July 11, 2021
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Part 1: Overcoming Trials & Temptations
Trials
(James 1:1-2) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…
(Proverbs 17:3) The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
- Recognize what’s _________ going on.
(James 1:2-3) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
2. Cooperate with God’s _________________.
(James 1:4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(Romans 5:3-4) Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
(1 Peter 1:6-7) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
3. Ask for ______________.
(James 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
4. Keep a _________________.
(James 1:6-7) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
(James 1:12) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Temptations
- Recognize the _________ of temptation.
(James 1:13) When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.
2. Understand the _________ of temptation.
(James 1:14-15) But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
- ________________.
- ___________.
- ____________________.
- ______________.
- _________.
3. Learn how to _____________ temptation.
(James 1:16-17) Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
4. __________________ with Jesus.
(James 1:18 NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
(John 14:15) If you love me, you will obey what I command.