Passage:

“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.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

http://bible.com/116/jas.1.12.nlt

Paraphrase:

When you face temptation but patiently endure it God will bless you. Then when all is said and done, those people will get a crown of life because of their love for God.

Premise:

Enduring temptation and tests is a way that we show we love God. But it will require endurance and patience to succeed. Sometimes we rush into decisions and yield to temptation instead of waiting and relying on Holy Spirit to lead us through the temptation.

When we endure such things, we are promised Gods blessings now and in the life to come. Living a holy and separated life on earth brings God’s blessings and then In the afterlife we receive a crown of life as a reward for the life lived on earth. All of this endurance and handling of temptation is done because of our love for God.

Principle:

To overcome temptation there must be patience and endurance.

God blesses those who overcome temptation.

Promise:

Everyone who overcomes temptation now will receive a crown of life in Heaven.

Practice:

When faced with temptation, slow down and pray. Seek God’s help through Holy Spirit and walk in Him.

Yield to Holy Spirit’s direction not to the temptations.

Ponder:

What temptations am I facing?

How do I tend to handle temptation?

What will the crown of life look like?

When I yield to temptation what does that mean about my love for God and my love for sin?

Why is the crown of life given to people who overcome temptation?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for guiding me and giving me a way out of temptation through Holy Spirit living within me. Help me when I am face temptations to rely on Him. Thank you for your promises and great love for me. Enable me to overcome every temptation I face and to grow in my love for you.