The Three Tests
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
— 1 Peter 1:7-8 NASB
Warm Up
- What is one way that God tests you?
Lessons
Video coming soon
A good teacher will not test you on something you have not been taught. Good teachers test you to prove that what they taught has become understanding. However, a bad teacher will test you to expose things you do not know.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
— James 1:2-4 NLTThe enemy uses tests to expose and remind you of the old you. But God will use tests to reveal who you truly are.
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
— James 1:12 NLTThese two words keep sticking out: "patiently endure". Cultivation is a process that cannot be rushed. Remember this is about consistently making small acts of obedience that lead up to a life of massive transformation.
- Can you think of a time when a test revealed something good about who you are in Christ?