Sunday School Lesson September 4, 2022
Subject: Faith on Display in Hard Times
The Point: God uses trials to mature your faith.
The Passages: James 1:1-12
Study The Bible: James 1:1-4
1). Trails can strengthen our faith.
- James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings.
- Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,
- because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
- And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Lasting truths from: James 1:1-4
* We should exhibit joy when we experience trails.
* God is able to use our trials to grow us in our faith.
* When God brings us through a trial, we receive confidence to face the next one.
2). Trails require the wisdom of God.
James 1:5-8
- Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.
- But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
- That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord,
- being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
Lasting truths from: James 1:5-8
* God will take care of us, even in the midst of our trials.
* God promises to give us wisdom if we ask in faith.
* We must be a people who are single-minded and focus on God if we are to have our prayers answered.
3). Trails can help us keep the right perspective.
James 1:9-12
- Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation,
- but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.
- For the sun rises and together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.
- Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Lasting truth from: James 1:9-12
* Love of money can hider our relationship with God.
* We should spend our lives pursuing God above all else.
* Believers who endure trails on earth will receive God’s reward in eternity.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What does it mean to you to be a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ?
- When have you seen God produce spiritual growth in you through a trail? How did you draw on God’s wisdom?
- What is the best way you can leverage the resources God has given you for His kingdom purpose?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”