Tests, Trials, and Temptations
Mark 4:35-41 (NLT) As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t You care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith [and confidence in Me]?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”
We can either REACT to the trial, or we can RESPOND to it.
We react when we…
complain
discouraged
afraid
blame
compare
pity party
run away
“God, Where are You?”
believe God doesn’t care
control
believe God is punishing us
”I must not be saved.”
give up
Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Luke 4:1-2 (NIV) Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days He was tempted by the devil.
Genesis 22:12 (NIV) “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” He said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son.”
1 Peter 1:7 (NLT) These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete [in your faith], not lacking anything.
Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…
God actually tells us how He wants us to RESPOND when trials show up in our lives.
Trials are unavoidable.
Trials come in different packages.
God loves us.
God is with us.
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Ask God for wisdom.
James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…
Every trial has a purpose.
Purpose #1: Trials test our FAITH.
Genesis 22:12 (NIV) “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” He said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son.”
Trial: I don’t have enough money for ____ .
Test: Will I continue to trust God as my provider?
Temptation: Will I compromise or abandon my convictions to get out of this?
1 Peter 1:7 (NLT) These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
Job 23:8-10 (NIV) “But if I go to the east, He is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find Him. 9 When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him; when He turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Purpose #2: Trials REFINE our faith.
Purpose #3: Trials teach us how to PERSEVERE.
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Purpose #4: Trials build our CHARACTER (maturity)
Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete [in your faith], not lacking anything.