Description

We are looking at something very familiar, trials and temptations.

Scripture Text

James 1:1-15

We Meet/Face Trials Of All Types

We Have A Responsibility To Respond To Trials With:

• Joy (V. 2a)

• Letting steadfastness have its full effect (v. 4)

• Steadfastness = endurance (Vv. 3-4)

Similar To Trials, We Can Be Tempted (Vv. 13-15)

• Response - not blaming God (v. 13)

• Not letting our desire produce sin (Vv. 14-15)

Similarities Between Trials And Temptations:

• Both words, TRIAL and TEMPTATION are the same word in origin, but are different depending on their contexts

• Temptations are on the inside; trials are on the outside

• Trials are the test of our faith

• Temptations are the desires for evil or an inordinate amount of a good thing

• James does not have an expanded definition of these two

• Response:

• They (TRIALS and TEMPTATIONS) are everywhere.

• They can be part of each other!

Four Synthesis Questions:

1. How are trials and temptations interrelated?

• When I am in a trial, how am I prone to be in temptation?
• In my temptation, how is my faith being tested?

2. How is our thinking related to trials and temptations?

• How will you choose to respond?
• Are you thinking carefully about these things?
• Think carefully about the progress of the desires. Is your mind becoming a slave to your emotions, desires, and feelings?

3. How are the ends of trials and temptations related?

• Let steadfastness do its work
• Sin always leads to death. Do not give into temptation!

4. How is steadfastness related to both?

• V. 3-4, 12 - It is a key component to responding rightly to both trials and temptations
• It is not giving up in trials, not giving into temptation
• What is your tendency in both of these things?

Conclusion

God is pleased when we respond well in trials and temptations.