(Jas 1:12 KJV) “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

1) Why are trials and temptations necessary for the New Creation? (R5499)
Deut. 13:3; Rom 5:3-5; Heb. 4:15

2) When temptations or trials arise, what can we quickly do to get assistance, and what can we bring to mind to get ourselves in the right attitude to overcome? (Apr 21 Manna, R5459:Sec 2)

3) If we are not successful when tempted, at what point in the temptation does it become sin? (Scriptures) (R2248:Sec 6)

4) What can we do in advance to fortify against temptation? (Psa 91:8-9; Eph 6:11; Mat 26:41; Heb 12:13, more?)

“Temptation” in Rev 3:10 is Strong’s 3986 “a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: temptation...” All of earth’s civil, social, & ecclesiastical systems are being put to the proof. Mankind is gaining more and more liberty yet it is proving that beings out of harmony with God are unable to properly use it. As the blessings increase, the discontent of mankind likewise increases. Today, there is very little willingness to endure anything and selfishness is leading toward anarchy. The increase in knowledge has caused greater affluence and shorter working hours, but the misuse of these have ended up with greater vice and extreme immorality that rivals or exceeds Sodom. Soon the wise men of earth will come to realize that they cannot fix it on their own.

5) Briefly, how do the temptations to the New Creation differ now from previous stages of the Church?

6) What are a few ways that we could fail to keep our covenant by getting caught up in this discontent and unwillingness to endure that is all around us? How can it be overcome?

7)	a)	With the degrading immorality of today everywhere (advertising, entertainment, Internet, TV, in the malls, at work, etc.) what are some practical ways to battle even minimal effects of these influences in our own heart and mind?
	b)	Also, what precautions might we take in our clothing etc. so as not to stumble other brethren or distract them from spiritual things?

In this perilous time where the hours of labor are shortened, love of self is exalted (2Tim 3:1,2,4), and mankind is seeking the pleasures of life with an intensity unlike ever before. We could be tempted to do the same in large or small ways. The present mission of the Church is to make herself ready, to sacrifice the earthly for the heavenly, & to selflessly lay down our life in service of the Lord, the Truth, & the brethren. We pledged all of our time, energy etc. (except basic needs) to active service of the Lord (R1281). We have promised to hold nothing back for self.

8) What are some perils or distractions of our time (and even those that existed throughout the age) that could pull us away from our covenant? How can each be overcome? (R5413) (Include even small everyday things.)

The word translated “offended” in Rom 14:21 means “to entrap, to stumble”. It is good to prayerfully consider how we might use our liberty for either self-gratification or self-sacrifice (R3145:Sec4). The following references give examples (R4007:Sec1; R5323-R5325). Because Facebook involves so many brethren (many of which we have not even met), opportunities to use or misuse our Liberty are greatly multiplied.

9) In our associations with the brethren (including on Facebook), how could we inadvertently stumble/entrap the brethren?

(i.e. Could we inadvertently promote temptations such as listed in the answer to question 8, to worldliness, to extravagance and/or to things harmful to other’s consciences, etc? If so, how, and how could we instead encourage one another spiritually?)

Rev 14:12 KJV Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

All throughout the age brethren were willing to die (be burned at the stake etc.) for the Truth. The Laodicean stage of the Church was warned that this love for God would cool. The Scriptures stress both Character and Doctrine (“the Whole Armor”) as especially being necessary in this evil day.

10) Why is Doctrine an essential part of “the Whole Armor” that is needed to stand now? (Scriptures) (R1319, R767:Sec 5-6; R3215)

11) Why is Character as well as Doctrine an essential part of “The Whole Armor” that is necessary to stand in this evil day? (Rev 14:12; Eph 6:11-17; 1 Cor 3:11-15) (C209-210) R4514, R4583)

Endurance is not only needed in dealing with temptation, but is needed in almost every aspect of our walk. In Rev. 14:12 above and many Scriptures we have considered, special focus is on the Greek word Strong’s 5281 translated “Patience”. It means willing, cheerful, longsuffering endurance – constancy. (Beautifully illustrated: R747:6)

12) Briefly, why is this constancy – this patient, willing, longsuffering endurance essential: (*R5650; R4910)

a)	To develop and solidify the fruits and graces of the spirit?
b)	To acceptably sacrifice & lay our lives down in service of the Lord, The Truth and Brethren
c)	To acceptably deal with the world now?
d)	To finally prove our character?
e)	To be able to acceptably carry out our future work?
f)	With the above in mind, how do we cultivate this steadfast, willing, longsuffering endurance?

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* R5650 is best in the original Towers & Harvest Truth Database (HTDB). Unfortunately the wording was changed in this Reprint.

Example from article: Original Tower/HTDB: “…it would be unjust to be impatient and severe with the unavoidable imperfections and weaknesses of our fellowmen.” Reprint: “…it would be injurious to be impatient and severe with the unavoidable imperfections and weaknesses of our fellowmen.