C. STRENGTHENING CHARACTER

Mario was facing all kinds of trials in his life. His job was challenging, but it was his boss that was hard to get along with. The lead foreman continued to be on his case for his work and continued to undermine his performance. Mario also struggled with temptations. It seemed like at every turn, he was faced with sexual temptation, struggles with pride, and self-centeredness issues. The coach would hear him share these struggles.

James 1:2-18 (NIV):

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. ⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls, and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. ¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

1. What does this passage say about trials?

2. When facing trials, what should we do?

3. What are some sources of temptations?

4. How does this passage teach about how God uses temptations?

5. What is your current attitude toward temptations and trials?

6. What does this passage teach about how you should respond to trials and temptations?

1. What will be your intended future when you seek to conquer these problems in your life?

2. What is the bottom line in how to deal with them? What will be the results?

3. What step can you take to begin working on at least one of these areas of trial?

4. When will you put that step into action?

5. What can I do to help you carry out that step?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?