Temptation of Jesus #1 (Matthew 4:1-4, Deuteronomy 8, Exodus 16)

Link to Text:  Matthew 4:1-4, Deuteronomy 8, Exodus 16


Temptation #1: Tell these stones to become bread. In other words…  
- Meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way.

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
     -- Matthew 4:4

Think About This

• What is your favorite dish? If you ate your favorite dish every day, at what point would you get tired of having the same thing.

Discussion

     Exodus 16

1. What was the prior 400 years like for the Israelites? What was their understanding of God, and their faith? How were they provided for?
2. How long were the Israelites in the desert before they complained about the lack of food? What was God’s response?
3. Why did God want to test them, and how did he craft the “rules” about receiving the manna? How would this serve as a test?
4. What happened when people gathered too much or too little manna? What happened when people tried to save manna to the next day? What happened when people looked for manna on the 7th day?
5. Consider the thought of eating the same meal every day for breakfast (bread) and dinner (quail) for 40 years. How would you feel initially? After a few weeks? After a few months? After a few years?
6. What 2 things did the Israelites learn about the provision of the manna and quail?
   1. physical, about the provision: __________
   2. spiritual, about God: __________
7. Who placed the physical need for food in humans?
8. How would you balance the feelings of thankfulness with feelings of boredom or discontent with the same menu every day?    

     Deuteronomy 8

1. In Deuteronomy 8:2-3, what are all the verbs the Lord does “to” the Israelites?
2. What else went well in the desert regarding the provision from God (v4)?
3. How is Moses comparing the deprivation of the wilderness to the abundance of the impending Promised Land? How is the wilderness described in v15? How is the Promised Land described in 7-9?
4. Why is it important that they obey and follow the Lord in the hard times in the wilderness? How does that translate into the future times when there will be abundance?
5. Physically, man could live by bread alone, couldn’t he?
6. Why did God want to test the Israelites (v16)? What good would that do them?
7. In applying this to our lives, what can we replace the word “bread” with in the statement “Man does not live by ______ alone.” In other words…
1. What is something we desire, want, need, that may become a temptation? Example: Man does not live by “owning my own house” alone. Man does not live by “having fun at Spring Break” alone, etc.
2. How are some ways we are tempted to meet these needs?
3. What are some ways you have experienced God’s provision in an area of temptation? 

     Matthew 4:1-4

1. What happened immediately before Jesus was tempted (Matthew 3)? How is that significant as compared to “when” we are sometimes tempted?
2. What was Jesus’ physical condition when he experienced the first temptation? How does that to compare to the same for us?
3. What would be the long term impacts if Jesus had accepted the temptation? To Jesus? To God? To the world?
4. What are the long term impacts when we are tempted? To us? To our family? To our future? To our faith?

Bottom Line Point(s):

1. The issue is not whether Jesus is hungry and can turn stone into bread, but can he trust God.
2. Giving in to temptation is not just about “the moment”… There are usually long term impacts to future, family, and faith.
3. Others?

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?

1. What’s your bread?

Bibliography

1. Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
2. ESV Study Bible.
3. Andy Stanley, “Pause” series.

Some Promises of God

There are many promises of God in the Bible... Here are some...

1. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
2. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
3. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
4. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
5. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.. Mark 16:16
6. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
7. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
8. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
9. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalms 55:22
10. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of GOD. Ephesians 2:8
11. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
12. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
13. Christ accepts us : Revelation 3:20; John 6:37
14. God gives eternal life : John 5:24; John 10:28
15. God forgives us : 1 John 1:7-9; Isaiah 1:18
16. God is faithful to us : Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10
17. God comforts us : Psalm 23
18. Christ is always with us : Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5,6
19. God protects us from harm : Psalm 91; Psalm 121
20. God gives us courage : Hebrews 13:5,6; Ephesians 6:10-18
21. God gives us wisdom : James 1:5
22. God gives us the strength to refuse temptation : 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; James 1:12-16
23. God answers prayer : John 15:7
24. God gives peace of mind : Philippians 4:6,7
25. God guides us : Psalm 32:8,9 --- --- (thanx to Carol Semmelman)
26. God relieves us from suffering : 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
27. God gives us rest : Matthew 11:28,29

Holiness (aka sanctification)

Thaw

1. What has most stuck with you from Sunday?
2. What was your impression of the word “holiness”?
3. What challenged your previous way of thinking?

