United Church, Atlanta, GA

Jesus Too | Been Tempted
Jesus didn’t just witness our pain—He lived it. Discover how Jesus’ own struggles make Him the one who truly understands us and offers real hope and healing in the midst of ours.
Locations & Times
United Church
1775 Water Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
MAIN SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 4:1-11: Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1-11: Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.
JESUS' TEMPTATIONS
Temptation 1: Stones to Bread
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:3-4
Temptation 1: Stones to Bread
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:3-4
Key Point: Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasizing reliance on God's word over physical needs.
Reflection: Consider how we often prioritise immediate gratification over spiritual nourishment.
Temptation 2: Jump from the Temple
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:5-7
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:5-7
Key Point: Jesus counters with Deuteronomy 6:16, teaching that testing God is not an act of faith.
Reflection: Reflect on moments when we test God rather than trust Him.
Temptation 3: Worldly Dominion
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:8-10
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:8-10
Key Point: Jesus refuses to worship Satan, affirming exclusive worship to God.
Reflection: Identify areas where we might be tempted to compromise our allegiance to God for worldly gain.
Reflection: Identify areas where we might be tempted to compromise our allegiance to God for worldly gain.
UNDERSTANDING TEMPTATION
Definition: Temptation is anything that promises _____________ at the cost of _____________ to God.
Reflection: Identify personal temptations and how they promise false satisfaction.
Definition: Temptation is anything that promises _____________ at the cost of _____________ to God.
Reflection: Identify personal temptations and how they promise false satisfaction.
THREE TRUTHS ABOUT TEMPTATION
1) It is not _____________ to be tempted.
Key Point: Jesus was tempted but did not sin. Temptation is part of the human experience.
Reflection: Release unnecessary guilt associated with being tempted.
1) It is not _____________ to be tempted.
Key Point: Jesus was tempted but did not sin. Temptation is part of the human experience.
Reflection: Release unnecessary guilt associated with being tempted.
2) You are most ____________ to temptation in your genuine weakness AND deceptive moments when you believe you are strong.
Key Point: We are vulnerable when weak and when we believe we are strong.
Reflection: Be honest about personal frailties and seek community support.
Key Point: We are vulnerable when weak and when we believe we are strong.
Reflection: Be honest about personal frailties and seek community support.
3) Our ____________ God always provides a way out.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:13
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:13
Key Point: God is faithful and provides a way to endure temptation.
Reflection: Use Scripture as a tool to find strength and guidance.
Reflection: Use Scripture as a tool to find strength and guidance.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Identify Your Greatest Temptation: Reflect on personal struggles.
Define a Specific Boundary: Set clear limits to avoid falling into temptation.
Pray and Seek Accountability: Engage in prayer and find a trusted friend for support.
Weekly Reflection: At the end of the week, assess strengths and weaknesses and bring them to God.
Identify Your Greatest Temptation: Reflect on personal struggles.
Define a Specific Boundary: Set clear limits to avoid falling into temptation.
Pray and Seek Accountability: Engage in prayer and find a trusted friend for support.
Weekly Reflection: At the end of the week, assess strengths and weaknesses and bring them to God.
CONCLUSION
Key Thought: Jesus understands temptation and offers the tools to overcome it.
Encouragement: Be alert, arm yourself with God's Word, and rely on God's strength to resist temptation.
Key Thought: Jesus understands temptation and offers the tools to overcome it.
Encouragement: Be alert, arm yourself with God's Word, and rely on God's strength to resist temptation.
NOTE: This guide is designed to help the congregation actively engage with the sermon, reflect on personal experiences with temptation, and apply biblical truths to their lives.
If you want to receive Jesus’ love today, pray this prayer:
Jesus, I'm taking a step of faith. I am choosing to believe that You can make me whole, even though I often feel unseen. I am giving my life to You, Jesus, because I want to know true worth and acceptance. Guide me, show me how to follow You, and help me to trust that You have a good plan for my life. Show me what it means to be whole and loved in Your family. Amen.
Jesus, I'm taking a step of faith. I am choosing to believe that You can make me whole, even though I often feel unseen. I am giving my life to You, Jesus, because I want to know true worth and acceptance. Guide me, show me how to follow You, and help me to trust that You have a good plan for my life. Show me what it means to be whole and loved in Your family. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer...
...whether for the first time or as a recommitment, let us know! This choice you’ve made is the most significant decision of your life and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate with you. Text "commit2jesus" to 94000 or fill out the form below:
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Summer Small Groups Showcase
Looking for a group to join this Summer? Don’t miss our Small Groups Showcase! This is your opportunity to meet small group leaders, explore the different groups available, and find the right fit for you. Showcase Dates: Sunday, May 25th and June 1st.
https://united.online/small-groups
Alpha Is Back!
Alpha is a 10-week journey beginning on June 8th designed to explore the big questions of life and faith in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Whether you're new to Christianity or simply curious, Alpha offers a safe space to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with others on a similar path.
https://united.online/alpha
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Need someone to talk to? We partner with Cumberland Counseling Centers to offer hope and healing through Christ-centered therapy right here at United Church.
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Your favorite series on the Book of Acts returns 6/1!

Growth Track Step One: Lunch With the Crumps
Join PL and Breanna for "Lunch With the Crumps." It's a relaxed way to connect, get to know our church family, and discover your next step in becoming a church member. *The next Lunch With the Crumps has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 8th*
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