Sometimes there is a deep connection between our life’s dreams and the temptations we experience. The longer a dream goes unfulfilled, the more tempting it is to take a shortcut. We live in a society that bombards us with bigger, better, and more…faster. However, when God’s glory is the centerpiece of our dream, the journey of integrity and faithfulness can be harder and last longer than we would ever expect. But the reward is far greater and more fulfilling. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever had a life’s dream come true? Share your story.
Read: Genesis 39; 1 Corinthians 10; Colossians 3:5; James 1:13-15
Discuss:
1. How do incremental successes fool us into thinking our dreams are coming true? Was there ever a time you thought a life’s dream was coming true only to have it die?
2. Five times in four verses, Moses mentions that God was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2-6). Describe the ways that God was with Joseph: What was the relationship like between Joseph and Potiphar?
3. It was right at the moment of Joseph’s greatest success that temptation rose. Describe Joseph’s temptation from Potiphar’s wife: How was this a “no-win” situation for Joseph? Has the pursuit of your life’s dreams ever caused you to fall into temptation? Why or why not? Do you agree with this statement, “There is a deep connection between our dreams and our temptations”? Why or why not?
4. What made Joseph flee temptation? Where does temptation come from (James 1:13-15)? Does God always give us a way to escape temptation? Give an example of this in your life. Have you ever had a plan in place to run from temptation?
5. Why do so many people attempt to take shortcuts to fulfill their dreams? How important is integrity and faithfulness in our pursuit of God? How has your faith journey taken you in directions you never would have expected? How does God’s faithfulness get us through in those seasons when we don’t know how it ends?
Pray: Pray that your pursuit of integrity and faithfulness toward God would be valued more than the mere fulfillment of your dreams.
Memorize/Meditate: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
