Maturing in Christ: Praying as Jesus Prayed, Part 2

Maturing in Christ Praying as Jesus Prayed, Part 2
Praying Through Our Deserts
Luke 4:1-13
Page # 1023

I. It is in prayer that:
     1. I encounter God’s presence.  
     2. I receive His perspective of me and for daily living.
     3. I obtain power for ministry. 

II. Satan’s attacks focus on:
     1. Distrusting God’s love for me. 1-4
     2. Distrusting God’s plan for me.   5-8

Luke 9:58  

Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”

     3. Distrusting God’s promises for me.   9-12

III. Truths to apply:
     1. Satan uses the same tactics today.
     2. Satan focuses on opportune times. (H.A.L.T.S)
     3. Spiritual disciplines are crucial today.

Faith Sheet  

Transformation Verse (August) – “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”        2 Peter 3:18

Main Themes

~ Prayer is communion with God and is essential for daily worship of God and ministry to others, especially in the desert places.

~ Effectively living out our identity in Christ requires spiritual disciplines such as ongoing prayer and solitude, living in His word, godly friendships and being involved disciple making.

#1- Reviewing This Past Sunday  
Maturing in Christ: Praying as Jesus Prayed, Part 2
Luke 4:1-21

1. Read Luke 4:1-21 and discuss with someone.
2. What do you most appreciate about God after reading this
    passage? For what can you give Him thanks? Is there anything
    you want to confess? Is He calling you to obey Him in some
    manner?
3. Discuss the three temptations Jesus experienced and how they
    are used against you and your loved ones. What is one step of
    faith that God is calling you to take to walk more confidently in
    Christ?
4. Pray for our prayer lives to be strengthened, our understanding
    of Satan’s schemes against us, as well as our sufficiency of
    being in Christ. 

     # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday  
Maturing in Christ: Praying as Jesus Prayed, Part 3
Matthew 26:20-46  

1. Read Matthew 26:20-46. What do you notice about Jesus and
    prayer? What is revealed about Him and us in His asking for
    companionship? What do you see concerning His dealing with
    grief, struggles, and pain?    
2. In Spirit led prayer, living in the word, godly friendships, and
    disciple making we see God show His presence, His power, and
    His perspective of life. How are these four evident in Jesus’ life?
3. What all happens to a believer who does not dwell in these four
    spiritual disciplines? What happens when he or she does?
4. How do you typically deal with grief, loss, and emotional pain?
5. Read Psalm 31:9, 34:17-18, 46:1, 47:3, and 119:27-28. Spend
    some time in praise and prayer. Pray for yourself and/or others
    who are distressed, grieved, or dealing with some loss.