Notes

(from Sunday)

• Leviticus – aimed at former slaves coming out of Egypt
• Israelite people set apart – didn’t even know it
• Holiness: Set apart for a special function
• Don’t act like a slave anymore
• Everything we do reflects our position & view of God
• We are distinct from God but walking statues of God – represent Him, like a billboard, movie trailer
• What else is holy: 7th day, dirt, Israelites – look the same but set apart
• Profane = outside the temple
• Gravitational pull of slavery pulling us outside the temple
• Holiness is not the goal but the pathway
• Will our identity be marked by our outward appearance, or behavior, our image management, or will we actually believe what God says about us – will be embrace the life he has for us and take on his identity?
• The opposite of holiness is not unholiness or immorality, but slavery

(from Tuesday)

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Justification: God gives us right legal standing before him

Sanctification: A progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.

Justification

• Legal standing
• Once and for all time
• Entirely God’s work
• Perfect in this life
• The same in all Christians

Sanctification

• Internal condition
• Continuous throughout life
• We cooperate
• Not perfect in this life
• Greater in some than in others

Read

• Leviticus 18:1-5
• Leviticus 22:31-33
• Ezekiel 37:21-28
• Ephesians 4:11-24
• Romans 12
• John 8:31-36
• Romans 6

Discuss

1. What motivates you to live a “good” life?
2. In what ways do people become “slaves to sin,” and how can a person escape this bondage?
3. What does it mean to be “dead to sin?”
4. If Christians are “dead to sin” why do they still sin?
5. What pattern of sin should we observe throughout the life of a Christian?
6. What does it mean to practice the teaching in v 11-13?
7. What’s the result of slavery to sin?
8. What is the benefit of slavery to God and its result?
9. What are the obstacles to embracing freedom?
10. How do you feel about being a slave to God? Consider the 1 Corinthians verse above.
11. What is the appeal of life (or parts of life) lived "outside the temple" (profanely, or Pro Fanus)
12. Why is this often easier to see in others than in the self?
13. What changes of thought are required going forward?
14. What changes of behavior/attitude seem necessary at this point?
15. What does discipleship, or real, Biblical sainthood, cost?
16. What does the opposite (slavery) cost?
17. In what ways are our hands “equally skilled?” God’s hands?

Reflect

1. What decisions are individuals making based on Christ's invitation for exodus from that which enslaves?

Equally Skilled by Jon Foreman

How miserable I am
I feel like a fruit-picker who arrived here
After the harvest
There's nothing here at all
Nothing at all here that could placate my hunger
The godly people are all gone
There's not one honest soul left alive
Here on the planet
We're all murderers and thieves
Setting traps here for even our brothers

And both of our hands are equally skilled
At doing evil, equally skilled
At bribing the judges, equally skilled
At perverting justice
Both of our hands
Both of our hands

The day of justice comes
And is even now swiftly arriving
Don't trust anyone at all
Not your best friend or even your wife
For the son hates the father
The daughter despises even her mother
Look, your enemies arrive
Right in the room of your very household

And both of their hands are equally skilled
At doing evil, equally skilled
At bribing the judges, equally skilled
At perverting justice
Both of their hands
Both of their hands

No, don't gloat over me
Though I fall, though I fall
I will rise again
Though I sit here in darkness
The Lord, the Lord alone
He will be my light
I will be patient as the Lord
Punishes me for the wrongs I've done
Against Him
After that, He'll take my case
Bringing me to light and the justice
For all I have suffered

And both of His hands
Are equally skilled
At ruining evil, equally skilled
At judging the judges, equally skilled
Administering justice
Both of His hands

Both of His hands
Are equally skilled
At showing me mercy, equally skilled
At loving the loveless, equally skilled
Administering justice
Both of His hands
Both of His hands


Bibliography

1. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"
2. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”
3. Grudem, Systematic Theology.
4. Crosspointe Life Group Leaders notes

Things You Miss When You Don't go to Church!!!

John 6:1-24 and Matthew 14

Link to text: John 6:1-24 and Matthew 14

Crushed Ice
1. Do you prefer to socialize at large parties, have a dinner for four, or spend a quiet evening with a friend or spouse? Why?

Discussion
v. 1-15 – Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
1. How is the context different in Matthew and John when reading about “Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand?” (Matthew 6-12)
2. Why did the crowd follow Jesus? What did they think about him?
3. What do you think Jesus was thinking about in Matthew 14:13?
4. What was the test that Jesus used on Philip?
5. Compare and contrast the responses of Philip and Andrew in John 6:7-9 to Jesus’ question about how to feed the people.
6. Was he little boy the only one with food? Why did no one else come forward?
7. Even though the provision seemed meager, what did Jesus do before passing out the food?
8. Why was there more food after the feeding than before? What does this story teach us about God’s provision?
9. Even though Jesus was sad about John the Baptist, and probably tired and wanted some time alone with his Father, he shows compassion and heals people, then serves them dinner. What does that show about Jesus?
10. How do you respond to others when their presence requires a change in your plans? Can you remember a specific instance?
11. What new power do the disciples discover in Jesus? What is the lesson here?
12. What was the response of the masses to Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand? In what ways is this still a common response to Jesus?
13. Why was Jesus trying to evade the people in v 15? What does Jesus’ response indicate about his idea of his kingship?


