Passage
James 1:1-18 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Trials and Temptations
Date: Dec. 17, 2017
Daily Bread
Introduction to James
Key Verse: 1:17
1. Depend on God in trials (1-12)
We can have joy in trials when we remember that God uses them for our good. God allows trials to come to test our faith, to produce perseverance, and to make us mature and complete. We may not know what to do in trials but we can always ask the Lord for wisdom. God generously supplies what we need when we ask him in faith and do not doubt. Earthly riches will fail us but God never fails. Those who love Jesus and persevere through trials will receive the crown of life.
2. Our Father gives perfect gifts (13-18)
Temptations are inward trials. God does not tempt us. The devil tempts us through manipulating our own evil desires. He takes our desires which leads to sin and eventually to death. But God gives perfect gifts. He never changes. He loves us and gave us new birth through his word as a kind of first fruits.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us through every trial and temptation. Please make us mature and complete.
One Word: Persevere under trial
