Standing Firm

Intro: What is something you want to do before you get old?

Study

  1. Eph 6:13, Gal 5:1 God has called us to stand firm, to live in freedom from falling back into old temptations, and living a life of secret sin.
    1. Acts 26:20 Freedom from falling into temptation starts with genuine repentance, humility, openness to authority, and then lifestyle change.
      1. 2 Cor 5:17 After we break the cycle of falling back into temptation, we must then change how we live in order to remain standing firm.
      2. Hos 4:6 We need to use wisdom in how we live our lives, what we allow in our lives, and who we choose to let in our lives.
    2. Matt 15:8 Many people come to God when they feel the guilt of sin, but don’t follow it up with sincere genuine life change.
  2. Mt 4:1-11, 1 Cor 11:1 Jesus gave us the greatest example of standing firm in the midst of temptation, we should follow his example.
    1. Mt 4:1-3 The devil came at Jesus and tempted him in a weak area, because Jesus had not eaten for 40 days, he was tempted with bread.
      1. Gen 39:7-12 Everyone has weak areas, we need to know what our weak areas are, and run away, rather than just assume we won’t fall.
      2. Mt 4:4,7,10 Jesus resisted these 3 temptations and responded each time by speaking scripture to satan.
    2. Mt 4:11, James 4:7 Because Jesus persevered in standing firm, the devil left Jesus alone for a while, we need to persevere and stand firm!

Discussion

  1. Why do you think many people come to God when they feel the guilt of sin, but are unwilling to change how they live?
  2. Why do you think so many people fall back into the very temptation they want to be free from?
  3. Why is it important to know what our weak areas are? Why should we run from the situations that cause us to fall, rather than stay and assume we will be ok?
  4. What is your strategy to stand firm in your battle against temptation? Are there any changes you need to make in your personal life to help you stand firm?

End: Pray for any who need to repent tonight, pray for those who want to stand firm against temptations, then take requests.