Westminster Presbyterian Church

Questions for Reflection - "What We Are Up Against"


Luke 4:1–13

  1. Can you think of a time when someone gave you a "heads up" that helped you be prepared? Share a story or two.
  2. Read this passage in light of the theme that how God loves us is in giving us a "heads up" about what we are up against. What do you learn about,
    • the devil
    • his favorite "plays"
    • about our vulnerabilities (why these plays "work")
  3. Break down the devil's plays. How do you experience these?
  4. How do you see these plays at work in the crisis in Haiti*?
  5. The wilderness exposes the devil, his plays, and Jesus! How? What do you learn about Him?
  6. How does Jesus handle the devil's plays? What can you take from his example?
  7. Read Hebrews 4:14–16. How does this exhortation speak to you today?

God loves you.

Prayer of Confession

*For further reading Paul Farmer. The Uses of Haiti, Common Courage Press, 3nd edition, 2005

Our Loving God,
You do not want us unawares. You love us too much to leave us vulnerable to the blindsides of the adversary. We confess we would rather not have to face this. Forgive our giving in to fear more than in trusting your love. Be our strength. Speak to us again even in this silence of your power and grace, in Jesus' name.


Westminster Presbyterian Church
Pastors: Rev. Dr. Richard H. Thompson, Rev. John Burnett, Rev. Jennifer Kates Witten

32111 Watergate Road, Westlake Village, California 91361
(818)889-1491    fax (818)889-7132
E-mail: info1@wpcwestlake.org
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