Purity is not a personal issue.
For Christian men, purity is not a personal issue--its a relational one. Purity must be worked out in community with other men.
Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective
-James
5:16
The small group Bible studies in FLESH are a
seven week journey into the study of purity, of the Scriptures,
and of developing relationships
of accountability with other men.
If you are already involved in a men's small group see if the members would
be willing to take a seven-week detour to cover the critical topics discussed
in the FLESH
If you don't have a small group, pull together a handful of Christian
friends, and either lead the Bible study yourself or ask someone
else to lead it.
FLESH has a leaders guide to help
you conduct a meaningful discussion group.
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1. Read James 1:13-18. James avoids putting the blame for temptation
on Satan. Why?
2. To what extent is Satan involved in our temptation?
In Ephesians 6:11 it says, “Put on the full armor of God
so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” The
Greek word for schemes is noemata, from the root word, noema, which
means “mind or thought.” Not coincidently, it is also
the root of our word noose (as in “hanging”). The word
illustrates that Satan’s schemes are well conceived and that
his temptation efforts are usually confined to the most strategic
times and the most strategic methods.
3. When is it most strategic for Satan to get personally involved
with our temptation?
4. How do you know when he’s involved? Can you think of
a recent time when you felt that he was involved?
5. James 1:14 states, “But each one is tempted when, by
his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” As
it relates to sex and our desires, what is healthy and godly and
what is evil?
6. Certain temptations are anomalies, but others form consistent
themes in our lives. What are your constant temptations themes
or scenarios? How have you been tempted recently?
7. James points out that while God provides trials to mature our
faith, he never seeks to induce sin to destroy our faith. How might
it affect your life if you believed God was tempting you?
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And
God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you
can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way
out so that you can stand up under it.
-I Corinthians 10:13
8. According to this verse, not only does God not tempt us, but
he provides a means of escape to avoid difficult temptation. If
he provides a means of escape, does this mean he doesn’t
think we can endure it? Are certain temptations, if not avoided,
beyond our capacity to decline?
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