This Is A Test
Sermon Notes
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
- James 1:12-15
Every trial is a test.
Every test is a temptation.
Every temptation has a path.
“Christianity asserts that every individual human being is going to live forever … There are a good many things that would not be worth bothering about if I were going to live only seventy years, but which I had better bother about very seriously if I am going to live forever. Perhaps my bad temper or my jealousy are gradually getting worse—so gradually that the increase in seventy years will not be very noticeable. But it might be absolute hell in a million years: in fact, if Christianity is true, Hell is the precisely correct technical term for what it would be.”
- C.S. Lewis
Table Group Resources
Mixer
Name some things found at a Veterans Day parade!
Sermon Questions
Scriptures: James 1:12-15
1. Pastor Jared reminded us that “every trial is a test.” When you have faced trials in life, have you ever viewed them as a blessing? What is a trial you’ve been through that you’ve realized wasn’t wasted? How did God use it to stretch and grow you?
2. Pastor Jared broke down the text in verses 13-14 reminding us that God doesn’t tempt us; in fact, “every test is a temptation.” How has that truth challenged your theology when considering the temptations you’ve struggled with in life? How did you overcome?
3. Pastor Jared stated that “every temptation has a path.” What is the cause of sin & how do we get to the point of sinning? Think of some examples of sins you’ve committed previously and the paths leading up to those sins. Discuss what was tested and why you were tempted. Re-draw those paths in a Christian counter-culture way.
4. What spiritual advice would you have given to your younger self? Have you moved toward spiritual life or death through the tests in your life?
Serve
Serve Week was awesome - thank you for the many ways you pitched in and changed our world! Want to get the Go First momentum going inside the church walls as well? Click here to connect with opportunities to serve your own CRB family.
Pray
Veterans Day is Saturday, Nov 11. As we say around here... Glory to God. Honor to people. This week, we honor and say thank you to all the men and women who have served their fellow Americans by stepping into conflict - as Jesus did - with a Go First heart and mindset. Doing what so many could not do for themselves - and our nation benefitted.
Jesus said: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
(John 15:13 NLT)
Winston Churchhill said: “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Pray with us for our church too - that each person that calls The Church at RB home will look for ways that we can sacrifice and serve others for God’s glory, for their benefit, and for our own growth!
