Put to the Test

Intro

facing another tough idea

Tackling a facet of God’s agency in this world

It is a difficult thought because one can fall down a slippery slope very quickly

What does it mean that God tests us?

1 Corinthians 10

This is an extremely common passage

What is he speaking of in this passage?

Sexual immorality is plaguing the congregation in Corinth

Its an idol that is hard to get away from and that this the temptation Paul is speaking of: The temptation to love the body more than God

God is faithful- he loves and has purpose. He doesn’t tempt you but allows that to happen

God is a God who tests but what does that mean?

James 1

We often find this a difficult idea to wrestle with, but James says to count it as joy

Why? because it will only make you closer to God should you endure, being made “perfect”

We are after the crown of life

God cannot tempt because he cannot be tempted

The desire is from me not from God

1 Peter 4

You are not alone in your being tested just as you are not alone in your suffering

Even the Christ went through these things, God did not spare himself of our troubles

We can overcome and grow in that just as he did

It is an opportunity, not an unfortunate circumstance

Application

Why are we tested by God? How could he do such things when it can seem so harsh? Is everything a test? Are all the horrible things just God testing me and if so why would he do that?

All of these questions can be so hard to wrestle with and God answers them by simply living his life and facing all of these himself in the flesh and inspiring so many others to do the same and to say they do it with joy

In this life there will be difficulty. There will be things that make you stop and wonder. But we can always come out on the other side closer to God if we choose to see how he can make us grow in our testing.

rejoice and be made perfect in God