Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 171 – James 1-12-18- His Prized Possession- Growing As Disciples
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:12-18 (NLT)
Endure Testing And Temptation
How will you be able to endure testing and temptation? What makes you even want to endure testing and temptation? Why do you not easily and simply give up to testing and give in to temptation? What motivates your desire to not let sin grow in you? Those are all very good questions. I have but one answer. I’m listening. I know that I am one of your prized possessions. I know that you love and care for me. I know that every good and perfect gift comes from you. Yes, all of this is true. Because you first loved me, I now love you. I don’t love you just a little bit. I love you with all that is within me. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Because I love you, I want to live a life that is good and right and pleasing to you. I am fully devoted to you. Does this mean that I live a perfect life? Does this mean that I never sin? Certainly not. But with a heart full of desire, I want to live the life that you have called me to live. That is very good.
Since you love me and since you are fully devoted to me, what actions steps do you take so that you will be able to patiently endure testing and temptation? Well, I will tell you one thing. What’s that? I run from temptation whenever I see it approaching. I don’t linger around evil. I don’ knowingly let evil desires entice me and drag me into temptation that will cause me to sin. When evil approaches, I run from it and run to you. I submit myself to you, I draw near to you and then evil does flee from me. Yes, it does, yes it will, as you draw near to me and I draw near to you.
But I have given you another tool, and very good gift, that will help you to patiently endure testing and temptation. Tell me what that tool is and what you do with it? You have given me your word. Your word is a very good gift. Your word is a tool that is changing my heart, transforming my mind and guiding my life. Your word is making me able to patiently endure testing and temptation. Your word is making me able to stand against evil. Your word is molding and shaping my life and helping me to live the life you have called me to live. Yes, my word is doing all these things in you, for you, and through you. Keep on patiently enduring testing and temptation and then you will receive the crown of life because I know that you love me. Yes, I will. Thank you, Lord.
Heavenly Father, I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Help me to endure testing and temptation. Help me to receive the crown of life and all the very good gifts you have for me. Help me to take your life-giving word deep within me. Amen
Key Question… How is your love for God making you able to patiently endure testing and temptation?
Living It Out… Allow your love for God to help you to patiently endure testing and temptation so you can receive the crown of life.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that God will help you to patiently endure testing and temptation.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has helped you to patiently endure testing and temptation.
Prayer To Bless Others… May your love for God make you able to patiently endure testing and temptation.
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