Eph. 4:27
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Pr. 4:23
| Physically Exhausted
Discouraged/ Pessimistic Bored / Discontented Spiritually Dry /Empty Lonely/ Distant Insecure / Unsure Deeply wounded/ hurt Holding onto Unforgiveness Sad or Grieving a loss Frustrated | 0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 | Energetic / In shape
Encouraged / Optimistic Challenged / Contented Spiritually growing Feel loved / Close Confident & Secure Understood / Valued Have Forgiven everyone Feel Happy Fulfilled & Productive |
TOTAL:
ACTION PLAN: Focus on 2 of your lowest scores above and take steps toward raising the score 2 points. This may involve counseling (saddleback.com/counseling), Celebrate Recovery (celebraterecovery.com), the Daniel Plan (saddleback.com/danielplan), or one of Saddleback's other ministries (saddleback.com and click on Care). If you haven't shared this area with a trusted friend before, letting them know will go far to boost your score!
3. LEARN MY PATTERN OF TEMPTATION
"The wise man looks ahead. A fool tries to fool himself and won't face facts." Pr. 14:8 (LB)
- WHEN am I most tempted?
- WHERE am I most tempted?
- WHO is with me when I'm most tempted?
- WHAT temporary benefit do I get if I give in?
- HOW do I feel right before I'm tempted?
4. PLAN TO AVOID THOSE SITUTATIONS!
"Plan carefully what you do . . . Avoid evil and walk straight ahead.
Don't go one step off the right way." Pr. 4:26-27 (TEV)
5. CRY OUT TO GOD AND QUOTE SCRIPTURES!
"Call to me when trouble comes and I will save you . . ." Ps. 50:15 (TEV)
"(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for he faced the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to . . . our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and grace to help us when we need it." Heb. 4:15-16 (NLT)
"I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so that I won't sin." Psalm 119:11 (The Message)
ACTION PLAN: Choose 5 verses from this outline and try to memorize one each day this week.
6. REFOCUS MY ATTENTION ON SOMETHING ELSE
"Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good." Rom. 12:21 (GW)
"We capture every thought . . . and we make it obey Christ!" 2 Cor. 10:5 (NCV)
7. JOIN A SMALL GROUP FOR SUPPORT
"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage each other all the more." Heb. 10:25 (TEV)
"Admit your faults to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." James 5:16 (LB)
ACTION PLAN:Click here to join a small group, or click here to start a small group.
8. ENLIST ONE FRIEND TO SHARE MY STRUGGLE
"Two are better than one, because together . . . if one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls . . . there's no one to help him." Eccl. 4:9-10 (TEV)
"By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ." Gal. 6:2 (NCV)
9. REMEMBER GOD IS ON MY SIDE!
"When temptations come into your life remember that they're no different from what others commonly experience. And God is faithful. He will never let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. Also when you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will be able withstand it." 1 Cor 10:13
"We give thanks to God because he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" 1 Cor. 15:57
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship features an interview with Danny Duchene on how God brings hope no matter the circumstance. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here.
