Comparative Study: Obstacles to Growth

(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Provide a dry erase board and markers.

State that temptation is one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual growth. Direct learners to read James 1:13-15 and 1 Corinthians 10:13. Then, lead learners to compare these passages using the following questions:

What do these passages say about God’s power over temptation?
What is the biblical response to someone’s claim that temptation and sin can’t be avoided?
What did Paul say in 1 Corinthians that is different to or similar to the James passage?
At the end of 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul wrote that God will provide a way to escape temptation. What are your escape plans?
Both Paul and James addressed the issue of temptation in the lives of believers. Is temptation to sin taken seriously today? Explain your response.