Daily Spiritual Guide September 6, 2010 October 2, 2010 Crossroads Community Church
Welcome to Temptations Voices and temptations in our minds and in our lives are common to all of us. The voices invite us to be angry, stressed, fearful, depressed or greedy and we know that if we give in to these temptations, we will struggle with guilt and pain. However, God has provided the way out for us whenever we experience these temptations. Join us for our new series as we learn the secrets of overcoming these voices and temptations that are whispered in our minds. Each week we will focus on a basic teaching that we will need in order to be a successful and fruitful follower of Christ. Six days each week we will spend time reading the Bible, answering questions and writing down what Jesus and His Word teaches us. We will have one memory verse per week to hide in our minds and hearts to help us grow, and we will spend time in guided and personal prayer. The Series: Week One September 6-11: Whispers Within Week Two September 13-18: Everywhere Week Three September 20-25: My Bad Week Four September 27-October 2: Sinless
Week 1: Whispers Within September 6 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Going Deeper: The Bible reminds us that some of the Israelites, after being led out of captivity in Egypt, once fell into sinfulness and idolatry. What is notable about the story that Paul relates? How does Paul use this historical lesson to warn us? Question for Journaling: What should our frame of mind be like when we think that we are standing strong?
September 7 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Bible Reading for the Day: James 1:1-16 Going Deeper: What does the Bible tell us is one of the sources of temptation? Who does it tell us is not the source of temptation? Question for Journaling: What does temptation ultimately lead to if it is not resisted, but is instead allowed to progress? What is promised to those who patiently endure?
September 8 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 1:8-19 Going Deeper: According to this Proverb, what can be a source of enticement in a person s life? What should a person s answer be when tempted? Question for Journaling: Describe an experience recently when you believe that you experienced temptation from another person. How did you react?
September 9 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Going Deeper: Who or what is the tempter spoken of by Paul in this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica? What did Paul fear would be the effect of temptation on the church there? Question for Journaling: What was Paul s reaction when he found out that the Thessalonians were standing firm in the faith? If we stand firm, what can the effect be on other Christians?
September 10 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke 4:1-13 Going Deeper: God s Word tells us here that Jesus was tempted by the devil, but it elsewhere tells us that he lived a sinless life. What can we learn about the nature of temptation from the Bible? Question for Journaling: It is noteworthy that Satan misquotes the Scriptures in an effort to tempt Jesus. What lessons can we learn from this?
September 11 Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Bible Reading for the Day: James 4:1-10 Going Deeper: James challenges us to personally resist the devil. From this reading, what can we do to counteract those things that might lead us towards sin? Question for Journaling: What qualities should we develop in our character in order to temper our desires?
Week 2: Everywhere September 13 Memory Verse: 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins is breaking God s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 John 3:1-10 Going Deeper: How would you define sin? What is your understanding of the nature of sin? Question for Journaling: How does the author of this passage differentiate between those who know God and those who do not?
September 14 Memory Verse: 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins is breaking God s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. Bible Reading for the Day: Psalm 51:1-10 Going Deeper: What does this Psalm tell us regarding the universality of sin? Question for Journaling: In what ways does the writer of this Psalm acknowledge his sinfulness before God?
September 15 Memory Verse: 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins is breaking God s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 6:5-18 Going Deeper: Jesus tells us to pray that we may not yield to temptation. How can maintaining an effective prayer life help us to avoid sins? Question for Journaling: What should our heart be like when we come to God in prayer?
September 16 Memory Verse: 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins is breaking God s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. Bible Reading for the Day: Hebrews 3:1-19 Going Deeper: The Bible warns us that sin can eventually harden our hearts against God. What does the author of this passage encourage us to do in order to avoid this? Question for Journaling: Can you think of some examples of how sin can become very deceptive in a person s life?
September 17 Memory Verse: 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins is breaking God s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Going Deeper: In this letter to the church at Corinth, Paul uses a figure of speech to compare sin with yeast spreading through dough. What is he telling us by using this example? Question for Journaling: For what reasons do you think that moral purity within the church is emphasized so strongly?
September 18 Memory Verse: 1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins is breaking God s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter 1:13-25 Going Deeper: The Bible tells us that we should be holy, because God is holy. Explore the connection between God s nature and the determination of moral values. Question for Journaling: This passage also encourages us to love each other deeply. Make a commitment this week to share God s love with someone that you are close to, in a meaningful way.
Week 3: My Bad September 20 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Bible Reading for the Day: Proverbs 28:13-28 Going Deeper: How does this chapter of Proverbs tell us that an unrepentant heart can keep us from reaching our God-given potential? Question for Journaling: Has there ever been a moral issue that you have struggled to deal with that has come up again later, or manifested itself in a different way?
September 21 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 12: 1-10 Going Deeper: From this reading, how can we learn to know God s will? Question for Journaling: How does this passage teach us that we must be honest with ourselves? Why is it important that we honestly acknowledge the reality of our sin?
September 22 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Bible Reading for the Day: James 5:13-20 Going Deeper: As believers, what might some of our responsibilities be toward someone when he or she confesses a sin to us? Question for Journaling: What does the Bible tell us in this reading about the power of prayer?
September 23 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Bible Reading for the Day: Matthew 3:1-12 Going Deeper: The religious leaders of the day thought that their salvation was safe because of their parentage. What was the truth of the matter? Question for Journaling: What sort of imagery does John the Baptist use to describe Jesus? What point is he trying to make with this descriptive language?
September 24 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Bible Reading for the Day: Hosea 10: 1-15 Going Deeper: Around the 8 th century, B.C., Israel had become a very idolatrous nation, and Hosea s prophecies were a dramatic call to repentance. What does this passage say about this? Question for Journaling: What does Hosea mean when he says, plow up the hard ground of your hearts? How does he say that God would respond if the people did this?
September 25 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Bible Reading for the Day: Luke 18:1-13 Going Deeper: How does this Scripture reading emphasize the relationship between repentance and humility? Question for Journaling: How is self-righteousness the opposite of a saving faith? How can we avoid allowing self-righteousness into our lives?
Week 4: Sinless September 27 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Bible Reading for the Day: 1 Peter 2:18-25 Going Deeper: Peter tells us that Christ s purpose for our life is that we follow in his steps. What does he mean by this? Question for Journaling: Do you believe that Christ bore your sins on the cross? Does this make you feel inclined to respond to him in a certain way?
September 28 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Bible Reading for the Day: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Going Deeper: What from this reading warns us about the fact that Satan is a formidable adversary? Question for Journaling: What do you think are the best ways to detect and oppose the deceptive spiritual attacks made by Satan?
September 29 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Bible Reading for the Day: John 10:1-21 Going Deeper: In his parable, how does Jesus describe the difference between a shepherd and a thief? What things can we learn from his example? Question for Journaling: Are you able to recognize the shepherd s voice? How do you know?
September 30 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 13:8-14 Going Deeper: Describe how God s love within us can help us to keep the commandments listed in verse 9 of this chapter. Question for Journaling: In this letter to the church at Rome, Paul gives Christians the idea that Christ s return is near at hand. In what practical ways can we live as we look forward to this event?
October 1 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Bible Reading for the Day: Romans 8:1-17 Going Deeper: What are the differences between those who are controlled by the sinful nature, and those who are controlled by God s spiritual nature? Question for Journaling: How can we continue to live spiritually?
October 2 Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Bible Reading for the Day: Colossians 3:1-17 Going Deeper: What is the change that occurs when we accept Christ as our lord? What does it mean that our life is hidden in Christ? Question for Journaling: What does it mean to be God s chosen people? How does this demonstrate God s love for us?