Pre-Decide – Overcoming Temptation

When faced with __________ (temptation),
I have pre-decided ___________ (to take this action).

When faced with finishing the race,
I have pre-decided to put up some guardrails.

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Key Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Galatians 6:7 (NLT)

7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

Psalms 111:10 (NLT)

10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

Proverbs 19:23 (NLT)

23 Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

Proverbs 22:4 (NLT)

4 True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Matthew 26:40 (NLT)

40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?

Matthew 5:28-30 (NLT)

28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• Name a temptation that used to be a stronghold in your life that you have victory over today?  How did you finally overcome it?

Start sharing. These questions are to help get your group thinking and to create openness.

• Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.  According to Pastor Troy, what’s the good news and the bad news about temptation?  Why is a desire to stop sinning a prerequisite for overcoming temptation?
• How does the fear of God motivate you to overcome temptation and stop sinning? 
• Is the fear of God a good thing or a bad thing?  Read Galatians 6:7, Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 19:23 and Proverbs 22:4 for reference.  Are love for God and fear of God mutually exclusive motivations?
• Read Matthew 26:40.  How does prayer help us overcome temptation?  Have you noticed an added strength to your faith during 21 Days of Prayer? 
• Read Matthew 5:28-30.  Was Jesus teaching self mutilation?  If not, what was his point?  Are you taking sin and holiness that seriously in your life?
• Pastor Troy mentioned some pre-decisions he has made to finish the race.  Discuss some pre-decisions you’ve made to stay pure, stay faithful, stay sober or guard your tongue.
• How can we help and support each other to follow through on our pre-decisions and overcome temptation? 

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Pre-decide to set up guardrails in your life to help you overcome temptation.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

• Ask God to help you overcome temptations in your life and to help you to pre-decide to stick to those commitments.  Join with your Small Group and others in the 21 Days of Prayer at Generations Church on-site or online.

Start digging. For further study.

• Read this Got Questions article,“How does God provide the way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)?”

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