Proving God's Promises: A Call to Faith

 

Summary

In reflecting on the message from Malachi 3:10, the call to "prove God" is a profound invitation to trust in His promises and faithfulness. The essence of this message is a challenge to believers to test God's promises in their lives, not out of doubt, but as an act of faith. This is not about testing God in a skeptical manner but rather stepping out in faith to experience His faithfulness firsthand. The narrative of God's promises is woven throughout the Bible, and each promise is an opportunity for believers to witness His power and love in action.

The sermon emphasizes that God's creation itself is a testament to His power and faithfulness. From the sun to the smallest creature, all of creation is a continuous proof of God's sustaining power. However, humans have the unique privilege of intentionally proving God's promises through their lives. Each believer's journey is a testament to different aspects of God's character, whether it be His grace, mercy, or providence.

The message also distinguishes between conditional and absolute promises. Conditional promises require an action or state from us, such as prayer or faith, to be fulfilled. Absolute promises, on the other hand, are fulfilled solely by God's will and require our belief. The sermon encourages believers to engage with these promises actively, fulfilling conditions where necessary and trusting in God's absolute promises without reservation.

Furthermore, the sermon challenges believers to prove God in their current circumstances, whether in times of ease or trial. It is in the present moment that God calls us to trust Him, to lean on His promises, and to find peace in His faithfulness. The act of proving God is not just for personal assurance but also for His glory, as it demonstrates His reliability to the world.

Ultimately, the call to "prove God" is a call to deepen our faith, to live out the promises of God in our daily lives, and to glorify Him through our trust and obedience.

Key Takeaways:

- Trust in God's Faithfulness: God's invitation to "prove me now" is a call to trust in His promises and faithfulness. It is an opportunity to experience His power and love in action, not out of skepticism but as an act of faith. This trust glorifies God and strengthens our relationship with Him. [02:15]

- Creation as Proof of God: All of creation, from the sun to the smallest creature, continuously testifies to God's sustaining power and faithfulness. Humans have the unique privilege of intentionally proving God's promises through their lives, showcasing different aspects of His character. [06:43]

- Conditional vs. Absolute Promises: Conditional promises require an action or state from us, such as prayer or faith, to be fulfilled. Absolute promises are fulfilled solely by God's will and require our belief. Engaging with these promises actively is essential for experiencing God's faithfulness. [17:12]

- Proving God in Present Circumstances: God calls us to trust Him in our current circumstances, whether in times of ease or trial. It is in the present moment that we are to lean on His promises and find peace in His faithfulness, demonstrating His reliability to the world. [27:50]

- Glorifying God Through Trust: Proving God is not just for personal assurance but also for His glory. When we trust in His promises, especially in challenging times, we demonstrate His reliability and glorify Him, showing the world the power of faith in action. [37:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction to Malachi 3:10
- [01:07] - Entering a New Enterprise
- [02:15] - Proving God's Faithfulness
- [03:39] - The Folly of Distrust
- [05:13] - Testing God's Promises
- [06:25] - Creation as Proof of God
- [09:37] - Saints as Proofs of God's Attributes
- [12:18] - Elijah and God's Providence
- [16:40] - The Challenge to Prove God
- [17:12] - Conditional Promises
- [22:02] - Absolute Promises
- [27:50] - Proving God in the Present
- [37:51] - Glorifying God Through Trust
- [42:49] - Invitation to Prove God

