Message Notes for July 14, 2024

Series: Gains and Losses

Title: Winning Over Temptation

Living as a Christian is hard. It will take discipline, common sense, support and God’s strength to overcome, but it is possible.

Main Text:

1 Corinthians 10:1-22 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? …

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 The importance of discipline in facing temptation.

Matthew 7:21-27 The critical nature of doing the will of God.

The battle of sin!

Help comes in our unity with Christ!

We can flee!

We can be sensible!

We can judge!

We can follow the example of others unified in Christ!

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of July 14, 2024

Series: Gains and Losses

Title: Winning Over Temptation

· How would you describe your ability to overcome temptation? What areas of temptation are the hardest for you to overcome? What steps do you take when confronted with temptation?

· Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 10.

– How is Paul relating the experience of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and wilderness experience with those of the Corinthian Christians?

– What were some of the temptations that the Israelites faced and sins they committed that kept them from entering the promised land?

– Paul is once again relating the union that takes place when food is offered to idols and the union that takes place when we eat at the Lord’s table in Holy Communion. He says you can’t have both demons and Christ in you. If you are in union with Christ, how does Paul describe this as a help against temptation? Read Hebrews 4:15. How does Jesus understand your temptations and help you through your temptations?

– What is the meaning of vs. 12? How is pride a trap to failing with temptation?

– What steps are necessary for vs. 13 to be applied in times of temptation? If this passage is true, why do we so often not consider it?

– In vs. 13-14, why is this such an effective strategy for overcoming temptation? How have you applied it in your life?

· Read 1 Corinthians 11:1. When have Christian friends been a source of strength for you against temptation? Describe! Read James 5:16. Why is confession so powerful?

· Read Matthew 7:21-27. What is Jesus saying in this passage? Why is it important to consider and follow the way of Christ in our lives? How does this relate to the discipline it takes to battle temptation? What does building on the rock of Christ look like for you and your family?

· Since we can be forgiven when we confess our sin (1 John 1:9), Paul’s main concern was the drift away from Christ that continual sin and temptation can have on our lives. How do you see this to be true?

· Gather with each other and pray for your walk with Christ and the desire to cling to Christ in times of temptation.