Kingdom Faith: Strength Through Trials and Tests
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we delved into the profound concept of kingdom faith and its intrinsic power. We often misconstrue tests and challenges as signs of sin or being out of God's will, but this is a dangerous misconception. Jesus himself faced such questions when he encountered a man born blind. The religious leaders assumed the man's blindness was due to his parents' sins, but Jesus clarified that it was for the glory of God. This teaches us that our trials are not punishments but opportunities to reveal God's nature and power.
Testing is an integral part of faith. It reveals our true nature and strength, much like lifting a heavy weight shows physical strength. The Bible is replete with stories of faith under pressure, from Abraham to Moses, and none of these figures were exempt from trouble. The value of our faith is paramount; it is the most powerful thing we possess and the only thing that threatens the devil. Our faith is manifested and strengthened through the tests it encounters.
Faith is not just belief but a conviction that creates confidence. It is as strong as the tests it survives, and God uses these tests as prerequisites for trusting us. Even Jesus was tested before beginning his ministry. Our faith must be in God, not in people, circumstances, or even miracles. The source and object of our faith determine its quality and quantity. We must ensure our faith is anchored in God, who is stable and unchanging.
The fight of faith is not against the devil but against doubt. Our ultimate enemy is doubt, and our fight is to maintain our belief in God despite life's challenges. Our faith confession will be tested, and we must be prepared for this. The story of Peter, who professed his unwavering support for Jesus only to be tested immediately, illustrates this principle. Our faith must endure through trials, and it is through these experiences that we become qualified to help others.
In conclusion, our faith is tested to build it, not to destroy it. We must place our faith in God, not in His works or blessings. The goal of God's works is to place our faith in Him, and we must remember that miracles are temporary. Our faith must be in God alone, and we must be prepared to endure tests and trials as part of our journey in the kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Testing is Not a Sign of Sin: Challenges and tests are not indications of sin or being out of God's will. Jesus clarified this when he healed the man born blind, stating that the blindness was for the glory of God. Our trials are opportunities to reveal God's nature and power, not punishments for wrongdoing. [01:48]
2. Faith is Manifested Through Tests: The true strength of our faith is revealed through the tests it encounters. Just as physical strength is shown by lifting heavy weights, spiritual strength is shown by enduring trials. God uses these tests to build and prove our faith, not to destroy it. [07:33]
3. The Source and Object of Faith: The quality and quantity of our faith depend on its source and object. If our faith is in people or circumstances, it will falter. But if our faith is in God, it will be stable and strong. We must ensure our faith is anchored in God, who is unchanging and reliable. [22:19]
4. The Fight of Faith is Against Doubt: Our ultimate enemy is not the devil but doubt. The fight of faith is to maintain our belief in God despite life's challenges. We must hold on to our faith, even when everything seems to be falling apart, because losing faith means losing everything. [34:59]
5. Faith Confession Will Be Tested: Whatever we proclaim in faith will be tested. This is a principle in the kingdom of God. We must be prepared for our faith confessions to be tested and remain steadfast in our belief. Our faith must endure through trials, and it is through these experiences that we become qualified to help others. [37:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Misconceptions About Testing
[03:32] - Jesus and the Blind Man
[06:13] - Understanding Glory
[07:33] - Testing Reveals True Nature
[08:40] - Kingdom Faith Under Pressure
[10:00] - Biblical Examples of Faith
[11:24] - The Value of Faith
[12:47] - Faith as Protection
[13:58] - Faith and Confidence
[15:06] - Manifestation of Faith
[16:43] - Testing as Prerequisite for Trust
[18:20] - Jesus' Testing in the Wilderness
[19:19] - The Power of Enduring Faith
[20:28] - Continuous Testing in Life
[21:19] - The Danger of Praying for Use
[22:19] - Source and Object of Faith
[23:32] - Quality and Quantity of Faith
[25:03] - Faith in Relationships
[27:10] - Stability of Faith
[29:10] - Trusting in God, Not Miracles
[30:49] - Jesus' Teaching on Faith
[31:31] - Have Faith in God
[32:55] - The Fight of Faith
[34:59] - Fighting Doubt
[37:53] - Faith Confession and Testing
[39:35] - The Power of Words
[41:40] - Public Profession of Faith
[43:17] - Peter's Test of Faith
[45:35] - Enduring Through Trials
[47:53] - Jesus' Prayer for Peter's Faith
[50:37] - Trusting Through Trials
[52:05] - Financial Faith and Bankruptcy
[53:23] - The Goal of God's Works
[55:08] - Faith in God, Not Works
[57:38] - The Story of Joseph
[59:10] - Faith in Persecution
[59:49] - Stephen's Faith and Martyrdom
[01:02:12] - Faith Stronger Than Rocks
[01:03:05] - God Believes in You
[01:04:14] - Stand Firm in Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 9:1-3 (Jesus heals the man born blind)
2. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (Faith tested by trials)
3. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (Fight the good fight of faith)
### Observation Questions
1. In John 9:1-3, what was the disciples' initial assumption about the cause of the man's blindness, and how did Jesus correct them? [03:32]
2. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, what is the purpose of trials in a believer's life?
