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Enduring Temptation
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. In what ways have you received good gifts from God?
Bible Reading
Read James 1:12–18 from the NCV
or the NKJV.
NCV
12When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved
their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him. 13When
people are tempted, they should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not
tempt anyone. 14But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them. 15This
desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.
16My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this. 17Every good action and every
perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not
change like their shifting shadows. 18God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might
be the most important of all the things he made.
NKJV
12Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown
of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am
tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14But each one
is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15Then, when desire has conceived,
it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18Of
His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. How can we remain strong to resist temptation?
3. How does God reward faithful people?
Question 3. Scripture promises good things to those who remain faithful through temptation: See Matthew
10:22; Luke 21:19; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 15:58; 1 Peter 5:8–10.
4. Who do some people blame as the source of temptation? Why?
Question 4. Some people try to lessen the guilt of their own sin by blaming God for tempting them. But
Scripture teaches that God never tempts people to sin. Rather than blaming God for our mistakes, we need to accept
responsibility, repent, and seek forgiveness.
5. Why are we tempted?
6. List the results of continually giving in to sin.
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
So there are external spiritual forces which are at work in this world, seeking to keep us from God and His
will.…
And this is not just external to us. This battle goes on inside of us.… Maybe your sin is wrong sexual desires,
pride, gluttony, laziness, or anger, or some other besetting sin.… But you feel the inner struggle. Sometimes you
conclude just as Paul did in Romans 7:22–24 [“What a struggle!”]
But don't stop there! Note Paul's glorious conclusion in verse 25 and 8:2.… “Thanks be to God through Jesus
Christ our Lord!… For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
(From The Holy Spirit by Billy Graham)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. List new insights from this passage about temptation.
8. How has the testimony of others helped you in your struggle against sin?
9. How can you encourage others to resist temptation?
Question 9. God did not create people to be completely independent creatures. He wants people to depend
on one another for mutual support. The body of Christ functions best when believers encourage, comfort, admonish,
challenge, and help each other. See Acts 4:32–35; Romans 12:4–8; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 5:19–21.
Prayer
Father, when we confront temptation, we pray that you would give us strength to resist evil. Thank you for your
promise that if we do what is right, eventually truth, justice, and goodness will prevail.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How has God set me free from sin and temptation?
Additional Questions
10. What temptations are most difficult for you to resist?
11. How can you resist those temptations?
12. List how you can depend more on God for the strength to overcome sin.
For more Bible passages on temptation, see Matthew 6:13; 26:41; Luke 4:1, 2; Romans 8:5–8; 1 Corinthians 10:13;
Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 6:11–13; Hebrews 4:15, 16.
To complete the book of James during this twelve-part study, read James 1:12–18.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of James by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
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