Aug 1, 2004: Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor
of College Park, delivered a message on Matthew 3:17-4:11, Part 7 in his series
on Matthew. Kimber spent time explaining the temptations that Christ endured,
revealing that his time in the Wilderness serves to reveal him as the “2nd
Israel” as well as the “2nd Adam”. In way of application, Kimber
emphasized that we have a mediator who has been tempted just as we are, and we
can look to him as we struggle through the temptations of life.
1.
Leaders – Again, feel free to comment on
the Spiritual Discipline that was discussed during the music time. This week,
the topic of Stewardship was brought up. Is this an issue that the people in
your Flock Group need to discuss?
a.
What does the Bible say about
Stewardship? What parts of life involve the discipline of Stewardship? (Mt.
25:14-30; Lk. 12:35-48)
b.
What does the Bible say about money?
What does your checkbook reveal about what is important to you? (1 Chron
29:1-9; Mt. 6:1-4; 1 Tim. 6:3-10; Prov 15:27; James 5:1-6)
2.
Kimber noted that God said of Jesus,
“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (3:17). The Father
said this of Christ before he even spent one day in ministry. What does this
say about the value of childhood? Carpentry? Your job?
a.
What does it take for the Father to be
well pleased with you?
b.
How ought this to change your view of
work this week?
3.
“God tests a man before he uses them,”
noted Kimber. What value does temptation, struggle, and trial have in the life
of the believer? (Rom 5:4-5; Heb 12:4-11; 2 Cor 12:7-10).
a.
Why do Christians undergo suffering?
Are these reasons good or bad?
b.
What trials and temptations are you
undergoing right now that require prayer, accountability, & wisdom from
other believers? What are you doing to combat these temptations? (this may be a
good time to break up in guys and girls groups)
4.
By way of application, Kimber called
us to “Look to Jesus” during temptation.
a.
What encouragement does the story of
Christ’s temptation give to your life today? How do we “look to Jesus?”
b.
What does it mean that Jesus used the
same spiritual measures that we have in order to combat temptation? Do you
believe this? (cf. 2 Peter 1:3)
5.
Kimber also noted that “the devil
would love to get you to use your gifts for yourself rather than for God’s
glory and purposes.” How is Satan currently tempting you in this way?
a.
Are you only willing to use your gifts
for money or recognition?
b.
Are you involved in ministry &
serving the Church? How much? Just enough to get by or do you wholeheartedly
desire to serve Christ?
6.
Spend time in prayer that your group
will not be deceived by Satan’s craftiness and cunning means of temptation this
week.