DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS Our Mission: To win, build and send Department of Defense leaders to live for Jesus Christ

The Purpose Driven Life 10-14 November, 2003

LESSON # 10 – CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST (DAYS 26-28) INTRODUCTION  What do you think are the most common temptations that people in the Pentagon face? OBSERVATION/INTERPRETATION Note: This is the third lesson on Purpose # 3, “You Were Created to Become Like Christ.” Read Gen 3:1-13  Why is the serpent so crafty?  What was Adam’s role?  What did he ask Eve?  What was the effect of their sin?  What was her response? Warren says there is a pattern for temptation. (shown below) (pp. 203-204). How does the Garden of Eden case fit Warren's model? 1. Satan identifies the desire 3. Satan deceives 2. Satan plants the seed of doubt 4. We act on the thought.  What temptations today might start with, “Did God really say …?” Read Eph 6:10-18 Note: Although all the armor of God is important, we’re focusing on the value of some of the weapons as they relate to temptation.  According to Warren, we’re to resist the devil, not temptation. p. 210 How does the God’s armor help us do that?  What is the value of God's word in the battle to overcome temptation? Warren list several steps to overcome temptation. Which one works best for you? Why? 1. Refuse to be intimidated. p. 204 5. Reveal your struggle to others. p. 212 2. Recognize the temptation pattern and 6. Resist the devil. p. 214 prepare. p. 206 7. Realize vulnerability. p. 215 3. Request God's help. p. 207 8. Realize it takes time. pp. 217-223. 4. Refocus your attention. p. 210. APPLICATION  To whom do you need to confess your most trying temptation?  What Christlike character quality will be created when you defeat your most common temptation?

"The Battle for sin is won or lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you. Warren p. 210 PDL Every temptation is an opportunity to do good. Warren p. 201 PDL

"Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted he will show you the way out so that you will not give in to it." 1 Cor 10:13 (NLT) There is always a way out that will please God. Warren p. 209 PDL