v. 16-24 – Jesus Walks on Water
14. Why are the disciples leaving in a boat and leaving Jesus behind?
15. What are the disciples feeling at the time when they see Jesus on the water?
16. How would you have reacted if you saw Jesus on the water? When he climbed in the boat?
17. Why would any rational person say what Peter says in Matthew 14:28? What must have been going through his mind? What do Peter’s words and actions say about him?
18. What was the first thing Peter had to do to get onto the water?
19. Why is Peter successful in walking on the water? Why does he then sink?
20. Even though Peter eventually sank, contrast Peter’s faith and risk-taking to that of the 11 other disciples in the boat.
21. What is the relationship between risk-taking and faith?
22. Has Jesus ever frightened you? How?
23. This story occurs immediately after Jesus feeds the five thousand. Why do you think Jesus separates himself from the crowd and the disciples and spends time alone in prayer?

Bottom Line Point(s):
1. Jesus power is not limited by earth physics.
2. God’s provision can take our little contribution and multiply it abundantly.
3. If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat.
4. From Ortberg’ book…
· Water-walkers recognize God’s presence
· Water-walkers discern between faith and foolishness
· Water-walkers get out of the boat
· Water-walkers expect problems
· Water-walkers accept fear as the price of growth
· Water-walkers master failure management
· Water-walkers see failure as an opportunity to grow
· Water-walkers learn to wait on the Lord
· Water-walking brings a deeper connection with God

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?
1. When has God stretched your limited resources (physically or emotionally) far beyond what you could have imagined? In what way do you need to trust him to do so now?
2. How are you like Philip and Andrew – failing to remember something about Jesus when you face a difficult situation?
3. How are you at “stepping out of the boat” and taking risks?
4. Where do you feel God is leading you to get out of the boat now? What might keep you in the boat or cause you to sink?
5. What needs to happen to strengthen your faith?
6. Where in your life do you need Jesus to say “It is I, don’t be afraid”?

Bibliography
1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"
2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"
3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"
4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”
5. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”
6. John Ortberg, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat”
7. ESV Study Bible.

Durham Rescue Mission—Saturday Suppers

It is hard to believe that within a 20 minute drive from our church campus there are people who are struggling to find a meal, but the reality is, there are many people in our own city who fight hunger on a regular basis.

We have been given the opportunity to be a part of the solution through our partnership with Durham Rescue Mission. During the months of March, April, and May we hope to be a practical part of alleviating hunger in our area by providing meals at the Good Samaritan Inn on Saturday Nights. We would like to invite your small group to be a part of it.

The Details:
Time: 4-7pm.
Actual Meal Time:5pm
Address:Good Samaritan Inn
507 E Knox Street
Durham, NC 27703Contact:
Rodney McClain 688-9641 Ext 5025
Number of people: You should prepare enough food to feed about 35 people.

Next Steps:
1. Talk to your group and select a date that many of you can help.
2. Contact Pam McKerring at pmckerring@crosspointe.org to make sure that date is available. You may want to assign a member of the group to coordinate the meal and take the lead on communication for this project.
3. Start planning your meal. Coordinate within your group to provide the meal, drinks and dessert.
4. The Monday before your night to serve contact Rodney at the number above to verify the number of people who will be eating. Add your group members to the total so you know how many to cook for.
5. Arrive by 4pm the night you are serving and help get everything ready to go for dinner at 5pm.

Durham Rescue Mission Suggests you provide a main course 2 sides and a bread. They also eagerly welcome dessert and drinks. Here are some meal suggestions:

Main Course:
Spaghetti
Sloppy Joes
Casseroles
Chili
Soups/Stew
Lasagna
Taco Bar
Enchiladas
Meatloaf

Sides:
Green beans
Baked beans
Potato Salad
Salad
Cucumber Salad
French Fries
Bakes Potatoes
Rice
Corn
Cole Slaw
Pasta Salad
Fresh Fruit
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Rice

Desserts:
Cake
Brownies
Cookies
Fruit Salad
Ice Cream

Groups have done this meal sharing differently, and it has always worked out. One group did chicken casserole and every family made a pan. This resulted in a variety of different casseroles and the ladies loved the variety. Another group designated portions of their meal to group members. Some did dessert, some did the meat, some did the sides. Group members who couldn’t be at the mission that night took their portion to a group member who could the night before. This also worked out well.

