"Going Further - Week 1"

GOING FURTHER

Introduction

The structure of the 'Going Further' section is

the Week,
the Theme:
the Day which will be numbered with a bible reading and a brief introduction,
brief introduction
two questions.
The first question will be one of reflection or to meditate upon and the second question will focus on a challenge in living out our faith either as an individual Christian or as a member of the Church.

Week One ­ TEMPTATION

Day 1. Matthew 4:4-11

This is Matthew's account of the Temptation of Jesus. The order of the temptations are:-
stones to bread, throwing yourself down from the pinnacle of the Temple, and from the mountain being shown the kingdoms of the world and being told they could be his if he worshipped the Devil. It is interesting to note that Jesus responded to each temptation with a quote from scripture. Jesus held firm amid the tempter's goading.

1. What does this passage say to me in regard to addressing the matter of temptation?

2. What strategies do I have in place to stand firm for Christ when being tempted?

Day 2. Luke 4:1-13

In the Lucan account of the Temptations, the order is slightly different from that of Matthew.
In Luke we have the stones to bread, then we have the invitation to worship the Devil and the kingdoms of the world. The final one is to throw yourself down from the pinnacle of the Temple. It is interesting to note that Jesus concludes the Lucan account with the words "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

1. While most of us would not want to put God to the test, are there times when we do it inadvertently? Why is this so? Upon reflection, what do I learn?

2. This passage is followed by the rejection of Jesus at Nazareth. What are some of the temptations we need to address when we are either being rejected or perceive that we are being rejected?

Day 3. Acts 9:1-19

This passage is often referred to as "The conversion of Saul". I want to focus on Ananias.
When the Lord spoke to Ananias, Ananias responded from his world-view, because he was only prepared to think within his own parameters. At first, Ananias was not aware of how God would use him in the life of Paul and in the service of the Kingdom.

1. How often am I tempted to limit God "to my will" rather than to be open "to God's will"?

2. What can this passage teach me in being open to the will of God?

Day 4. Galatians 6:1-2

Here we have an exhortation to take care that we are not tempted.

1. How easy is it to be swayed by others?

2. Verse 2 of this text is the G.F.S. (Girls' Friendly Society ­ An Anglican Ministry) motto.
I recall a chaplain of G.F.S. once saying that the text does not state that we are to create one another's burdens but to bear them!
What are some of the factors people need to be aware of, so that we do not create burdens?
What temptations need to be addressed?

Day 5. 1 Timothy 6:9-10

It is not money that is the problem, but rather the love of it.

1. Do you believe that there are temptations surrounding the use of money?

2. What insights do these verses provide in using that everyday commodity, money? Does the Church "side step" the use of money?

Day 6. James 1:2-18 Trials and temptations.

Trials and temptations are a part of life.

1. Is there relationship between temptation and our own desires? What are some of the temptations we need to overcome to make sure that we are doing God's will and not following our own desires?

2. Do we understand ourselves as blessed when we endure temptation? How?