How to Pass a Spiritual Test with Flying Colors!

Introduction

This morning, we are moving into chapter 6 as we continue our journey through the Gospel of John. In the previous chapter, we came to understand the importance of Christ’s deity - that He is God. As such, He is the only one through whom a person can be spiritually resurrected. Many people question and do not believe or accept Christ as God, including the religious Jewish leaders. Even today, there are those who reject Christ, and it is their choice. The wonderful thing about God is the freedom that allows people to choose. Unfortunately, there are eternal and dire consequences for those who reject God’s Son, as we have realized throughout Christ’s entire dialogue with the religious leaders of Judea.

In chapter 6, the Holy Spirit, through the testimony of the apostle John, shares two crucial miracles. The first one is the feeding of five thousand people, the only miracle found in all four gospel accounts. This suggests that there is something remarkable and significant that God wants us to understand. Personally, I believe that this miracle was intended to teach His disciples a valuable lesson about spiritual tests, which is relevant for us today. Therefore, if you claim to be a true disciple of Christ, then the lesson of this miracle applies to you as well.

There are four very distinct characteristics of this miracle that set it apart from the rest. First, it was done in a very public setting. There could be no denial that it happened, as well over five thousand people witnessed it taking place. Second, it concerned food. Everyone loves food, and everyone loves good food. In this miracle, the Creator feeds everyone with the best meal they have ever eaten. Third, there is no denying the fact that much of this miracle spoke directly to the person of Christ. Last, but not least, is the fact that this miracle has universal application, as Christ fed the hungry multitude.

Now, as you can see, there are many applications we can draw from this miracle. There is an application of evangelism and our task to take the Bread of Life to all who are hungry for spiritual nourishment. In fact, I have a sermon that I have prepared and preached using that very application. However, for today, I want to see this miracle in a different light. Before we get there, let’s read the entire miracle and see the different parts of it. Then, we will get into today’s message and see what I believe God wants us to know and understand.

John 6:1–13 KJV 1900

1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Note the movement of this story.

In the first two verses, Christ is followed into Galilee by a great multitude. Then, according to verse 3, Christ goes to a mountain with His disciples to rest from the weariness of ministry. The Holy Spirit also notes the timing of this great miracle, as it took place just before the Passover, as mentioned in verse 4. While Christ is with His disciples, He looks up and sees the entire crowd has come up the mountain to where He and the disciples are resting. It is then that Christ, upon seeing the multitude and their need for nourishment, places a challenge before His disciples. He specifically calls out Philip and poses a question to him. In doing so, we find the key verse for today’s message.

John 6:5–6 KJV 1900

5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

What I find interesting is that Christ posed the question to Philip already knowing what He would do and what would be accomplished.

As I was studying this message, I couldn't help but think about 1 Corinthians 10:13. As many of you may already know, it is a verse that I quote often and a verse that I keep in mind every day.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV 1900

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Why this verse? Well, first, we must understand that the word “temptation” is a broad term that includes not just temptation as we know it, but also the idea of any trial or test put before us. In fact, let’s define a few terms here.

A spiritual trial or test is an opportunity for you to practice being Christlike by obeying God’s Word and giving honor to Jesus Christ. On the other hand, a temptation, which cannot originate from God, is a solicitation for you to disobey God’s Word and satisfy your fleshly desires.

Even though God does not tempt us to sin, there are times when God allows our failure to overcome temptation as a means of teaching us and helping us grow. However, no matter the trial or the temptation, each one is a unique opportunity to grow spiritually. I love 1 Corinthians 10:13 because it provides vital information about these opportunities. What does it teach us?

Tests and temptations are common to all people. We all experience them and are challenged by them.

Tests and temptations cannot undermine the faithfulness of God. He is always faithful. He never changes, and His promises are always true.

Tests and temptations are not impossible to overcome. God will not try us beyond what we are able to handle.

Tests and temptations always have an avenue of escape. God has the solution.

Now, as we work our way through this message today, I want you to keep those principles in you mind. We see them all in this miracle.

By the way, the title of today’s message is this.

How to Pass a Spiritual Test with Flying Colors!

This miracle is a demonstration of what NOT to do and what TO DO when God places a test in front of you.

Let’s begin with this.

Realize the Purpose of the Test!

John 6:5–6 KJV 1900

5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

I find it interesting how Christ tested Philip and the disciples even though He already knew what He was going to do. The purpose of each test is not for the Lord's benefit, even though in the end He is glorified. The real purpose of each test is to help us grow spiritually and become more like Him.

