The Bridge Week 2 Discussion Guide

March 9, 2025 11:18 PM

Summary

This sermon focuses on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4) and explores how we can stand firm in faith during our own times of testing. The pastor draws parallels between Jesus' 40 days of temptation and our own wilderness experiences - periods of waiting, hardship, or feeling distant from God. Using the song 'Not Today' by Hillsong as a framework, the sermon examines how Jesus responded to three distinct temptations from Satan by relying on Scripture and maintaining unwavering trust in God's plan rather than taking shortcuts.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word and the lessons from Jesus' time in the wilderness, open our hearts to Your truth. Help us to be honest with one another about our own struggles and temptations, and guide our discussion so that we might grow stronger in our faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the longest you've ever had to wait for something you really wanted, and how did you handle the waiting?

Key Verses

  • Luke 4:1-13 
  • Deuteronomy 8:3 
  • Deuteronomy 6:13 
  • Deuteronomy 6:16 
  • Ephesians 6:17

    • Questions

    1. What does the wilderness represent in your own spiritual journey?  
    2. How do you typically respond when facing temptation? 
    3. What can we learn from Jesus' responses?  
    4. Why do you think the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness before His ministry began?  
    5. Which of the three temptations Jesus faced do you find most relatable to your own life, and why?  
    6. How does Scripture serve as a weapon against temptation in your life?  
    7. What are some modern-day 'shortcuts' that Satan might offer us instead of following God's path?  
    8. How can we distinguish between God's testing and Satan's temptation?  
    9. What practical steps can we take to 'hold steady' in our faith during difficult times?

    Life Application

    This week, identify one area where you're tempted to take shortcuts or control outcomes rather than trusting God's timing. Each time you face this temptation, respond by speaking a relevant Scripture verse out loud and declaring 'Not today' to that temptation.

    Key Takeaways

  • Being led by the Spirit doesn't mean avoiding difficulty - sometimes God leads us into testing to strengthen us  
  • True faith doesn't demand signs but rests in trust  
  • Scripture is our most powerful weapon against temptation  
  • Shortcuts and easy paths often lead us away from God's best plan  
  • We can stand firm because Jesus has already overcome

    • Ending Prayer

    Lord God, thank You for Jesus' example of standing firm in the face of temptation. Give us the strength to declare 'Not today' to the enemy's schemes and to trust in Your perfect timing and plan. Help us to rely on Your Word as our defense and to remember that through Christ, we too can overcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.