Breaking the Cycle

Intro: What is a good habit you are trying to set in your life right now?

Study

  1. 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Tim 2:22 Many youth and young adults feel they can’t break the cycle of falling into temptation, getting up, and falling once again into the same temptations.
    1. Gal 5:1 In our last lesson, we discussed how undefeated temptations become addictions, in this lesson we share how to break the cycle, defeating sin and addiction.
      1. John 8:44 The devil will tell you that its hopeless, you cannot get out of the sin, and that you will never break the cycle of falling back into temptation, but this is a lie.
      2. Matt 19:26, 2 Cor 3:17 We must first understand that God wants us to break the cycle of falling back into temptation, and his plan to defeat temptation never fails.
    2. James 2:26 Many times people try to overcome temptation on their own without God, or they want God to take it away, but are unwilling to let go of the sin themselves.
  2. Acts 26:20, James 5:16 Breaking the cycle of sin starts with complete repentance to God, then sharing the sin with a pastor who can guide you through the process to victory.
    1. 2 Cor 6:14+17 Gods process will include getting out of all sinful relationships, letting go of wrong friends, and exposing the private environment that leads you to temptation.
      1. Prov 26:11 Many times we want free from the cycle of falling back into sin, but are unwilling to let go of the wrong relationships, or change the environment that led to sin
      2. 2 Chron 7:14 Many people come to God when they feel the guilt after the sin, but are unwilling to really walk out Gods process to break the cycle.
    2. 1 Cor 9:27, Heb 10:25 To maintain victory over the cycle of sin, we need to continue to fight our flesh, be in church and cell groups regularly,then pray and read the bible daily.

Discussion

  1. Why do you think so many people want to be free from a lifestyle of sin, but feel they are unable to let go of the wrong relationships or environments that lead to those sins?
  2. Why is it so important that we repent to God, and surrender to him, but we then do our part, choosing to expose sinful environments, and get out of wrong relationships?
  3. Who has a testimony of a sin you now have victory over that once was a temptation you thought you couldn’t break free from? When and how did God set you free?
  4. Is there anyone here tonight who is struggling to break the cycle of falling back into old sin and temptations? What steps do you need to take to break the cycle?

End: Pray for anyone who wants to have victory over the cycle of falling back into sin and temptation, offer to lead people through the sinners prayer, then take requests.