This chapter is about having faith during two kinds of problems or temptations. The first type of problems relate to those things that come at us from outside of our control. It would include trials like a broken leg, sickness, persecution, divorced parents or hunger.
It will help us to accept these problems if we can decide to be joyful. If we understand that God has a good plan for us even with the trial, we will learn patience to continue and not become discouraged. Our joy comes from trusting the Lord in these difficult times. We can ask God for wisdom to know how to act in our problems so the Lord will get the glory.
We know this life on earth will fade and die. This helps us to value the blessings that come with eternal life. If your love for the Lord grows while you endure temptations and problems, God will honor you with a reward, a crown of life.
The second kind of temptation comes from inside of us. We cannot blame God for this temptation. The desire to sin comes from within our own hearts. For example, a mother puts freshly baked cookies on the table and tells her child not to take any. They look so delicious. The child thinks she will never know if he takes one. But he knows, and God knows. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can get some good thing from lust. Do not just come to meeting and hear the Word of God, but do the Word, which will be proof of your faith. One thing you can do is to be friendly and visit widows and orphans.
1. How should we feel when we fall into temptations or problems and bad things happen? __________ James 1:___
2. What will a person receive if they love the Lord and endure temptation? __________ James 1:___
3. What happens to a man when he is drawn away by his own lust? __________ James 1:___
4. We should be slow to speak and slow to wrath, but swift (ready) to __________. James 1:___
5. When we practice pure religion, who should we go to visit? __________ James 1:___