Your “trials” are not about you. Our first reaction to hardship is to think about how we are affected. But what does God’s word say about going through hard things? In this lesson, Pastor Philip Jackson begins a new series from the letter of James on the basics of discipleship entitled, “Tests and Temptations.” 

After the persecution of the church following the murders of Stephen (Acts 7) and James the brother of John (Acts 12), Jewish Christians found themselves scattered all around the known world. This meant that families were uprooted, estates were lost, and entire social structures were changed. Rich and poor were now in the same situation, on the run and seeking to make sense of what was happening. The letter of James gave them hope and practical instruction in the midst of their struggle. He was the half-brother of Jesus and the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. And yet, he designates himself as simply a “slave of the Lord Jesus Christ.” James’ words continue to inspire believers today through practical instruction that calls us all to live out our faith as disciples of Christ.

Find the lesson handout here.