1. The Purpose of the (v. 2–4, 12)
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Romans 5:3-4, 28 CSB 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
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2. The for the Path (v. 5–11)
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded and unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.
1 John 5:14-15 CSB 14 This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him.
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3. The Source of the and the (v. 13–18)
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Colossians 2:8 CSB 8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.
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“Trials are intended to make us; temptations are intended to break us.
Wisdom is knowing the difference and leaning on the Father who never changes.”
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Community Life Group Questions
1.(v. 2-4) When you are in the middle of a difficult season, what are the specific you struggle you face? How does knowing that God is “diamond-making” change your outlook?
2.(v. 5-8): Most of us pray for a trial to end, but James tells us to pray for wisdom. Why is spiritual insight often more valuable than an escape hatch? Discuss a time when God gave you the “How” even when He didn’t give you the “Why.”
3.(v. 13-15): James describes sin as a process At which stage is it easiest to stop the cycle? How can we “de-escalate” our desires before they lead to choices we regret?
4.(v. 16-18) In a world that feels increasingly unstable and shifting, how does the character of God provide you with a sense of security?
How can we pray for you?