Temptation to Sin
When we think of being tempted to sin, we probably think of our “choice” in these terms: “Will I choose to sin or not.” That may seem kind of basic, but there is a critical nuance in there we need to discover, because it is a nuance that could very well lead us to choose to sin more often than not. Think about that “choice” a little more. It’s a choice of two options. What are they? That’s right: to either sin or to remain neutral (not to sin). That last part is the nuance we need to see. Because that is not the real “choice” we make. Far from it. Our choice is much more important.
The first part of our choice is indeed if we will sin. But that second part is not merely not to sin. Rather, it is to trust in God. Do we sin or do we trust in God? Do we believe the lies of Satan and the lies we tell ourselves about the pleasure we will find in that sin, or will we trust in God and His truth?
Do you see why this matters? If we look at temptation the first way, it is a matter of a mistake or neutrality. But if we look at temptation the second way, it is a matter of rebellion against God or faithfulness to Him. This is the choice at the center of temptation. And this is what we see Jesus handle in His temptation by Satan. Jesus was not tempted to merely disobey the Father, He was tempted to doubt the Father—to disbelieve Him. And that is where He took His stand. Jesus overcame temptation by holding firm in His trust in the Father.
Trusting in God
Our kids need to understand that trusting in God is the defense against giving in to temptation, as do we. When we are tempted to sin—which happens all the time—we cannot rely on our own ability to white knuckle it as we stand firm. We cannot rely on accountability partners, internet filters, or anything else. Rather, we need to turn to God alone and plead with the Holy Spirit that He saturates our minds and hearts with God’s truth to combat the lies before us. This is what Jesus did when He was tempted—He responded by standing behind God’s Word—should we do anything different?
May we be vessels used by God not only to cement God’s truth in the minds of our kids, but to help our kids see its beauty as it sinks down into their hearts. May we help provide the weapon our kids need to combat temptation—the gospel—for their good and God’s glory.
*Devo from Pastor Brian, from The Gospel Project.
#JesusJams for today!
---> And here's this week's story!!
Christ Connection: The devil tried to get Jesus to sin, but Jesus never sinned. Jesus always did the right thing. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. When we are tempted to sin, we can ask Jesus to help us say no to sin.
If you have a bible at your house, you'll be turning to Luke 4 to read with your family this week! If you don't have one, that's okay! CLICK HERE.
OPTION 1: Aim for the can (Trash-ket ball) Invite kids to take turns throwing paper wads into a trash can. Keep score if you want or turn it into a basketball game! SAY • Sometimes you were able to get the paper wad in the can, and sometimes you missed. None of us got the paper in every single time. None of us perfectly follows God either. Everyone has sinned, except for Jesus. Why did Jesus become human? Jesus became human to rescue sinners.
OPTION 2: What is true? Read the following sentences and instruct the kids to raise their hand if they think the sentence is true. If true, ask a kid or two to explain how they know. Consider making up your own sentences as well. Suggested sentences: •The nited States of America was founded in 1776. (true) •The ible has 65 books. (false, 66) •Plants create their own food using sunlight. (true) •Saturn is the smallest planet in the solar system. (false, Mercury) SAY • Sometimes it can be hard to know what is true. In our Bible story today, we will learn about a time Satan tried to trick Jesus so that Jesus would sin. Jesus knew the truth. How do you think Jesus defeated Satan’s lies? We’ll learn all about it soon.
OPTION 2: This or that? Designate two sides of the room. You may hang signs that say A and B, This and That, or some other label. Ask kids about how they would act given different options, and instruct them to walk to the side of the room you assign to each option. Give kids a chance to explain their choices.
SAY • If we faced those situations in real life, we would probably be pretty tempted to choose the selfish, sinful option. Today we will learn about a time Jesus felt temptation. We will hear how Jesus fought back and chose to obey God.
Comments