The Appetite Test | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Pastor Greg discusses the story of the children of Israel in 1400 BC and their journey through the wilderness for 40 years due to their mindset of not trusting and obeying God. It then transitions to Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, highlighting the importance of anchoring oneself to God's word and making decisions based on it. He emphasizes the need to learn from past mistakes and seek God's guidance in making choices.

The Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of trust in God, highlighting the importance of mindset. Moses imparts lessons in Deuteronomy to prevent the new generation from making the same mistakes.

The narrative explores the deeper meaning of Jesus' temptation, emphasizing the testing and revealing of one's true character. It underscores the journey from having answers to embodying wisdom and maturity.

The soul is the eternal part that interacts with God, while the body connects us to the physical world. Cravings and temptations stem from psychological appetites, leading to moral battles.

Jesus fasts to discipline his flesh, showing the importance of saying no to self-indulgence and seeking God's will in morally neutral situations, like resisting the temptation to turn rocks into bread.

Learning to say no to morally neutral things is essential to prevent becoming enslaved by desires. Seeking God's guidance helps avoid being controlled by cravings and appetites.

Obedience can lead to wilderness experiences, expect to be tempted and tested physically and mentally. Anchor yourself to God's word when facing temptations. Make decisions based on God's guidance for clarity and strength.

QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1:
How did the mindset of the children of Israel in 1400 BC contribute to their 40-year journey in the wilderness?

QUESTION 2:
What lessons can be learned from Moses' speeches in the book of Deuteronomy to prevent repeating past mistakes?

QUESTION 3:

How did Jesus' response to temptation in the wilderness demonstrate the importance of anchoring oneself to God's word?

QUESTION 4:

In what ways can we apply the concept of discipline and mastery over our cravings and appetites in our daily lives?

QUESTION 5:

How can we differentiate between morally neutral situations and make decisions that align with God's will in our current circumstances?

GUIDED PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

As we come before you today, we acknowledge the importance of anchoring ourselves to Your word and seeking Your guidance in all aspects of our lives. Help us to learn from the mistakes of the past and to make decisions that align with Your will.

Grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome temptations, both physiologically and psychologically. May we have the discipline to say no to our cravings and appetites when they lead us astray and, instead, seek Your truth and guidance in every situation.

Guide us in recognizing morally neutral situations and making choices that honor You. Help us to live by Your word and to seek clarity and understanding in all that we do.

Lord, grant us the courage to make the right choices at the right time, following the example of Jesus in the wilderness. May we come boldly to Your throne, seeking Your mercy and grace to help us in our times of need.

In Your name, we pray. Amen.

One ChurchApril 3, 2024