Reflection
One of the classic hymns of the church is entitled ‘Count Your Blessings.’ It highlights our tendency to tally our temptations and count our complaints rather than counting our blessings. Take two minutes right now and compile as long a list as you can of all the items and people you consider as God’s blessings in your life. In what ways have you received good gifts from God?
Observation
Read James 1:12-18
Exploration
How can we remain strong to resist temptation?
How does God reward faithful people?
Why is it tempting for some people to blame God as the source of temptation?
How does James explain the source of our temptations?
List the results of continually giving in to sin.
Reaction
List new insights from this Bible passage about temptation. How does Max’s quote offer additional incentive to resist temptation?
How has the testimony of other believers helped you in your struggle against sin?
How does knowing that God is good and gives good things encourage you to fight against sin in your life?
What temptations are most difficult for you to resist? Based on this passage, how should you resist those temptations?
Is temptation itself sin? How are these two things related?
List some ways you can depend more on God for the strength to overcome sin.
Journaling
How has God set me free from sin and temptation?
