Title The purpose-driven life (26) The test...
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Purpose-driven life (26) Growing through trials
Text: James 1:12/ Blessed are those who endure temptation. For after this has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.
There are two kinds of temptations. First, God refines us so that we can give greater blessings to His children and use them as greater workers. Second, the devils prevent us from falling into sin and failing to receive a reward from God. is to do There are all kinds of tests all around us during the days of our lives. Financial problems, physical health problems, relationships with humans, all kinds of temptations for sin, and all sorts of miscellaneous tests come around us, sometimes big, sometimes little, and constantly. In particular, the test of suffering is not something that comes once and then never comes again. It is literally a constant rushing in, like waves crashing in. The problem is that you should never fail, and you should never lose, whatever this exam may have been. We must become strong and courageous believers of faith who will overcome and remain abundantly, no matter what kind of temptation we face.
This world is a testing ground for Christians. No one knows when or what questions will be tested. The test of benefiting others, the test of patience, the test of humility, the test of trust, the test of love... In order to be used properly, we must pass these tests of the Lord, which we unknowingly take.
Normally, it seems that all students are doing well, but when they take the test, they get a score from 0 to 100. When the saints are also tested, their state of faith is revealed. There are two aspects that appear when we face temptation. There are people who turn their backs on God, distance themselves from the life of faith, and complain and complain. Such people are not used. Second, we become closer to the Lord by clinging to God and praying. Whatever it is, we believe in God's goodness and depend on God and believe that He will give us better things, regardless of our health, business, workplace, circumstances, or circumstances, we are more grateful and devoted rather than faithfully devoting ourselves to Him. God uses such a person greatly and is glorified.
We need to have a completely new way of thinking about temptation, but we must believe that temptation is not an enemy that destroys us, but rather an opportunity for God's grace and blessing. The Lord is saying very strongly to count it all joy. When you face trial and tribulation, please rejoice, give thanks, pray more, and draw closer to God.
The multiple-choice test, in which you pick out a given answer by memorizing it, is a test method that is only available in a few countries other than Japan and Korea, and most countries are essay-type tests that require comprehensive understanding and creativity. In Korea, too, when taking past exams, we took an essay-type test. The multiple-choice type has one answer, but the essay type has multiple answers. There are only two evaluations in the multiple-choice form, right and wrong, but the essay form is neither wrong nor bad, but there is a basic score. You can cheat in the multiple-choice form, but you cannot cheat even if you show all the logical expressions.
God's 'test' is not a multiple-choice type with a fixed answer, but a 'thesis statement' that is applied differently to each person. So, even if you die, Sana must release it herself. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to you, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Every trial is an opportunity to do good, so it becomes a stepping stone to growth rather than a stumbling block. In order to make us bear the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit as evidence of our becoming more like Jesus, God allows us to experience the opposite situation from the fruit of the Holy Spirit and pass the test. For example, having unlovable people around you teaches you to love, to learn true trust and peace in situations of worry and fear, and to develop patience in the trials of anger and impatience.
It is sad to pass the test passively and recklessly, but if you actively endure it, you will develop wisdom for a mature life. In other words, to endure means to "stay under", which implies activeness. So, rather than "to be tempted", it means "to endure temptation". That is, it is not passive, but active. It does not mean that you are a child and you are ruined when there is a test, but that you realize the meaning and welcome it at the moment of the test. When you respond in that way, you gain precious things like faith, love, hope, wisdom, and courage. Therefore, it can be said that blessed are those who endure temptation.
Temptation may be to remove our impurities and increase our purity of faith. In the same way, God purifies us through temptation. That is why, sometimes, he allows temptation so that I can throw away what I cannot throw away. When you know something is wrong and linger on it, God will make you quit through temptation.
God is truly a great person because it produces such beautiful fruits through trials. God gives strength through trials and events. So he raises the standard and elevates our character. And when you reach a certain level, he finally gives you the crown of life. Therefore, do not accept temptations because I have sinned, and do not think that I am being tempted because my faith is weakened or weak. There is nothing more to think about on this matter. Because Jesus was tempted. In particular, Jesus was tempted after fasting and praying for 40 days. Therefore, do not be misled by the test. When you endure trials with faith and with joy, your faith will grow, your character will grow, you will reach the level that God wants, and you will eventually receive the crown of heaven.
1. How are the exams approaching?
Satan's actions are predictable because they have used the same strategies and deceptions from the beginning, so if you know the process of temptation and deal with it, you can overcome Satan's temptations.
1) The first step creates a desire first in us: the test begins within us, not around us. Temptation cannot attract our attention if we do not have an inner desire. Therefore, Satan whispers within us and tempts us to satisfy our sinful desires, such as felonies, or legitimate desires, such as love and honor, in the wrong way and at the wrong moment.
(Mark 7:21-23) For from within, that is, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, a lustful eye, blasphemy, pride, and madness. All things come from within and defile a person.
2) The second step is Doubt: Satan does everything he can to make him doubt what God has said about sin.
3) The third stage is a lie: Satan, being the 'father of lies', has no ability to tell the truth, and commits the sin of having his lies replace what God has already said.
4) The fourth step is disobedience: If you don't resist Satan's temptations in the beginning, eventually what was a thought in your head will become an action and you will fall into the trap of something that interests you.
2. How to win the exam
1) Do not be afraid: It is not a sin to be tempted. Even Jesus was tempted, but he did not sin. It is not a sin as long as you do not pass that test. Martin Luther - "You cannot stop birds from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from making nests over your head." You can't stop Satan from making you think, but you can choose not to settle for them and not put them into action. We are not tested because we are weak or worldly, but because Satan hates us, so there is no need to be afraid, discouraged, or ashamed.
2) Know what the exam will look like and prepare for it: Each person has certain areas and situations that make the exam weaker. Satan is clearly aware of this weakness, so we need to realize it and be alert. Ex) Material, reason, lust for honor, laziness, lies, envy, anger, impatience, etc.
We must understand the pattern of temptation we are subjected to and prepare to avoid it (Ephesians 4:27). Do not allow the devil to take advantage of it.
3) Seek God's help: There is a 24-hour emergency telephone in heaven. God is waiting for us to ask for help to overcome temptation. (Psalm 50:15) Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you will glorify me.
You may fall into temptation because of the sweetness of temporary temptation, remembering that you will have to pay a price that is too great to turn around and recover, and only look to God. (James 1:12) Blessed is he who endures temptation. For after this has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him.
God's love is eternal, so he endures to the end. Even if we ask for help 200 times a day to overcome a particular test, he will be happy to show us mercy and favor. So ask boldly for the strength to do what is right, and expect to give it to you.
Day 26 / About the purpose of my life
Points to Ponder: Every trial is an opportunity to do good.
Memorable Words: "Blessed is the one who endures temptation. After being approved by this, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).
Questions that leave life:
1. In what areas will I develop a more Lord-like character by overcoming the temptations I face most often?
2. What is the weakest part of being tested? What specific time, place, person, or situation?
“The trials I went through were the teachers who taught me divinity.” Martin Luther (M.