The Word of God is “full of living power,” wrote the author of Hebrews (4:12, TLB). It has the power to change a life completely and for eternity. James has been telling us that God gives good gifts and the first is the gift of salvation! But that is just the beginning. After birth comes growth, and the theme of this book is spiritual maturity. The primary agent for spiritual maturity is God’s Word. But unless we listen to it and allow it to work in us, it will never have its intended impact.

It’s one thing to be tested on the outside (trials); it’s another thing to be tested on the inside (temptation). God may allow temptations in order to strengthen our faith. But Satan desires to tempt us to weaken our faith. In C. S. Lewis’s classic book The Screwtape Letters, a senior demon wrote to a trainee, saying, “All the habits of the [Christian], both mental and bodily, are still in our favor.” Today, we consider how temptation works and find workable solutions to overcome it.

I. The Source of Temptation (vv. 13-14)

II. The Course of Temptation (vv. 14-15)

III. Our Resource in Temptation (vv. 16-18)

Talk with God: Ask the Holy Spirit which areas of your faith need to be shored up and strengthened.

Talk with others: With your Connect Group, discuss some practical things you can implement in your daily life to avoid common temptations.

Talk with kids: Who is the Holy Spirit?

An old English children’s game followed the poem “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief.” In the game, kids would try to determine what they would become later in life. Whether we become rich or poor, one thing is common to all—hardship. Trials are the great equalizer, bringing all of God’s children to depend on Him. James, with barefaced practicality, looked at the advantages of suffering for both the poor man and the rich man.

I. Our World Is Divided (vv. 9-12)

II. Our Outlook Is Delightful (vv. 9-10)

III. Our Materialism Is Doomed (vv. 10-11)

IV. Our Future Is Dependent (v. 12)

Talk with God: Reflect on your typical reaction to trials. Ask the Lord to change your perspective so depending on Him becomes your instinctual reaction.

Talk with others: Ask an unbelieving friend or family member how you can help them through a tough situation in their life.

Talk with kids: How do we make disciples? Why is it important to make disciples?

Growing up has its advantages. Adults face life’s struggles differently than children do. Both children and adults feel strong emotions about the trials they face, but they display their emotions differently. A mature Christian can even dare to experience joy during such times. Whatever you may be facing in life, there are four realities about hardship you should know.

I. Trials Are Normal (v. 2)

II. Trials Can Be Joyful (v. 2)

III. Trials Could Be Transformational (vv. 3-4)

IV. Trials Should Be Educational (vv. 5-8)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you how you can prepare your heart for the struggles ahead.

Talk with others: Ask someone close to you how you can help them walk through a current struggle.

Talk with kids: How does God forgive our sins?