Lessons From James
You Can Resist Temptation
1. What are some temptations that people face? (Write down a list) What is the common advice given today regarding the struggle between following and not following your desires?
2. Read James 1:13-18. What are the three stages of sin?
If all people sin, how can this cycle be different for a Christian?
3. Read Mathew 6:22-24. What do you think is meant by your eyes being “good” and “bad”?
-What can you do to correct this “bad vision?”
4. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What does this passage say about temptation? What responsibility does this passage put on Christians regarding sin?
-How can we escape, according to this verse?
5. According to James, where does desire come from? Why would people blame God for their tempting?
-Why do you think James makes the distinction between the trials of the James 2-4 and temptations? Do you think he meant different situations altogether?
6. Read Mathew 5:29-30. What does this drastic prescription for remedy of sin say about how we can short circuit the actual progression from desire to action?
7. Jesus used scripture in battling temptation. Write down a scripture verse for some of those temptations you wrote in question 1 that are hardest for you, and memorize those passages to use when tempted.