The Book Of James With Francis Chan: A 12 Session Video Bible Study - Session 2

Start by reading James 1:13-18

Did you ever use the excuse, “The devil made me do it!” after giving in to a temptation? We like to deflect blame from our own poor choices, don’t we? Some people in James’s day even tried to blame God for their own failures. As though He made it impossible for them to resist wrongdoing.

But God doesn’t work that way. James 1:13 clearly states that God is not the source of temptation. Rather, our own desires entice us to take what we want, when we want it. We know the feeling of being baited, like Francis pointed out—God says something is wrong or evil, but we want it anyway. We have a choice at that moment. Just like that fish that’s being lured away, either I go and I grab it, or I swim away.

Our heavenly Father is the source of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” He started by giving us life itself. His love gives us purpose and significance, just because we are His children. All the good things in life are just bonus, extra blessings He chooses to give us.

“So don’t listen to the tempter’s deceptive words. Giving in to temptation takes us down a road from temporary pleasure to sin...”

— Francis Chan

So don’t listen to the tempter’s deceptive words. Giving in to temptation takes us down a road from temporary pleasure to sin, which, if not stopped, will lead to death. What seems so small can have big consequences: Gossip could lead to a broken relationship. Gluttony can lead to chronic illness. Speeding can lead to car accidents. Our choices point us either toward life or death.

It’s hard to believe that God’s way is best when we’re being tempted. We get easily distracted by the glitter of more things, more attention, more pleasure, right? The promises of pleasure cause temporary blindness. But James tells us not to be deceived. Remember: God gives us a whole new life that is infinitely better than anything the tempter can offer. A kind word can pull someone out of suicidal thoughts. Healthy eating honors the body God gave us. Generosity combats our selfish tendencies.

We often assume that the best way to fight temptation is self-discipline. Grit your teeth and do the right thing. Just say no. And there’s nothing wrong with saying no. But maybe there’s a better approach—also saying yes to the kind of life God wants to give us.

• Think about your best strategy to fight temptation. You will be tempted—no question about that.

• What can you do to prepare for temptation?

• What positive steps can you take today to obey and honor God’s way?

This content was shared from The Bible App Reading Plan, “The Book Of James With Francis Chan: A 12-Day Video Bible Study”. You can access this content directly from The Bible App by clicking here.

The Book Of James With Francis Chan: A 12 Session Video Bible Study - Session 1

Start by reading James 1:1-12

Why would you need wisdom? Maybe you’re facing challenges. Or you’re worried that you’ve got it all wrong, that Christianity isn’t the right way. If it was the right way, then why would God let you experience suffering or hardship like this?

If the thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re in good company with James’s audience. “The twelve tribes in the Dispersion” at the beginning of the letter described both the Jews who’d been exiled from Israel and also the Christian believers who’d scattered from Jerusalem after persecution settled in to stay. 

A people sent packing due to their faith were familiar with suffering, which makes James’s opening exhortation imminently practical for them: “Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds.” Suffering was part of life, but God wanted His children to greet trials with a counter-intuitive response. Joy.

“Human nature hasn’t changed in two millennia. We want to know why we suffer. But James instead tells his readers why trials should provoke joy...”

— Francis Chan

Human nature hasn’t changed in two millennia. We want to know why we suffer. But James instead tells his readers why trials should provoke joy: “. . . for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” The word for testing (dokimion) was often used to describe precious metals put through extreme heat to remove impurities, becoming so pure you could see your reflection in it. Similarly, as God tests us and we go through the heat, we reflect His nature more. We are able to endure and remain faithful to Him.

Francis Chan said in the video, “What God wants to do is not just to make you happy. He wants to make you holy. He says He wants us mature, complete, not lacking in anything. Have you ever thought about that as the goal of your life?”

When persecution drove the Christians out into the wider world, many of them had good reason to doubt their faith. Was it really worth all the pain to stay faithful to Christ? James emphatically says “Yes!” and urges them to trust in God’s wise guidance. He says the same to us. Don’t jump in and out of your faith. Keep in touch with God when people confront you for living according to your faith, and He will get you through.

In the comments section below, please share any thoughts God has brought to your mind, prayer requests, or reasons for praise in your life. Feel free to reply to each other and create space for conversation.

• In what ways do you demonstrate your steadfast faith in Jesus?

• What does it look like at home or at work or with your neighbor or family members?

• Think back to the last time you faltered: Were you silent when you should have spoken up? Did you succumb to peer pressure and actively sin against someone? Whatever happened, confess it to God and pray for wisdom and strength when the next test comes.

This content was shared from The Bible App Reading Plan, “The Book Of James With Francis Chan: A 12-Day Video Bible Study”. You can access this content directly from The Bible App by clicking here.

What are we doing here?

We love meeting in person. In fact, did you know that community—the act of being together—is part of why we were created? Consider the words of King Solomon:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

— King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

We’re not meant to live in isolation. Just as a limb separated from the body can’t survive, a follower of Christ disconnected from the body of Christ is in a vulnerable place.

We also recognize that not everyone can gather at the same time each week. That’s why we created this space—to serve as a stepping stone toward meaningful connection and spiritual growth.

Here’s how it works:
Twice a week—on Mondays and Fridays at 5:00 a.m.—a new post will appear. Join in as you’re ready and able. Our first study will be based on the book of James, using the Bible App, and will last six weeks. Each post will include:

• A link to the daily devotional on the Bible App

• Related content and reflection

• A comment section for you to share thoughts and respond to others

You’re encouraged to engage with honesty and grace. Questions, disagreements, and doubts are welcome here—we believe God often does His best work in the middle of our wrestling. However, comments that are abusive, gossipy, or inappropriate will be removed.

If you have questions about using this platform or need support, email us at hello@embraceks.church.

Let this be more than a checkbox. My prayer is that you don’t treat this like a spiritual chore—“Gotta read the post and make a comment so Jesus still loves me.” Instead, may it become a rhythm that centers you on God and draws you into deeper community with others.

So invite a friend. Say a prayer. And let’s grow in faith and friendship together.

Whoever you are, wherever you are—you are loved and prayed for. I can’t wait to walk this journey with you.

Peace & Hope,
Pastor Mark