A Faith that Thrives James 1:9-18

James 1:9-18 (NKJV) 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

I. An exaltedman

II. A humiliatedman

III. A temptedman

IV. A good God

V. An unchangingGod

What do we understand about the nature of God from verse 13 regarding temptation?

How can we identify and manage our own desires to avoid falling into temptation?

How can we apply the principle of humility in our daily lives, as suggested in this passage?

What does verse 18 reveal about our identity as Christians?

Why is it important to understand that God does not tempt us?

What does it mean to be 'firstfruits of His creatures' as mentioned in verse 18?