FaithFULL Living

We have started a new series called faithFULL Living. It is taken from the book of James and will help encourage youth on how we are to live faithfully for God. Our first lesson dealt with how we deal with problems and trials in our lives. (Which coincidently fits with our last series of lessons)

Check out our first lesson here:

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/2372651/Faith%20FULL%20Living%201.pdf

A quick synopsis of the lesson is below and is also page 5 of the download above.

How to Profit From Your Problems

OPEN: What do you do to cheer up when you are down?

READ: Read James 1:1-12

• James says “when” we face trials, not if we face trials? Why is it important for us to understand that trials are inevitable?
• What happens if you don’t understand this?
• How does James tell us to respond to trials?
• Why should we respond like this? What progression in Christian maturity does James describe in verses 3-4?
• Does perseverance here imply active overcoming or passive acceptance? What is the difference?
• In the middle of discussing trials, James mentions wisdom. What does wisdom have to do with facing trials?
• Why should we pray for wisdom and not just perseverance?
• When we ask for wisdom, we must believe something about God. What must we believe (5-8)?
• Why does God allow trials in our life? What is the purpose? Why is this so hard for us to see?

DIG: If you have time, look at some of the following cross-references. What do they teach us about trials and suffering?
Matthew 5:11-12 Romans 5:3-5 Hebrews 2:10 Hebrews 12:11 I Peter 1:6-7

REFLECT:
1. How do you normally feel and respond when you face trials?
2. Share a trial you endured earlier in your life and how God used it to mature you. What did He teach you? What trial are you encountering today? Which of the following steps do you need to take to allow God to use this trial for your benefit?

The APPLICATION:
How do we put this lesson into practice?

Request- Ask God for wisdom to see this trial from His perspective and know what he is trying to teach you.

Resolve- Make your mind up to persevere and trust God in the middle of this trial. Don’t be double-minded or swayed by Satan.

Relax- Know that God will deliver you at the right time and that He is right now maturing you.

Rejoice- Praise God in the middle of the trial before you know the resolution because you know God is working.

PRAYER TIME: Pray for wisdom in your specific trial.

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 1:2-3