(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner. Also, provide a dry erase board and markers.
Ask: What are some things that you are willing to endure because of the benefits or rewards that you will receive? (Possible answers: dieting and exercise to be physically fit, enduring morning sickness and pregnancy discomforts to have a baby; living on a strict budget to save money for a house.) Ask: Would you be able to take pleasure in those hardships without knowing about their benefits or rewards? Explain that James, Jesus’ half-brother and one of the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, wrote his letter to encourage believers to stand strong in the face of trials and temptation they faced. Distribute copies of the Learner Worksheet and pens.
1. Trials test the sincerity of our faith and build perseverance (James 1:2-4, 12).
Read James 1:2-4, 12. Explain that James didn’t want his readers to become bitter when they faced difficult times, but to find joy in the middle of that suffering because their trials produced perseverance. Discuss: Why is it difficult for us to work through trials with the expectation that something good will result?
Divide learners into small groups of three or four. Instruct each group to discuss the kinds of trials through which first-century believers persevered. After a couple of minutes, call for responses and list them on the board. Ask: Which of these trials do believers today continue to face? Circle those trials that learners identified that believers continue to face. Discuss: How does our response to these trials allow us to develop a strong faith that can persevere in the face of difficult times? Encourage learners to write sincerity and perseverance in the blanks on the first line on their worksheets.
Emphasize that since The Holy Spirit is God and Empowerer, all believers can rely on the Holy Spirit to help them through difficult times. Discuss: What blessing has God promised to those who remain faithful to Him even through the trials of life?
2. God allows trials to mature our faith, but never tempts us to do evil (James 1:13-15).
Lead learners to define the meaning of “temptation.” (Note: The Closer Look Activity provides additional information for you to draw from for this definition.) Discuss: What is the difference between temptations and difficult times? What are some ways that temptation enters our minds? List responses on the board. Then, read James 1:13-15. Call attention to the first word of verse 13—“when.” Explain that James didn’t begin with if because temptation is guaranteed. Ask: According to James, from where does temptation come? (from our own evil desires, not from God) Discuss: Why is it dangerous to believe that God tempts us to sin? After learners respond, emphasize that God is holy and He is not tempted by sin, nor would He ever tempt people to sin. Discuss: If temptation is never from God, then why is it so hard to resist temptation? Remind learners that resisting temptation is the first step to avoiding sin. Encourage learners to write mature and tempts in the blanks on the second line on their worksheets.
3. God remains good even in the midst of our difficulties (James 1:16-17).
Ask: What is the best gift you’ve ever been given? After responses, point out that James identified God as the source of everything good in life. Ask: Why do so many people find it hard to acknowledge God’s provision for them? Allow a couple of minutes for learners to respond.
Call on a volunteer to read James 1:16-17. Write deceived on the board and lead learners to identify some ways people try to deceive others. List responses on the board and explain that James’ advice in verse 17 was his strategy for avoiding the world’s deception. Ask: How can God use our faithfulness to Him during the trials and temptations in our lives to accomplish His good plan for us?
Instruct learners to write remains good in the blanks on the third line on their worksheets. Discuss: What are some good gifts that God has given to you?