The Hardest Words to Say Week 1

Questions

• Pray and invite God into this time with Him.

• Do you struggle to say “no” at times? Are you always busy because you keep saying “yes” to everything even if you feel stretched thin? 

• Read Matthew 4:1-11.

• Even Jesus said “no” multiple times throughout His time on earth. How does it make you feel to know that even Jesus said “no” to certain things? 

• Jesus was tempted, just like you and I are tempted every single day. How have you been tempted recently? Have you given in and said “yes” to the temptation or have you said “no”? 

• Read James 4:7. 

• What are some ways you can equip yourself to be prepared to say “no” to temptation? 

• Read Luke 5:15-16 & Mark 1:35-38.

• Jesus never said “no” for no reason. He said “no” to some things in order to prioritize His relationship with God. Have you been prioritizing your relationship with God lately? What are some ways you can start putting your relationship with God first?

Spiritual Practice

Reflection: Take a deep breath and reflect on the questions you just answered. Think back on times when you’ve been tempted and how you reacted. Think about the times you said “yes” and the times you said “no”. Reflect on your relationship with God. Remember ways that you’ve prioritized that relationship or think of ways you can start to prioritize it in the future. 

Prayer: Spend time in prayer with God. Ask Him to give you the strength it takes to say “no” to lesser things to be able to say “yes” to the greater things He has for you. Pray for strength to face temptation and stand strong against it.