Testing the Heart of a Leader
Testing the Heart of a Leader
Pastor Keith Hassell
Foundation Scripture: Psalm 11:3-5 (Applied to leaders)
I. God is restoring foundations
A. Without foundations, the righteous can do nothing.
B. God is shaking everything back down to the foundations
C. God is looking for those who will allow Him to produce His righteousness in their lives
II. When we ask God to use us as one of His vessels, we are placed like clay on the potter’s wheel
A. Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”
B. The vessel depends upon
1. Purity of the clay
2. Willing to receive water (Word of God)
3. Placement on the wheel
4. Application of pressure
5. Design is determined by the Potter
6. Forming by five fold ministry (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher)
7. Commitment to the final process
8. Fire that tests and solidifies the character of the vessel for use
C. Sometimes being on the wheel can be enduring the ordinary and routine things every day as God is forming our lives when we would rather be doing “great things” (round and around and around, etc.)
D. Every vessel is different and unique
E. Every vessel is filled with the same Treasure
F. Each vessel has a unique way of presenting that same Treasure before men (don’t be conformed to the image of others)
III. The Lord tests the hearts of His leaders
A. Tests are used to reveal the weaknesses and deficiencies in our lives
1. Math tests reveal what we have and have not mastered
2. Tests help us to know where we stand
B. Tests are used to reveal what is in our heart
1. Psalm 26:2 “Examine me, O Lord, and prove (test) me; Try my heart and my mind.”
2. Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
C. Tests can come as in the form of temptations
1. God does not tempt us, but temptation tests whether we will choose the way of God or to give into our lusts
D. Tests can come as fiery trials of suffering and pain
1. I Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
2. Job was tested, but he did not deny the Lord
E. Tests come to purify us
1. Malachi 3:1-3
2. To produce a righteous offering
F. Tests come to prove the genuineness of our faith
1. I Peter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
G. Tests come to produce patience in the processes of God
1. James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
H. Tests come to prove our readiness for ministry
1. I Timothy 3:10 (TLB) “Before they are asked to be deacons (ministers) they should be given other jobs in the church as a test of their character and ability, and if they do well, then they may be chosen as deacons.”
IV. God promotes us when we pass the test
A. Leaders are promoted based on what they do during testing time, not what they do in times of blessing
B. You don’t promote kids from one grade to the other until they can pass the test (mastery of the material)
C. If we want to move up, we must pass the test
1. Pass the test and get a “TESTimony”
2. Fail the test and get the “monies” (“MOANies)
D. We must pass the test in three areas
1. Right response: Obedience
2. Right attitude: Willingness (not grumbling and complaining)
3. Right motive: Love
E. Some tests we may encounter
1. Trust test
2. Faithfulness test
3. Security test
4. Rejection test
5. “When all men speak evil of you” test
6. Judas Kiss test
7. Forgiveness test
8. Loving the unlovely test
9. Misunderstanding test
10. Discouragement test
11. Frustration test
12. Self-will test
13. Obedience test
14. Submission test
15. Wilderness test
16. Loneliness test
F. We pass the test when we humble ourselves, admit our inadequacies and deficiencies, and then allow God to change us
V. Invitation
A. Are you on God’s wheel this morning?
B. Have you asked God to make you a vessel, one of His leaders?
C. Have you encountered various testing?
D. Be glad! God is answering your prayers.
E. Therefore, pass the test
1. Humble yourself
2. Admit your flaws
3. Allow God to change you
F. Self-test: Can you pray from a sincere heart the prayer, “Lord, don’t promote me until I am ready?”