We need to say ‘no deal’ to the enemy because we’ve already said yes to the glorious savior, Jesus Christ, and we have given our hearts and our lives over to him. Earl McClellan teaches us to avoid the shortcuts we may be tempted to take in life and instead fix our eyes on the Savior for the long haul, giving Him all of us.
Key Takeaway
The enemy can offer us fickle things to satisfy us temporarily, but God is the only one deserving of our full affection and our entire life.
Many of us have faced the temptation to take shortcuts when faced with difficulties in life.
When we show up to church every Sunday and leave the party early, it can be easy to convince ourselves that it's okay to slip into sinfulness and justify it by looking at the sins of our friends that seem greater.
Earl McClellan flips to Matthew chapter 4 and reminds us of our perfect Savior who was tempted after 40 days of fasting and still did not succumb to the lie the enemy was trying to sell him—that he would be king if he satiated his hunger with the things of this world. Jesus knew that He was already the King of Glory.
The enemy is offering us plastic rings—fame, popularity, riches, etc. in exchange for our lives. Meanwhile, the Lord offers us a crown and adoption into His royal family as a son or daughter if we would give Him our whole lives.
We are challenged to say "no deal" to the devil, remembering the deal we made with God, the one who has pursued us from the very beginning.
Discussion Questions
How has the enemy asked you to make a bargain with the darkness?
Have you justified your own sins by comparing your sins to the sins of another?
What have you entertained to numb the pain in your life rather than seeking Jesus?
What would the enemy tempt you with to attempt to get you to turn from Jesus?
How can you encourage a friend who is choosing the lies of the enemy over the truth of God?
What does the story of Jesus being tempted after 40 days in the wilderness Matthew Chapter 4 teach you?
What can you surrender to God right now that you're still holding onto?
Do you truly believe that God forgives us for our sins?
Why is it hard for us to sometimes believe that God has fully forgiven us?
What attributes of God can we cling to when we're faced with pain and suffering?