Family Worship (April 12)

Have you ever watched something being tested to see if it really works? Maybe you’ve seen a toy get dropped over and over to make sure it won’t break, or a phone case get smashed to prove it can protect the phone. Testing can look rough, but it shows what something is really made of.

The Bible says our faith is a little like that. Sometimes life gets hard. Things don’t go the way we want. We face problems, feel sad, or get frustrated. Other times, we are tempted to do something wrong, even when we know what is right. These are like tests for our faith.

In James 1, God teaches us something important. Hard times (trials) help grow our faith, and temptations show what is going on in our hearts. But the best news is this: God is good, and He is helping us grow. He is not trying to hurt us—He is helping us trust Him more.

James 1:2–5, 12-18 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is one hard thing (trial) you have faced recently, and how did it make you feel?
2. What is a temptation you face sometimes (something you want to do even though it’s wrong)?
3. How can remembering that God is good help you when life is hard or when you are tempted?

Activity: “Fire Test”
You will need two items: something strong (like a metal spoon) and something weak (like a piece of paper). Hold both items and ask: “What would happen if these went through fire?” Talk about how the paper would burn up, but the metal would not—it would still be there, maybe even cleaner.

Explain: “Our faith is like that. When hard things happen, it can feel like fire. But God uses those hard times to make our faith stronger, not weaker. He is helping us trust Him more.” Then have each person share one way they can trust God this week when something hard or tempting happens.

Prayer:
God, thank you that you are always good. When life feels hard, help us trust you. When we are tempted to do wrong, help us choose what is right. Thank you for loving us and helping our faith grow stronger. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
15. Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?
That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.

Memory Verse
James 2:26 (ESV)
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.