Study in the Book of James – Part 2
Download Lesson Here
In our first lesson we looked at how James encouraged believers to find joy through their trials and temptations. That this was a means that God uses to develop endurance and patience in each of us.
With a couple of weeks to reflect on this lesson, are there ways in which you see that God has made you more persistent and patient through your trials?
What other lessons did you learn from Part 1?
Boast in the Lord!
We begin this week’s lesson by examining James 1:9-11:
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
We will see as we go through this book that James has a lot to say about the rich and the poor. His purpose is to explain that each person should use the resources they have to glorify God and benefit others.
You will also see that James is often very critical of the rich. In James 2:6, for example, he writes, “But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?” We will discuss this more fully in an upcoming lesson, but James points out the wicked ways of the rich and how they often oppressed the poor.
This passage focuses on how we should view our lives here on earth. James begins by pointing out that one who is poor should still feel exalted. If he or she has embraced the relationship that one has with Jesus, then that person is truly rich, regardless of how many possessions they have.
Has your relationship with God made you feel that you were truly blessed by God?
Conversely, the one who has felt powerful because of their wealth should humble himself or herself. The reason for this is simple. James explains that all that wealth, like a flower, will perish. It will all wither and go away. Thus, a person should not feel proud because of the number of possessions that he or she has but should, instead, humbly place their confidence and trust in Jesus.
Why do you think people find this teaching to be so hard to accept?
The reason is quite simple. There are many pastors and theologians teaching that God is blessing someone through the amount of wealth that he or she has. It was a belief that was true in Jesus’ day and is true in our time as well.
In fact, the Bible contradicts this belief in many ways. One such example is in 1 Timothy 6:10, where Paul writes, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” When one is focused on money above God, that person has truly wandered from the faith. James is making this point clear.
You Will Be Tempted!
Next, James turns his attention to the temptations that Christians face. Keep in mind that he began this chapter by addressing trials. Now, after discussing how wealth can lead us astray, James discusses trials and their relationship to temptation.
James 1:12-15 reads:
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
We read in James 1:2 how we should embrace our trials with joy. Now, James exalts the one who has stood fast through these trials, proclaiming that this person will receive “the crown of life,” which God promised for all of those who have loved Him.
It is a reality that all will face trials. The believer will most definitely face trials because of his or her belief in Jesus. While those trials may be far more severe for some, trials are to be expected. When the trials come, a person could either stand firm under the trial, continuing to proclaim his or her faith, or he or she could deny the belief in Jesus. It is our choice to decide how we will respond.
The reward for standing firm in one’s faith is to be exalted by God. This is affirmed in 1 Peter 5:10 as well, where Peter writes, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Peter makes it clear that one who has suffered for his or her faith in Jesus will be called to “eternal glory in Christ.” He or she will also be restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established by Jesus.
Do you find it hard to stand firm for Jesus when others mock or challenge you about your faith?
Does knowing that God has a great blessing for you help you to speak boldly about your faith?
In verse 13, James addressed temptation. James explained that no one is tempted by God because God cannot tempt anyone with evil. He then explained that our trials occur, because we are tempted by our own desires. These desires then lead to sin.
Paul says this in a little different way in 1 Corinthians 10:13, where he wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Paul explained that every temptation that one faces is common to every other person. Every one of us has that sinful nature, that “old man” in each one of us. That nature seeks after the desires of the flesh, which is common to every person. Paul tells us that there is a way that we can overcome these temptations. How can you do that?
Do you feel that God gives you a “way of escape” when you are tempted?
James explained to us that there are two types of trials that a believer will face. What are those types of trials?
We face trials because of our belief in Jesus. Unbelievers, maybe even some Christians, will challenge us because of our belief. We also face many trials because of our own desires. These temptations lead to sin.
Can you give an example of each type of trial in your own life?
God Only Brings Good Things
James 1:16-18 reads:
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
After reading the previous verses, what do you think James is telling us to not be deceived about in verse 16?
Many have come to believe that God is tempting us by putting evil things or temptations in our way. James is telling us not to be deceived by this false belief. God cannot bring wicked things into our lives. That is not what God does. Instead, James explained that every good and perfect gift is from God.
If you look back at 1 Corinthians 10:13, what good thing does God provide when you are facing a temptation?
The truth of the matter is that our temptations come from our weaknesses. Why do you think it is important that you recognize the weaknesses in your own life?
Your weaknesses are not only temptations for you. They are a means that Satan uses to try to harm you. 1 Peter 5:8 reads, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Do you think Satan knows you well?
How is he using your weaknesses against you?
God makes it clear that He is providing a means to assist us to overcome our weaknesses. What are some ways that you can defeat Satan and overcome the weaknesses in your life?
The Good Things of God
All of us are going to be tempted. However, God ensures that there is always a way to overcome that temptation. He also assures us that He has good things that will help us to overcome them. So, what good things does God have for us?
Brothers – God does not expect you to overcome temptation on your own. He has given you a group of brothers who will help you during your struggles. Understand that these temptations are common to them as well. Therefore, they will understand and be able to help you. Who are some brothers that you feel comfortable going to during your struggles?
A Community – When you are tempted, also know that there is a large community out there to help you. Maybe it is your sponsor. It could be members of your church or recovery group. It could be staff or other believers. God has a whole group of people who are ready to assist you with your temptations. Who in your community can help you during your struggles?
Pray – One of the most important tools in your arsenal is prayer. If you are struggling, it is time to turn to God in prayer and ask Him to help you. God will not only help you with the trials you face because of your faith, but He will also assist you with overcoming your lusts and temptations. How often do you pray during your struggles?
The Bible – Another great resource from God is the Bible. The Bible is filled with great information and assistance for when you are struggling. It is a big reason why you should read the Bible daily and memorize verses. Do you have Bible verses you use to help you during your struggles?
Avoid the Temptation – This may seem obvious, but the best way to avoid a temptation is to not put yourself in that situation. An alcoholic should not go to a bar. A person tempted by lust should not go to a strip club. You can defeat temptation by taking yourself out of the situation.
Download Lesson Here
© 2025 Dr. Robert Pannier, Hope CDA, All Rights Reserved
