HIS GOODNESS TOPIC (VIII) TESTING

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TEXT: Deut 8:2-3,16-17

INTRODUCTION

This is a constant variable in the issue of life. It is a continuous process and each one you go through successfully moves your life forward. You become a better person and as a christian, it helps you know God better and have a better christian experience (Rom.5:3-4)

Having a test and going through it sucessfully is a form of God’s goodness – end is to make us better (matured and richer)

3Types of Test

Wilderness test – Deut.8:2-3,16-17

Willderness is defined as a desert place, place of disorder, a place of difficulty, pressure, insufficient resources, opposition.

Why does God take us through this test?

To discipline us for maturity and self control
To teach us that man does not live by bread alone
To teach us that it was not out own strength that med to prosper.
To humble us
To prove our character.

WHAT MAKES THE TEST EASY TO GO THROUGH?

It is easy to go through the test when you know and understand that what you are going through serves a purpose,
Knowing that the trail of your faith is not pointless makes it bearable.

Rom.8:28 (NLT) “And we know that God cause eveything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”.

While testing is universal – how you respond to it is important – Do you grumble and complain? Because our effectiveness and success depends upon our responds to the various testing we go

through.

Blessing of this test

You see the supernatural working of God
You receive assurance of the care of God
Assured of the faithfulness of God.

Only (2) two kings in the bible became kings without the struggle of the wilderness
Saul – Consumed by Jealousy
Solomon – Consumed by his own passions.

Dangers

People become angry
Bitter
Hardened
Disillussioned
Distracted

TIME TEST – Gen.12:1-10
What did the promise entail for Abraham

Personal blessing from God
Personal protection from his enemies
Personal purpose to live out

Was the promise fulfilled immediately
No

Abraham was 75year old when promise was given
86years when Ishmeal was born
100year when Isaac was born
Abraham still lived in tent up until his death

Why?
God wants to known what is in your heart whether you will keep his commandment or not.

To teach you that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.
There is no promise given by God that will not comes to pass. He cause us to wait in order that we may develop maturity.

The time test will make certain things available.

It will force you to trust God
It will cause your faith to grow
Faith to encourage others
Develop maturiy
Develop patience
Develop purpose

What did Abraham’s time test reveal?

Being chosen does not except you from testing
There is grace in failure
Grace does not negate the price of failure

Things to do to pass the test.

Do things that require faith
Never stop attending church
Don’t stop worshipping God
Learn to serve others
Rejoice everyday in the promise

In order to receive the promise, we must pass the time test.

Motivation Test – Jn.3:25-30
This looks at the why. Why do you do what you do?
Motivation test occurs when God exposes the christian to inner and outer forces that influence our decision making process.

When this occurs, it exposes the unrighteous drives hidden in us.

It also reveals the inner intentions, thoughts values and priorities that causes the type of decision we make.
Example – Lucifer – wanted God’s throne and wanted to be worshipped as God.

Korah wanted to be a leader of the people of Isreal
Balaam wantted the riches of Balak
Demas loved the things of the world.

Right things can be done for wrong reasons
Preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry

Why does wrong motive occur?

Desire to be centre of attendtion
Self ambition of acquiring power and influence

Certain Problem now occur

We manipulate people for our advantage
We mistreat people for our advantage
We become selfish and self promoting in our spirit
We limit our willingness to serve or sacrifice to those areas that will provide us an advantage.

When this happens

We begin to compromise values meant to guide us.
We become separated from God’s presence
We become less than what we could have been with God’s favour.
We become doomed to temporary success that will not be seen in eternity.

Acceptable Motives
We should be motivated by the desire to please and glorify God.

This test reveals our heart and exposes improper motives

Author: Mama Ree

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Pastor (MRS) Rita Udoh
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