Lesson Overview

The Lesson Overview is basically an outline . . . Think of it as the "nuts and bolts" of each lesson.

Biblical Passage While other passages often find their way into a lesson, the biblical passage is the main focus.

Supporting Scripture The supporting scripture often provides context to, gives additional insight to, or reiterates the message of the biblical passage in additional places of Scripture.

Memory Verse The memory verse is a key verse that illustrates the biblical truth of the lesson. It usually originates from the biblical passage but may be from an additional passage.

Biblical Truth The biblical truth is the central foundation of the lesson. It comes directly from the biblical passage and drives the formation of learning goals.

Context The context section gives the context of the current lesson in regards to its surrounding lessons. It may also provide a glimpse of the historical or literary context of the biblical passage.

Learning Goals The learning goals help teachers understand what the lesson seeks to accomplish. The first learning goal is the driving purpose of the Explore section of the teaching plan and is concerned with biblical knowledge. The second learning goal pertains is the Transform section and is concerned with life application.

Prayer Suggestions The prayer suggestions provide specific ideas for the teacher to pray during the week for his or her students. These ideas are based on the goals and truths of the lesson.

Biblical Passage

James 1:2–4,12–17

Supporting Passages

John 14:1–16:33, 1 Peter 1:6–9, Romans 5:3–4, Colossians 1:9–12

Memory Verse

James 1:12

Biblical Truth

Mature faith develops from overcoming circumstances that challenge dependence and trust in God.

Context

This six-lesson study allows learners to examine several key teachings from the book of James. The focus of this book is about putting actions to faith—turning internal faith into external fruit. This first lesson introduces faith as an aspect of a Christian’s life that is developed and strengthened through testing. A believer’s faith is not simply a characteristic given at the time of salvation, but is grown and cultivated throughout his or her life. As a believer develops a more complete faith, he or she is able to remain steady and secure in the face of testing and temptation. Maturing faith affects each part of a believer’s life and causes the believer to put action to his or her faith in Christ.

Learning Goals
  • Learners will examine how true faith is strengthened and matured through tests and trials.
  • Learners will explore how they can respond to trials in ways that help mature their faith.
Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your learners.

  • Pray that learners will recognize the value of trials in their lives.
  • Pray that learners will discover ways to avoid and overcome temptation.
  • Pray that learners will measure their spiritual growth against biblical standards and not against the world’s standards.

Acknowledgments