Passing The Test

Intro

Text - Job 23.10

Job 23:10 NKJV

10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Title - The Importance of Passing the Test

Background

Life is full of tests

Key Points

The Purpose of Trials

Tests vindicate one’s true nature

Job 23:10 NKJV

10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

1 Peter 1:7 NKJV

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much 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,

Ecclesiastes 3:17–18 NKJV

17 I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” 18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.”

1 Corinthians 3:12–13 NKJV

12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

Tests help us see what we do not see in normal situations

Deuteronomy 8:2–3 NKJV

2 And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

to manifest what was in their heart

to manifest whether they will be obedient to His commands or not

to let them know - that God’s word is more important in life than bread

The Necessity of passing the test

Passing the test moves you a higher position

1 Timothy 3:10 NKJV

10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

Failing the test means -

you remain in your position

What’s worse - you can move lower that your present position

1 Corinthians 3:14–15 NKJV

14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Passing the test entitles you to greater privileges

James 1:12 NKJV

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Revelation 2:10 NKJV

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

1 Peter 4:12–13 NKJV

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 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.

Passing the test means you can continue to enjoy your present privileges or present position

Adam and Eve lost their privileges in the garden

Esau lost his privileges when he despised his birthright

Israel lost her privileges when she rejected Christ

Passing the test means having the privilege of having to go through other tests or harder tests!

Revelation 3:8–10 NKJV

8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

How do you pass the test

Get real

Job was a real believer - a gold!

Job 23:10 NKJV

10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

be a true Christ

be a true believer

Be faithful - start in small things

Luke 16:9–12 NKJV

9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

Luke 19:16–17 NKJV

16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’

Matthew 25:21 NKJV

21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Stay right

Job 23:11–12 NKJV

11 My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

Conclusion

We have gone through a grea test in the last 2 years (20201 and 2021)

Did we pass the test?

did our “golden nature” manifest after the feiry trial?

did we learn anything from this trial?

did we “endure”?

did you remain faithful?