James worksheet 2

How temptation works

James 1:9-18

James 1:9-18(NKJV) says ⁹Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, ¹⁰but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. ¹¹For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. ¹²Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ¹⁴But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. ¹⁶Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. ¹⁸Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

In the first verses 9-11 we read an encouragement for the lowly brothers and a warning for the brothers with a higher status. The lowly need to be lifted up and the high may be fade away. The riches are temporary, not eternal. By faith in Christ the two are equals.

Q1 In verses 9 and 10 two kinds of people are compared. In both verses the word pride is central. What’s the difference?

Q2 In verses 10 and 11 the pride of the rich are to be temporal. How will they pass away? In verse 11 in the NKJV version it says that the rich ALSO will fade away. What does that mean?

The theme is also found in Isaiah 40:8 which says The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Q3 Verse 12 talks about people who have strength and patience, and endures temptation or perseveres under trial. What means to be approved or to stand strong in the test? What is the criterion? What will finally happen to them?

Notice, that God may test you, like He did with many people in the Old Testament times. But He never tempts you. Tempting is foreign to God’s character.

Q4 Have a look at verses 13-15. In trials there will be lots of temptations. Who is the tempter? What is the reason that many will fail? Who cannot be blamed?

Q5 As verse 15 describes the process that leads to death, the verses 16-18 give the contrast. What are the promises coming from God? Is God consequent?

Q6 Describe what the words birth (NIV) or brought us forth (NKJV) and firstfruits in verse 18 may mean.

Thank God in advance for a greater harvest to come. And close in prayer.

Press the email button to save your answers in your inbox.