Be Ready

It’s not a sin to be tempted. After all, Jesus was tempted in the desert before his earthly ministry began, and he came out of it unscathed and still sinless. Is it possible for us to come out roses, too? Perhaps. But this means you must be ready for it, unlike our friend Peter.

Matthew 26:30-33
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

QUESTIONS:
First, we made a truth claim – “It’s not a sin to be tempted.” Is this true? If so, why do we often feel guilty when we are tempted? Let’s discuss this.
How had Peter NOT been prepared for what lied ahead?
How does one prepare for temptation? How does the church play into this?
What other resources does God give us to prepare for unwanted temptation?