Note James 1:2-4

James 1:2–4 KJV 1900

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Once again, as in 1 Corinthians 10:13, the word "temptation" is a broad term that encompasses both tests and temptations. Therefore, if you understand the purpose of these tests and temptations, you can find joy in them. Such an emotional response may seem strange because most people dislike tests, and I am no exception. However, the Holy Spirit encourages us to rejoice and be excited about spiritual tests. He desires us to be spiritual enthusiasts who eagerly take on these challenges.

What is the purpose, as noted in James? The testing of our faith produces patience. The word "patience" in the original Greek means steadfast endurance. In other words, God seeks to cultivate within you a steadfast endurance of obedience to Him and His Word. Thus, each test serves as another building block to help you develop your spiritual endurance. As you respond with obedience, you become perfect (mature) and complete. This results in growth spurts that promote a healthy, spiritual life. It is continuous spiritual development through which God can use you as His useful instrument.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: The life of David, King of Israel, is a great example of this. David began life’s journey as lonely, young shepherd boy. Later, as we know, God chose David to be the next king of Israel. Israel’s first king was man’s choice. However, David was God’s choice. Yet, God knew that David needed a whole lot of spiritual growth before he could assume the throne of Israel. From the moment God chose David, God allow tests and temptations into David’s life for the sole purpose of preparing David for the throne. David’s life is filled with tests such as bear or lion trying to steal sheep, Goliath’s defiance of God and Israel, Saul’s unrelenting pursuit to kill him, and many other great trials. David also experienced the fate of temptation. He left Israel for a short time and lived with the Philistine, the enemy, simply because he was tired of running and doing things God’s way. Later, as we know, he committed adultery with Bathsheba at a time when he should have been at war defending Israel. Through all the tests and trials, God developed spiritual character. David has become a symbol of steadfast endurance to God as he leaned through these many trials and tests obedience to the Lord. Such was David’s testimony that God Himself said...

Acts 13:22 KJV 1900

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

There are many more examples in Scripture. We could have spoken of Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, and many others. Even in our text today, we see Christ challenging His disciples helping them grow spiritually. There is no doubt that God challenged the apostle Paul. So it goes for all of us today. The thing we must remember is that there is always a purpose for every trial we face.

This miraculous story is no different. Christ already knew what He would do, and He knew that these men needed spiritual growth. So, He presents them with a challenge that they could not possibly meet on their own. He did not do this to frustrate them, as we often assume. Instead, He did so for their benefit.

However, as with all tests, there are both wrong and right answers.

How did Philip, along with Andrew, respond?

They initially failed. They gave the wrong answer. As a lesson to us, we must...

Recognize the Wrong Response!

John 6:7–9 KJV 1900

7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Let's start with Philip's response. What does his answer reveal?

Philip focused on the circumstances. Jesus asked him to feed the crowd. While looking around, he began counting and probably stopped around 1000, realizing the enormity of the crowd. Immediately, he started thinking about money. With over 5000 people, he calculated that it would take a lot of money to feed them. He concluded that "two hundred pennyworth of bread" wouldn't be enough. To put it in perspective, 200 pennyworth is worth about $3.00 today. In other words, they didn't have nearly enough money to feed these people. Even if they bought a loaf of bread and broke it into small pieces for everyone, the pieces would have to be huge. It seemed impossible to Philip. There was no way he could do it.

Have you ever felt that way? How many times have we found ourselves in situations we knew were beyond our ability? In those moments, we might have thought, "You've got to be kidding me, Lord! How do you expect me to handle this? You seem to have a much higher opinion of my abilities than I do."

Now, here's the more interesting part of this story and Philip's answer. Who was Philip really talking to about this test? He was talking to the God of infinite power and grace! The very Creator of the Universe asked Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" Philip's answer, which was the wrong answer, showed that he was more concerned with the circumstances than with his own faith in Christ. Despite witnessing incredible miracles performed by Christ, Philip allowed the circumstances to overwhelm him.

Are we not like Philip? We often get so caught up with the circumstances that we lose sight of who Christ is and become negative about the tests set before us. Instead of rejoicing, we focus on the challenges and become depressed and anxious. This is not the response God is looking for when He presents us with a test.

Now, Philip attempts to pass the test and fails. Now it is Andrew's turn.

John 6:8–9 KJV 1900

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

One of the commentaries I was reading this week made this statement:

Unbelief is infectious.

