Message Notes
Most disciples of Jesus don’t struggle because they want to sin. They struggle because they’re tired of feeling like a failure.
The problem isn’t that temptation exists. The problem is what temptation does to our identity.
James 1:12-15, 23-25
- James 1:12-13 – Reframing the Problem: Temptation Is Not Failure(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
- James 1:14–15 – The Real Issue: Disordered Desire(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
- James 1:23-25 – Identity Determines Integrity(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Integrity is When Shows Up
- Name the Moment Before You Need It(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
- Replace Secrecy with One Safe Conversation(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
- A “Human” Congregation(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Praying Together
Praise the Lord
- for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
- for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
- for the goal of enriching our city and county.
- for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
- for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
- What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Ask the Lord
- to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Sudan.
- to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
- for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
- for our military member of the week: Kevin Smith, Air Force.
- for the blessing and success for our missionary of the week: John and Sharon Goward with HCJB/Reach Beyond.
- What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Discussion Guide
CHECKING IN
What’s something small that tests your self-control more than it should (impulse buys, slow internet, that one coworker, sugary snacks, etc.)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONVERSATION
- What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- Why do you think many Christians feel like being tempted means they’ve already failed?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONSIDERATION
- As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read James 1:12-15, 23-25 and then answer the questions.
- James says temptation itself isn’t the problem—giving in is. How does this reframe the way you look at struggles in general and your own struggles in specific?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- What desires do you see underneath temptation most often in your life or culture today?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- How does your identity in Jesus play into our temptations and not giving in to them?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- How would you describe integrity in everyday life–not just spiritually?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- Why do you think integrity is usually lost gradually rather than all at once?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- What is one predictable temptation you face regularly? What would it look like to decide ahead of time how you want to respond?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONNECTION
- Do you have one person who can serve as an accountability partner for you? If so, how does it help you? If not, why not?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- What could change in our congregation if we became people who were honest about temptation and committed to integrity?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Addendum: Marriage Groups
CONVERSATION
- What’s one small daily habit that helps you feel more connected as a couple?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- What are the names of the last new couple you’ve met at a church service?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONSIDERATION
When you hear the word “integrity” in marriage, what does that mean to you personally?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONNECTION
What is one way you can support each other when temptation or pressure shows up—rather than hiding or handling it alone?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)