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:10 - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
2. Psalm 34:8 - "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
3. James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Malachi 3:10 suggest about the relationship between giving and receiving blessings from God? How does this relate to the concept of "proving God"? [00:18]
2. In the sermon, how is creation used as evidence of God's sustaining power and faithfulness? [06:43]
3. What are the differences between conditional and absolute promises as discussed in the sermon? [17:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the act of proving God in our present circumstances? [27:50]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the call to "prove God" in Malachi 3:10 be understood as an invitation to deepen one's faith rather than a test of skepticism? [02:15]
2. What role does human intentionality play in proving God's promises, according to the sermon? How does this differ from the rest of creation? [09:00]
3. How can believers discern when a promise from God is conditional versus absolute, and what implications does this have for their faith journey? [17:12]
4. In what ways does proving God in times of trial glorify Him, as suggested in the sermon? [37:51]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to "prove God" in your life. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith? [02:15]
2. How can you intentionally showcase God's promises in your daily life, similar to how creation testifies to His power? [06:43]
3. Identify a conditional promise in the Bible that you feel called to engage with. What steps can you take to fulfill the conditions of that promise? [17:12]
4. Consider your current circumstances. How can you actively trust in God's promises and find peace in His faithfulness today? [27:50]
5. Think of a specific challenge you are facing. How can you use this situation to glorify God by demonstrating His reliability to others? [37:51]
6. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in God's absolute promises, even when they seem distant or difficult to believe? [22:32]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to "prove God" and share their testimonies of His faithfulness? [39:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Promises
The call to "prove God" is an invitation to trust in His promises and faithfulness. This act of proving is not about skepticism but about stepping out in faith to experience God's power and love in action. Trusting in God's promises glorifies Him and strengthens our relationship with Him. When believers actively engage with God's promises, they witness His reliability and faithfulness firsthand. This trust is a testament to God's character and an opportunity to deepen one's faith. [02:15]

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to trust? How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him in that area?


Day 2: Creation as a Testament to God's Faithfulness
All of creation, from the sun to the smallest creature, continuously testifies to God's sustaining power and faithfulness. Humans have the unique privilege of intentionally proving God's promises through their lives, showcasing different aspects of His character. By observing creation, believers are reminded of God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to His creation. This understanding encourages believers to live lives that reflect God's attributes, such as grace, mercy, and providence. [06:43]

Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."

Reflection: As you go about your day, take a moment to observe a part of creation. How does it reflect God's character, and how can you mirror that aspect in your life today?


Day 3: Engaging with Conditional and Absolute Promises
Conditional promises require an action or state from us, such as prayer or faith, to be fulfilled. Absolute promises are fulfilled solely by God's will and require our belief. Engaging with these promises actively is essential for experiencing God's faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to fulfill the conditions of God's promises where necessary and to trust in His absolute promises without reservation. This engagement is a vital part of the believer's journey and a way to witness God's faithfulness in action. [17:12]

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."

Reflection: Identify a conditional promise in the Bible. What action or state is required from you, and how can you begin to fulfill it today?


Day 4: Trusting God in Present Circumstances
God calls us to trust Him in our current circumstances, whether in times of ease or trial. It is in the present moment that we are to lean on His promises and find peace in His faithfulness, demonstrating His reliability to the world. This trust is not only for personal assurance but also for God's glory. By trusting God in the present, believers show the world the power of faith in action and the peace that comes from relying on God's promises. [27:50]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: What is one current circumstance where you need to trust God more? How can you actively lean on His promises in this situation today?


Day 5: Glorifying God Through Trust
Proving God is not just for personal assurance but also for His glory. When believers trust in His promises, especially in challenging times, they demonstrate His reliability and glorify Him. This act of trust shows the world the power of faith in action and the transformative impact of God's promises. By living out God's promises, believers not only strengthen their faith but also become a testament to God's faithfulness and love. [37:51]

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 of a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond in faith, and how did it glorify God? If you missed the opportunity, how can you prepare to trust Him in future challenges?

Quotes



Let us never my friends think hardly of our God till we can prove anything against him he says to all his unbelieving children who are doubtful of his goodness and his grace prove me now hast thou ought against me can thou prove ought that will be dishonorable to me wherein have I ever broken my promise in what have I failed to fulfill my word ah thou can not say that prove me now if thou Hast ought against me if thou can say anything against my honor if thou Hast hitherto not received answers to prayer and blessings according to promise set me not down as false I beseech thee until thou Hast so proved me. [00:02:04]

In meditating on this subject it has occurred to me that all the works of creation are proofs of God they evidence his eternal power and godhead but in as much as he is not only the Creator but the sustainer of them all they make continual proof of him his goodness his faithfulness and his care me thinks when God launched the Sun from his hand hand and sent him on his course he said prove me now see oh son if I do not uphold thee till thou Hast done thy Work and finish thy career thou mayest rejoice as a strong man to run a race but while thou fulfill thy circuits and nothing is hid from thy heat Thou shalt prove my glory and shed light upon my handiwork. [00:06:33]

