GOD’S WORD IS OUR POWERFUL WEAPON AGAINST SATAN’S LIES AND AGAINST TEMPTATION.

SCRIPTURE | Luke 4:1-14

CENTRAL TRUTH

We’re all tempted by sinful desires, but temptation isn’t a sin. Our response to temptation can lead to sin. In the moment, we may feel like we have no choice but to give in, but if we’ll remember God’s Word, temptation can be an opportunity to grow stronger in our walk with God.

KEY QUESTION

WHAT TEMPTATIONS DO TEENAGERS FACE TODAY? READ DEUTERONOMY 8:3. HOW DOES SEEING JESUS APPLY THIS VERSE SHOW YOU THE WAY TO FIGHT TEMPTATION?

KEEP IN MIND

The world teaches students that sin isn’t a big deal; that it’s normal to experiment; that they’re only young once. Culture lowers the bar for sin, or eliminates it completely, and teaches students that we all have our own truth. Students try their best to keep these ideas from permeating their hearts and minds, but they creep in—especially if they stop paying attention, if they crack open the door to a sinful desire instead of closing it and walking away. Students often think they can handle just a little bit of sin and stop anytime. Sin doesn’t work on those terms; sin is slavery that leads to death (Rom. 6:16). And when they give it room, sin seeks to invade every part of them. Students may sometimes feel like they have to sin because they don’t have a choice, but this is another lie from the enemy of their soul. As believers, they have the power of the Holy Spirit living within them, directing them to the way out. God won’t allow them to be tempted more than they can handle (1 Cor. 10:13), but we must help them use the tools God has given them to stand: God’s Word and the help of His Spirit.

APPLICATION

IS SIN EVER UNAVOIDABLE? LOOK AT 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13. WHAT DOES THIS VERSE SHOW YOU?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Jesus battled Satan’s lies and temptations with the exact weapons students have: the Word and the Spirit! Students can realize that God has given them what they need to resist temptation and walk away from sin.

FOR THE LEADER: Being transparent with students about struggling with sin is important. While we shouldn’t share all of the details, we can let them see us wrestle; we want them to realize that the battle against sin is ongoing until we reach heaven. When we pick up the sword (Eph. 6:17), we show students that they aren’t weaponless in their fight against temptation.