Curated Reading for January 11 – 17
Sermon Series: Real Faith Week 2Sermon Title: Real Faith in Tempting Times delivered on January 11, 2026
View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: James 1:13-15. What are some of the everyday things that tempt people? What do you think James means when He says “dragged away by their own evil desire”?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to thank God for HIs power over sin and His provision of Jesus as the payment for our sin. Thank Him for the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, which reveals and recognizes sin. Invite Him to show you any hidden areas of desire or sin that are unconfessed. Give him the opportunity to bring light and to free you from the potential traps and tripwires that these areas can be in your life, and lead to temptation.
Day 2 READ: James 1:16-18. What are examples of “good and perfect gifts” in this world and in your life? How does Satan try to distort, twist, and counterfeit these gifts?
Day 2 PRAY: Thank God for His amazing and endless gifts in this life and for those yet to come. Invite Him to show you how you can be more grateful for these gifts and to recognize how the enemy may try to rob you of the gratitude and joy of these gifts.
Day 3 READ: James 1:19-21. As you read this passage, what does this have to do with the theme of temptation? When someone challenges us, what is our natural tendency? How does James' practical advice lead to greater peace in our relationships and in ourselves?
Day 3 PRAY: Do an inventory of your daily conversations and assess how well you listen to others, how much you speak, and what might trigger anger in you. Offer your findings to God and ask Him to show you how these areas could be better honoring to Him and to others. Confess any hidden areas of sin that might be leading to unrighteous anger.
Day 4 READ: James 1:22-25 and Matthew 7:21-29. How do James' words here echo the words of Jesus to His disciples? What is the common theme between these two passages? Is there an area in your life you might be “hearing the Word” but not be “doing the Word”?
Day 4 PRAY: Thank God for HIs eternal Word and for Jesus’ perfect example of living according to the Word. Invite Him to show you any areas in your life where you need to be more “action-oriented” in your faith and not just reading and hearing the Word. Confess and commit these to Him and ask HIm for the courage and strength to make the changes needed to follow through!
Day 5 READ: James 1:9-11. How might the temptations of wealth and materialism lead to stunted faith or a false sense of security and hidden pride?
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for the resources, finances, and possessions He has entrusted you with. Invite Him to show you any areas where you are not fully honoring HIm with your investment, spending, and giving of those resources for HIs kingdom. Commit to make one change to better align your finances with His will and what is ultimately best for you and your spiritual growth.
Memorize and Reflect
James 1:13-14
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
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