Trials and Temptations—James 1:1–18 Open It 1. Why would you agree or disagree with the statement, “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to what happens to you”? 2. *How would you respond to someone who tells you that good can come from the trials which you are experiencing? 3. What doubts about God and prayer does the average person usually experience? Explore It 1. Who wrote this letter? (1:1) 2. To whom was this letter written? (1:1) 3. *What attitude did James tell people to exhibit when they are facing trials? (1:2) 4. *What is produced when our faith is tested? (1:3–4) 5. What is God’s response when we ask for wisdom? (1:5) 6. What effect does doubt have on a person when he or she prays? (1:6–8) 7. What will eventually happen to the wealth of a rich person? (1:10–11) 8. *What reward awaits the person who perseveres under trial? (1:12) 9. From where does temptation come? (1:13–15) 10. How does sin start and end? (1:13–15) 11. From where do all good and perfect gifts come? (1:16–17) 12. How did James describe God’s relationship with the people He created? (1:17–18) Get It 1. What trials and difficulties have you experienced during your life? 2. Why does God allow people to go through trials and difficulties? 3. *What good has ever come out of a difficult situation in your life? 4. How does a person’s relationship with God change as he or she goes through trials and problems? 5. When do you find it hardest to pray? 6. With what doubts have you struggled concerning God and prayer? 7. How can doubting affect a person’s prayer life? 8. How can a person who pursues wealth and riches be disappointed? 9. In what way have material possessions disappointed you once you possessed them? 10. *How would you explain to a ten-year-old why a person does something wrong or evil? 11. Why do we often blame God for tempting us when we sin? 12. What can a person do to stop an evil desire from becoming an actual evil act? Apply It 1. *What do you believe God is trying to teach you this week through the trials and situations you are experiencing? 2. In what specific areas do you need to ask God for His wisdom this week? 3. What temptations do you need God’s help to resist this week?