Things to note:
1. Cameras are welcome, but please respect the ladies and their kids. Ask their permission and if they prefer you don’t take a picture please don’t.
2. Paper products are not necessary, they have a fully stocked industrial kitchen, but if you group doesn’t want to wash dishes you can opt for paper instead.
3. Some women will be hesitant to initiate conversation with the men, but will eagerly talk if the men take the first steps.

Please contact Pam McKerring if you have questions or need further guidance. Conversation starters, meal planning help and suggestions for overcoming hurdles can be found on the Group Leader Resource Site.

John 5:1-18

Link to text: John 5:1-18

Crushed Ice
1. When you are sick, what are you like? Oscar the Grouch? Superman? Rip Van Winkle?

Discussion
v. 1-6
1. Describe what it must be like to suffer with a problem or illness for 38 years? What sort of outlook would someone like that have?
2. Why did Jesus have compassion for this man?
3. In what ways does the suffering man represent all of humanity?
4. Why does Jesus ask him, “Do you want to get well?” How is this question relevant for anyone suffering with a problem or issue?
5. What did the man hope Jesus might do?
6. Describe a time when you would have (or know someone who would have) said “Yes” or “No” in response to the question Jesus asked.

v. 7-11
7. What was the man’s response to Jesus’ question? How does that compare to the types of answers or excuses we give when we have problems?
8. Jesus tells him do 3 three things: “Get up,” “pick up your mat,” and “walk.” Discuss the relevance of each in a physical restoration (ie. physical healing), emotional restoration, and a spiritual restoration?
9. Right away the man meets opposition (v 10). Again, how is this relevant to physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration?
10. Why does God allow opposition into our lives when we are trying to do the right thing?
11. What is the Sabbath and for whose benefit is it? (see Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13-14; Mark 2:27)
12. Was the man really breaking the Commandment about keeping the Sabbath when he was carrying his mat?
13. Why was the Jewish interpretation more specific and legalistic than what the Bible actually says?

v. 12-15
14. The man admits he did not know who had healed him. Why did Jesus not reveal himself to the man and instead “slip away into the crowd?”
15. The man had faith even though he did not fully have a complete knowledge of Jesus. What can we learn from that as we consider faith in Jesus or know others who are considering faith?
16. What can you infer in knowing that Jesus found the man?
17. Why was Jesus looking for the man?
18. What can you assume in knowing that Jesus found him at the temple?
19. When Jesus told the man, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you,” was he threatening him?
20. How do you think the leaders responded to the healed man’s testimony (v 15)?

v. 16-18
21. Seven times Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Why would he do that if he knew he would get in trouble with the Jews?
22. Was Jesus violating the law by healing on the Sabbath? If so, how can Jesus get away with that and still claim he fulfilled the law and didn’t sin?
23. What is the “work” Jesus refers to that he and his Father are doing? (v. 17)
24. When you boil down all the 10 Commandments, what is the summary? (Luke 10:27)

Bottom Line Point(s):
1. New faith does not require a complete knowledge of Jesus.
2. Steps to active restoration: Start. Take responsibility for what is yours. Move forward.
3. The Sabbath is not a legalistic rule to please God, but a loving commandment designed to help you honor your own well-being, your family, and God.
4. Sabbath: Uncluttered time and space to distance ourselves from the frenzy of our own activities so we can see what God has been and is doing. If we do not quit work for one day a week we take ourselves far too seriously. Sabbath-keeping: Quieting the internal noise so we hear the still small voice of our Lord. Removing the distractions of pride so we discern the presence of Christ. -- EUGENE PETERSON

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?
1. What ailments (physical or spiritual) do you need Jesus to treat in your life? Are you trying to be “healed” without Christ? What responsibility are you willing to carry to prove your willingness?
2. If Jesus were to drop in on you today, what would he ask you?
a. “Do you want to get well?”
b. “What are you doing with your life?”
c. “Are you satisfied with your life?”
d. “Are you looking for the real thing?”
e. “When will you quit complaining and be content?”
3. Do you have Jesus’ compassion so that you deliberately seek out lonely, helpless, suffering people and offer his healing to them?
4. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
5. What are some ways you can observe a day of rest in keeping with the spirit of God’s commandment?
6. Whether you are the person with a problem, or are in a position to help someone, the first step is to take action.
7. On the Sabbath, ask yourself: “When I work, am I working for God? When I rest, am I resting for God? Does my resting refresh me for work? How does my time of rest include devotion to God? How well do I understand that one person’s work is another person’s rest?” (example: gardening)

Bibliography
1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"
2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"
3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"
4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”
5. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”