When Trials Come My Way (Worksheet)

 Introduction to the Book of James

What type of book is it?

Who was the author of the book?

Who was the book written to?

The book of James has been said to be the Proverbs of the New Testament. It is filled with a wealth of wisdom. It covers a variety of themes pertaining to the Christian life. These themes are scattered throughout the book as James keeps coming back to them.

If you read through the book of James, what are some of the themes you noticed?

WHEN TRIALS COME MY WAY...

Observe the Text

What is a trial? (examples from James....Js. 2:6; 5:1-6, 14)

Read James 1:2-4, 12.

What is the attitude Christians should have during trials? (v. 2)

What is the reason we can have this attitude? (v. 3) (I Pet. 1:6-7; Rom. 5:3-4)

What is the end result? (v. 4)

Think of a mature Christian you know or have known. What kinds of trials have they faced in their lives?

What is the reward for the one who perseveres under trial? (v. 12)

Perseverance is a key word here. Read the following texts that stress the importance of perseverance in the Christian walk: 2 Tim. 4:7-8; I Cor. 9:24-27

What are some of the similarities between an athlete and a Christian?

Read James 5:7-11.

When facing trials, what should our response be? (v. 7)

What is patience?

James gives three examples of patience in this text. What are they? (v. 7-11)

Where is the Lord in this time of waiting? (v. 8-9)

What is the attitude of the Lord towards man as he waits for deliverance from trials? (v. 11)

Read James 5:13.

We will study this text more in depth in another lesson, but I want us to pull one thing from this. 

What should we do when we are in trouble?

Write a summary based on these Scriptures of what you will do when you face trials.

When trials come my way I will…