It is a great fact beloved that God will have all his children to be proofs of the various attributes of his nature I do not think any one of the children of God proves all of God but that they are all proving different parts of his one grand character so that when the whole history of Providence shall be written and the lives of all the saints shall be recorded the title of the book will be proofs of God there will be one compendious proof that he is God and changeth not that with him there is no variableness neither shadow of turning. [00:09:37]

There are different sorts of promises given in God's word which have to be proved in different ways in the Bible there are three kinds of promises in the first class I will place the conditional promises such as are intended for certain characters given alone to them and them only on certain conditions there is a second class referring exclusively to the Future the Fulfillment of which does not relate to us at the present time while there is a third and most glorious class called absolute promises which have no conditions whatever or which graciously Supply the requirements that the conditional promises demand. [00:17:12]

In order to prove conditional promises then it is necessary for us to fulfill the condition that God has annexed to them he says bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now here with no man can prove god with reference to This Promise till he has brought all the ties into the storehouse for it is here with this promise has to be proved suppose the Lord says call upon me in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me the only way of proving him is by calling upon him in the time of trouble. [00:19:20]

Now the absolute promise is not to be proved by doing anything but by believing in it all I can do with an absolute promise is to believe it if I were to try to fulfill a condition it would not be accepted by God because no condition is appended to that kind of Promise he might well say to me if thou Hast fulfilled the condition of another promise Thou shalt have it but I have put no condition to this one I have said I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my ways ye shall be my people and I will be your God. [00:22:02]

Do you know what is the most perilous time in a Christian's life I think I could hit upon it in a moment now many persons I might well say all Christians are ever most apprehensive of the present hour suppose they are in trouble though they may have had 10 times worse troubles before they forget all about them and now is the most critical day they ever knew or if they are at ease they say far more the treacherous calm I dread than tempests rolling over my head and they think no position in life more dangerous than now. [00:27:50]

If we do nothing glorifies God more than proving him when a poor hungry child of God without a crust in the cupboard says Lord thou has said that bread shall be given me and water shall be sure I will prove thee more glory is given to God by that simple proof of him than by the Hallelujah of the archangels when some poor despairing sinner who has been fluttering round the word in hopes that he may light on some sweet promise there some sure defense against despair when such and one giveth Credence to God's promise in the very teeth of evidence against him staggering not at the promise through unbelief then he glorifies God. [00:37:51]

Beloved brethren we endure 10 times as much anxiety in this world as we need because we confide not in Divine promises half as much as we might if we were to live more on God's promises and less on creature feelings we should be happier men and women all of us could we live always in faith on the Promises the shafts of the enemy could never reach us let us constantly then seek to prove him how much good Mr Müller has done by proving God he is called by God to a special work what does he do he builds an orphan Asylum and trusts to God he has no regular income but he says I will prove to the world that God hears prayer. [00:42:49]

Prove me now thus saith my God unto thee Oh sinner whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved Sav D my dear hearer art thou lost and ruined prove God now he says call unto me and I will answer thee come now and call unto him he hath said seek and ye shall find oh seek Him Now knock he says and it shall be opened unto you lift up the knocker of Heaven's Door and sound it with all thy might or suppose Thou Art too weak to knock let the knocker fall down of itself he has said ask and ye shall receive seek and you shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you go and prove the promise now. [00:42:49]

Thou thinkest thyself to be a lost one therefore I urge thee in Christ's name to prove this promise I even I am he that blot out thy transgressions for mine own sake and will not remember thy sins take this to him and say oh God I want Faith to trust Thy word I know thou does mean what thou Hast said thou Hast said this morning by the mouth of th Minister prove me now Lord I will prove thee now this very day even till Nightfall if thou do not answer me I will still keep fast by thy promise do this my beloved and you will not be gone long before you will be able to sing I'm forgiven I'm forgiven I'm a miracle of Grace. [00:42:49]

Now do not stand still and say God will not hear such a one as I am my disease is too bad had for him to cure go and see put your hand on the Hem of His Garment and then if the blood is not staunched go and tell the world that thou has proved God wrong go and tell it if thou Durst but oh thou can not if thou dust Touch the Hem of His Garment I know what thou will say I have tasted that the Lord is gracious he said trust in me and I will deliver Thee I have trusted in him and he has delivered me for the promise will always have its fulfillment prove me now saith God Amen. [00:42:49]

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Transcript
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