Temptation

Reference

Luke 4:1-13

Pastor Josh - March 9, 2025

Small Group Guide: Temptation

Opening Prayer

Key Quotes

Luther says that God actually is most clearly revealed to us in the cross, in Jesus' suffering on the cross. Luther says if you want to understand who God is and what God is like, you have to start here.
Self-serving power has always been and will always be the most deceptive and dangerous temptation for the church.
A theology of power calls, or a theology of glory, excuse me, calls power good. It calls dominance good. It calls defeating others good. But a theology of the cross calls a thing what it actually is.
The theology of the cross chooses compassion over power. It chooses love over dominance. It chooses reconciling over winning.
The theology of the cross shows us that we were never meant to be alone, and it proves to us that we never, ever are alone.

Bible

Read together Luke 4:1-13

Discussion Questions

How have you seen religion and power combined in negative ways in today's world? What are the consequences?
Pastor Josh mentioned "fundamental sickness in Christianity in our country." Do you agree? How do you see this manifested?
Reflect on Luther's statement: "A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theologian of the cross calls a thing what it actually is." What does this mean to you?
In Jesus' temptation, what were the "temptations behind the temptations"? How do these relate to temptations we face today?
How does the concept of a "theology of the cross" challenge our understanding of God and how He works in the world?
How has the combination of prayer, Scripture, and community helped strengthen you? Where is God inviting you to lean more into one or more of these areas?

Practical Ideas

Prayer: Commit to spending intentional time in prayer each day this week, focusing on aligning your heart with God's will.
Community: Make an effort to connect face-to-face with someone from your church or small group this week. Share a meal or engage in a meaningful conversation.
Self-reflection: Take time to examine your own life for areas where you might be tempted by self-serving power or a "theology of glory." Journal about your insights.
Act of service: Choose one way to serve others this week that requires humility and self-sacrifice, embodying the "theology of the cross" in a practical way.

Closing Prayer

Other Helpful Bible Readings on Theology of the Cross