IGNITION CENTRE
Foursquare Gospel Church
Agege District Headquarter August 12, 2025
BIBLE STUDY
Topic: THE BELIEVER’S IDENTITY: TRIALS AND TEMPTATION
Text: James 1:2-4,12; Romans 8:18; Ezekiel 24:15-24; Job 1:8-19; II Corinthians 12:7-10
Introduction
Last week we established that believer’s trials are challenging situations or difficulties that followers of Jesus Christ encounter as part
of their faith journey and are not punishments, but opportunities for spiritual growth, James 2:4. God uses them to test, purify, and
strengthen believers, revealing their dependence on Him and fostering spiritual maturity (Deuteronomy 8:2–3).
Temptation is a test or enticement to disobey God's will, leading to sin.
1. Temptation as a test or enticement to disobey God
Genesis 3:1–6 – Eve was enticed by the serpent to disobey God’s command.
Matthew 4:1–11 – Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness to act against God’s will.
2. Being tempted is not a sin
Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who
has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”
3. Yielding to temptation leads to sin
James 1:14–15 – “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire
has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
4. Sources of temptation: the world, the flesh, and Satan
1 John 2:15–16 – The desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life come from the world, not from the
Father.
1 Peter 5:8 – “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
5. Resisting temptation is crucial for spiritual growth
James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a way out so that you can stand up under temptation.
Trials and temptations, while both presenting challenges, differ fundamentally in their source and purpose. Trials are tests of faith or
character, often sent by God to strengthen believers, whereas temptations are enticements to sin, usually from an external source like
Satan.
TRIALS TEMPTATIONS
Source Often seen as divinely orchestrated or a natural part of Typically attributed to Satan or other external forces
life seeking to lead individuals astray.
Purpose To test one's faith, resilience, and character, ultimately To entice individuals to sin against God or to
leading to growth and spiritual maturity compromise their values
Nature It can be difficult and painful, but the intention is to An alluring desire that can lead to negative
refine and strengthen consequences if acted upon
Examples Sickness, financial hardship, loss of a loved one, or facing Giving in to lust, greed, anger, or pride
persecution
In conclusion “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I
have overcome the world.” John 16:33. You are a victor in Jesus’ name.