3. In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, what does Paul instruct Timothy to pursue, and what is the nature of the fight he describes?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to the disciples' question about the blind man challenge common misconceptions about suffering and sin? [03:32]
2. What does it mean for faith to be "tested by fire" as described in 1 Peter 1:6-7, and how does this process refine a believer's faith?
3. In 1 Timothy 6:11-12, Paul describes the fight of faith. How does this fight differ from a physical or worldly battle, and what are the implications for believers? [34:59]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you initially interpret it, and how might Jesus' teaching about the blind man change your perspective on that experience? [03:32]
2. Think about a time when your faith was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn about the strength and quality of your faith through that experience? [07:33]
3. In what ways can you ensure that your faith is anchored in God rather than in people, circumstances, or miracles? What practical steps can you take to strengthen this foundation? [22:19]
4. How do you combat doubt in your daily life? Share a specific strategy or practice that helps you maintain your belief in God despite challenges. [34:59]
5. Have you ever made a public confession of faith that was later tested? How did you handle the test, and what was the outcome? [37:53]
6. Identify a current situation where you feel your faith is being tested. How can you apply the principles from this sermon to endure and grow through this trial? [16:43]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group who are going through tests of faith? Share a specific way you can offer help or encouragement this week. [48:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Trials as Opportunities to Reveal God's Glory
Description: Challenges and tests are not indications of sin or being out of God's will. Jesus clarified this when he healed the man born blind, stating that the blindness was for the glory of God. Our trials are opportunities to reveal God's nature and power, not punishments for wrongdoing. When we face difficulties, it is essential to remember that these moments can be used to showcase God's work in our lives. Instead of viewing trials as setbacks, we should see them as setups for divine intervention and revelation. [01:48]
John 9:2-3 (ESV): "And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you reframe this experience as an opportunity to reveal God's glory in your life?
Day 2: Faith Strengthened Through Testing
Description: The true strength of our faith is revealed through the tests it encounters. Just as physical strength is shown by lifting heavy weights, spiritual strength is shown by enduring trials. God uses these tests to build and prove our faith, not to destroy it. When we face difficulties, it is an opportunity for our faith to grow and be refined. Each test we endure is a step towards a stronger, more resilient faith that can withstand future challenges. [07:33]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did this experience strengthen your faith, and how can you apply this lesson to current or future challenges?
Day 3: Anchoring Faith in God Alone
Description: The quality and quantity of our faith depend on its source and object. If our faith is in people or circumstances, it will falter. But if our faith is in God, it will be stable and strong. We must ensure our faith is anchored in God, who is unchanging and reliable. This means trusting in God's character and promises, rather than the ever-changing situations around us. By placing our faith in God alone, we build a foundation that can withstand any storm. [22:19]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have placed your faith in something other than God. How can you shift your focus to anchor your faith in God alone?
Day 4: Battling Doubt in the Fight of Faith
Description: Our ultimate enemy is not the devil but doubt. The fight of faith is to maintain our belief in God despite life's challenges. We must hold on to our faith, even when everything seems to be falling apart, because losing faith means losing everything. Doubt can creep in during difficult times, but it is crucial to combat it with the truth of God's word and His promises. By doing so, we can remain steadfast in our faith journey. [34:59]
Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: When have you experienced doubt in your faith journey? What steps can you take today to combat doubt and strengthen your belief in God?