No sooner did Philip express disbelief, Andrew did the same. What is interesting about Andrew’s response is that he saw the solution but did not believe it was the right one. He questioned, “What are they among so many?” Sometimes the answer is right in front of us, but we doubt whether God can use such means. It's strange how our unbelief makes us feel helpless. We often respond to the Lord in the same way Andrew did. We say to Him, “Lord, here are my loaves of bread and my small fish, but I don’t see how you can use them.” We make the same mistake that both Andrew and Philip made. We assess our circumstances and what is available to us without considering the Christ who presented the test in the first place. All we can see is our helplessness and hopelessness. Once again, such responses to spiritual tests show how self-centered, skeptical, and sinful we are. The God of the Universe is standing nearby, offering a wonderful opportunity to increase our faith, but all we can see are the difficult circumstances He has set before us.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE: There is another story in the Old Testament that illustrates how unbelief can impact our faith. The story is found in 2 Kings 6 and concerns God’s prophet, Elisha. The context of this story is as follows. The King of Syria was determined to invade and conquer the northern kingdom, Israel. Remember that all of Israel is divided into two kingdoms at this time. There is the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. As the story goes, the King of Syria warred against Israel. The King of Syria thought he would be sly. He would setup is army camp in a place where he planned to ambush the King of Israel and his army. However, each time he would secretly set up the ambush, the King of Israel would know and avoid going that way. This happened three times. Finally, the King of Syria realizes that information is being passed on to the King of Israel. The Syrian King suspects they have informant in their camp. He begins to make inquiries and comes to find out that God’s prophet, Elisha, was revealing all this information to Israel’s king as the Lord revealed to him. This infuriates the king of Syria so he gathers up his entire army and surrounds the entire city in which Elisha is staying. We are talking foot soldiers, calvary, and chariots riders. All of them ready to invade this city and take Elisha with the idea of putting him to death. Well, to make a long story short, Elisha is not alone. He has his servant with him. The servant is the first one to arise the next morning and he finds the entire city surrounded by this massive army. He panics and runs to Elisha with the news saying, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” You see this servant is responding to the circumstances. As such, he is panicking trying to figure out how are they going to get out of this mess. He is responding the same way that Philip and Andrew responded. Guess what? We do the same. However, note Elisha’s answer.

2 Kings 6:16 KJV 1900

16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

It was then that Elisha prayed asking the Lord to open the servant’s eyes. You might say that he asked the Lord to give the servant eyes of faith and not sight. Lo, and behold, this servant, through the eyes of faith, sees the reality of faith.

2 Kings 6:17 KJV 1900

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

The wrong answer to the spiritual test is always unbelief. We get our eyes away from Christ and place them our circumstances. When we do, we stop walking by faith and begin walking by sight. In doing so, we completely and utterly fail the test.

However, remember the words of 1 Corinthians 10:13. God is faithful. Along with each test comes a way of escape. In this story, Christ not only provides the way of escape, but He also teaches the disciples an important lesson. He helps them, and us, to see the right response to the test.

Conclusion

We are not done with this message. Next week, we are going to come back to the miracle Christ performed and see the right answer God wants for each spiritual test. Christ demonstrated this answer as He fed the multitude. However, as we close, I imagine that many of you faced some test or temptation this week. Perhaps you responded well and aced the test. Most likely, if you are like me, you didn’t respond well to every test or temptation. That is okay. Each response, good or bad, is another opportunity to grow. If we failed in our response, then we need to fall on our knees, confess our failure, and ask for God’s forgiveness. Such a response is your obedience to 1 John 1:9.

1 John 1:9 KJV 1900

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Even in failure, we learn to get up, brush off the failure, and start again. It is all part of the learning process and spiritual development. If you responded with the right answer of faith and obedience, praise the Lord. Yet, we must be careful to realize that we succeeded only because we put our faith in God and not ourselves. It may be that while you were listening to the message this morning, you identified with Philip, Andrew, King David, and Elisha’s servant. Perhaps you were caught up in seeing the circumstances of the trial that you forgot to see the God of the trial. Let’s determine this morning that we are going to be people of faith. Remember that God has a purpose. What is His purpose? He is seeking to develop spiritual steadfastness or, as the Holy Spirit identified in the book of James, patience. We must learn not to react with negativity and hopelessness when faced with trials or temptation. Instead, we must rejoice as we remember that God is faithful and He is providing opportunities for spiritual growth. Ultimately, the right response to each test is to maintain unwavering faith in Christ and not succumb to unbelief.