THE TEMPTATIONS OF LEADERSHIP
Leading Like Jesus - Part 4
March 7 - 10, 2005
"Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil"
Matthew 4:2-4 (NCV)

If we become spiritual leaders, we will face temptation. God gives us gifts of leadership, including resources, abilities, opportunities and other people. Satan tries to pervert God's gifts by having us use them for ourselves, not for God's purposes. Our greatest temptations often come after our greatest spiritual victories. We can learn how to face our tests of temptation from the responses Jesus gave to Satan's attempts to tempt Him in the desert. The first test is the pain and pleasure test, which reveals whether we are mature enough to endure pain and defer pleasure. The temptation is to satisfy our needs ourselves rather than let God meet our needs. This temptation attacks the nature of God. The antidote is to trust God. The second test is the popularity and praise test which tempts us to use the gifts God gives for our own prominence and approval, not to serve God. This temptation abuses the sovereignty of God. The antidote is humility. The third test is the prosperity and possessions test, which reveals our priorities. The temptation is to value our wealth on earth more than eternal rewards. This temptation presumes on God's grace and rejects the sanctity of God. The antidote is generosity. Just as Jesus faced these three temptations in the desert, we will face them repeatedly in our lives. We must face these questions: will we trust God to meet our needs, will we use God's gifts for His purposes and will we value eternal rewards over earthly ones? These are tests we must pass.

MONDAY

1. THE PAIN AND PLEASURE TEST.

[Your Objective: Develop spiritual maturity to endure pain and delay pleasure in order to trust God to provide for our needs, and encourage others to not yield to the culture that says all needs must be satisfied immediately.]

In Matthew 4:2-4, what does Jesus say people need more than bread?

  • Why did the devil wait until after Jesus had completed the fast to tempt Him?
  • How does Satan tempt people to use their abilities for selfish reasons rather than to benefit others?

When I'm empty, hurting, or confused, will I Trust God to meet my needs or rush to satisfy them my way?

What were the two evils the people did according to Jeremiah 2:13?

  • Why do people want to make up their own solutions to a problem rather than trust God?
  • What are some common solutions people rely on today?

According to Isaiah 50:10-11, what will a person receive from God if he doesn't trust Him and relies on himself?

  • How does Satan tempt people in their strengths as well as their weaknesses?
  • What signs might be a clue that people are being tempted to use what they are good at in an improper way?

ANTIDOTE

In Matthew 6:31-33, what attitude must a person demonstrate for God to guarantee meeting all his or her needs?

  • What connection is there between doing all you do for God and God meeting all your needs?
  • Why do people worry rather than trust God?

Who cared for Jesus after the devil left Him in Matthew 4:11?

  • Why did God wait until after the temptation was done to allow the angels to care for Jesus?

Discipleship (Maturity) - What stones are you trying to turn into bread and what cistern are you digging to provide your own solution to a problem? Scripture says God helps those who trust Him, not those who help themselves. Decide today to trust God to provide a solution for one of the needs you have been trying to solve yourself. What will it take for you to trust Him with all your needs and live your life for Him and His Kingdom?

TUESDAY

2. THE POPULARITY AND PRAISE TEST.

[Your Objective: Learn how to recognize and resist the temptation of presuming on God's grace.]

In Matthew 4:5-7 what was the response Jesus gave to Satan's temptation?

  • How does knowing Scripture help us resist temptation?

Will I use my abilities to serve God and others or to gain prominence and approval for myself?

Read Psalm 91:11- 12.Why do you think Satan quoted this verse?

  • What are some ways that we test God in our daily lives?

According to 2 Chronicles 12:1 what did the people of Israel do when Rehoboam abandoned the Lord?

  • If leaders fall to temptation, others are likely to follow. What can we do to help our leaders maintain integrity?
  • As leaders, what can we do to be sure we don't lead others astray?

What does Proverbs 27:21 say praise is?

  • How does receiving praise make it hard for us to stay focused on God?

ANTIDOTE

If we follow the Holy Spirit's lead, what does Galatians 5:25-26 say the result will be?

  • Being Godly can mean being unpopular, so why do many people seem so concerned about popularity?

For God to lift us up, what must we do, according to 1 Peter 5:6?

  • How can success undermine our integrity? Why is it sometimes easier to handle failure than success?

MAGNIFICATION (Worship) - To live by faith and not presumption, we need humble ourselves before God and realize that the gifts and blessings we have are due to God, not ourselves. One sign of humility is to pray on our knees. Lead the group in a prayer with everyone kneeling. Ask each group member to commit to praying on their knees this week several times and then be prepared to discuss how that affected heir worship.

WEDNESDAY

3. THE PROSPERITY AND POSSESSIONS TEST.

[Your Objective: Help understand and mature in areas of temptation resulting from success in your life.]

Read Matthew 4:8-11. What did the devil promise to give Jesus and how did Jesus respond?

  • Why is it important to know and be able to respond to temptations with biblical insight?
  • How can we identify something that is a temptation we should not pursue?

Do I value wealth on earth more than eternal rewards in heaven?

What does Matthew 16:26 say man should never forfeit?

  • What are the effects on many people who gain prosperity?
  • How do temptations reveal our priorities?

ANTIDOTE

In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, what does it say we should use our money for and who should we give generously to?

  • Why is it difficult to keep storing our riches in heaven a priority?
  • How can we remember the importance and value of giving generously to others?

According to Luke 4:13, when would the devil tempt Jesus again?

  • What are some of the ways we can be prepared for the next opportunity the devil has to tempt us?
  • Why is it important to remember that temptations are ongoing?

Who was with Jesus when He returned to Galilee in Luke 4:14-19?

  • Why does God give us more power when we are obedient serving Him only?
  • How should we, like Jesus, respond with that power?

Ministry - When we pass the prosperity and possessions test as a leader, God gives us more power. We have a choice to help, give and be more generous with others through the Spirit or use it for self-gratification. What is the next step in your ministry that you need to take based on the blessing God has given you?

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Apply the biblical techniques discussed above to handle any current or future temptations you may face for continued growth, maturity and service to God.]

We are constantly tested in life. Tests expose our priorities and level of maturity. Temptations are often viewed as bad, but according to our response, they can be opportunities to do good. Share a current or past temptation that you have faced. Describe how the three points above might have changed the way you responded. Commit to the group to memorize scripture so that you are prepared with the appropriate response according to the will of God. Jesus responded to the temptation of the devil while He was in the desert by using quotes from the book of Deuteronomy which was written by Moses in the desert. We need to be prepared with the appropriate response, like Jesus, when temptations occur. Pray for each other in your group so each may be strong in the area of leadership.