Day 5: Enduring Faith Confessions Through Trials
Description: Whatever we proclaim in faith will be tested. This is a principle in the kingdom of God. We must be prepared for our faith confessions to be tested and remain steadfast in our belief. Our faith must endure through trials, and it is through these experiences that we become qualified to help others. By enduring tests, we not only grow in our faith but also become a source of encouragement and support for those around us. [37:53]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think about a faith confession you have made recently. How can you prepare yourself to remain steadfast if this confession is tested?
Quotes
1. "The God we serve doesn't protect you from problems. He proves you through problems. You know, the last few years in the church community around the world. I'm talking about maybe the last 30, 40 years or more. There have been incubating a theology. A theology that places a negative spirit on testing. Almost to the point where it is suggested that if you are not doing well. You must not be doing right." [11:24] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The most important power you possess is your faith. Please remember this. I want to strongly reinforce this reality. What is the most important power you possess? I can't hear you. Shout it loud. A little louder. No. Your faith. Say it. My faith. My faith. That's the most powerful thing you possess. When you lose that, you lost. Not only is faith the most important, powerful thing you have. But it is the only thing. That threatens the devil. As long as you have that, he cannot succeed." [12:05] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is your belief and your conviction that creates your confidence in life. That's number two. Faith is your what? Belief and conviction that creates your confidence in life. You can only have confidence if you possess faith. When you lose faith, you cannot be confident. You become wavering. You become questioning. You become weak. And all the forces of earth run over you. Destroy your life. As a matter of fact, when you lose your belief and your conviction, there's no reason to live after that." [12:47] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your faith is manifested by the tests it encounters. How is faith manifested? Say it loud. Louder still. By the So how do I know if you have faith? There has to be a test. The only way faith can be manifested is through a test. This is why God would many times take his time answering your prayer. It ain't the answer he's interested in, nor the prayer. He's interested in what you're going to do while you're waiting." [13:58] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your faith is as strong as the test it survives. I'm going to keep repeating that for the rest of the year. Say it with me. My faith is as strong as the test it survives. Say it again. My faith is as strong as the test it survives. God will only know the level of your faith by the tests he allows you to face that you survive." [15:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Testing of your faith is God's prerequisite for trusting you. I'm going to say it again. Testing of your faith is heaven's prerequisite for trusting you. The word prerequisite, some of you may be a big word. It simply means before. requirement necessary before something. God will never trust what he didn't test. And if you call test negative, you will never be trusted by God. you handle pressure, test, attacks, challenges, is God's laboratory of experiment for him to trust you." [16:43] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The source of your faith determines the quality of your faith. Where you got your faith from is the question. If your faith falls up under a little stress, under a little problem, a little surprise, a little sudden thing that happens, then I want to know where you got your faith from. What is the source of your faith? Where did it come from? Do you know why we become disappointed in people? No matter who they are. It could be a spouse. It could be a parent. It could be a child. It could be a pastor. It could be a politician." [22:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The object of your faith determines the quantity or the size of your faith. Now we got two things here. We got quality and quantity. How much faith do you have? In other words, how big is your faith? That depends on the object of your faith. What you have your faith in. You know, I keep promising to do this for years, but I think I'm coming to the point where I'm going to eventually do it, maybe 209. I'm going to put together a marriage ceremony built on kingdom ideas. Because most of the marriages that we use, the ceremonies we use, are questionable." [23:32] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The stability of faith is determined by the stability of its object. The reason why you don't put an anchor in sand is because when the currents come and the winds blow, there is instability. So you cannot trust the anchor. Do you know a miracle is a temporary act of God? So don't trust miracles. think that's one of our problems. In the spiritual relationship we have in the kingdom of God, we somehow measure God by what he does. And so when he doesn't do something, our measure changes. It's sandy." [29:10] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The goal of God's works is to place your faith in him and not the works. I'm going to say it again because it's a little bit confusing. The goal of God's works, miracles and blessings, all that stuff, is to place your faith in him, not the works. In other words, God would do something in your life so you could trust him. What we do is we trust what he did. We normally say if he did it for you, he'll do it for me. That ain't necessarily true in the kingdom. That's true in religion." [53:23] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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