IGNITE THE FIRE Part 18: “Passing the Test”

Main Reading: James 1:2-4;

Preacher: Pastor David Holt

God tests His people:  Ex. 15:25; Dt. 8:2, 13:3; Ps. 7:9, 11:5, 105:19; Isa. 48:10

Jer. 17:10, 20:12; 1 Thess. 2:4

1.   What is a test? A test is a difficult situation designed to see if we will trustand obey God no matter what.  Jas. 1:2-4; Lu. 16:10

2.  Who was tested in the Bible? 

Abraham (Gen. 22); Joseph (Gen. 36-50); David (1-2 Samuel; Psalms);

Job (Job); Jesus (Mark 1); Disciples (Jn. 6:5-6; Jn. 21:22); Paul (2 Cor. 11-12)

3.  What is the purpose of a test?

a.   To refine our Character1 Pe. 1:6-7

b.   To mold us into the image of Jesus  Rom. 8:29

c.   To prove the sufficiency of Jesus  2 Cor. 12; Ps. 73

d.   To make us more fruitfulfor God.  2 Pe. 1:3-8; 2 Cor. 1:3-5

4.  How do we pass the test?

a.     See it as from the handof God.  Gen. 50:20

b.     Do not give into temptationor sin.

c.     Repent of any and all sin  1 Jn. 1:9; Ps. 139:23

d.     Hold fastto God.  Ps. 105:19; Hebr. 11

e.     Get support from Godlypeople.  Hebr. 10:24-25

f.      Waiton the Lord as to when the test is over.  Isa. 40:31