Three Tests Three Tests for the New Yearfor the New Year

Psalms 26:2Psalms 26:2

Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heartme. Test my motives and my heart

Tests/ExaminationsTests/Examinations

A very sad boy said to his dad one A very sad boy said to his dad one afternoon, “Dad, I think I failed that math afternoon, “Dad, I think I failed that math test today.” test today.”

The father replied, “Son, be positive.” The father replied, “Son, be positive.” The boy answered, “O.K., Dad, I’m The boy answered, “O.K., Dad, I’m positivepositive I I

failed that math test today!”failed that math test today!” Pop quizzes and ExamsPop quizzes and Exams

Dr. Clyde Q. ShelleyDr. Clyde Q. Shelley Each pop quiz = ten pointsEach pop quiz = ten points 1/3 semester’s grade 1/3 semester’s grade 1/3 from mid term tests1/3 from mid term tests 1/3 from final exam1/3 from final exam

Tests/ExaminationsTests/Examinations

Every Christian faces the same kinds of Every Christian faces the same kinds of exams exams A daily “pop” quizA daily “pop” quiz Occasional big examsOccasional big exams A major final examA major final exam

The way you deal with the The way you deal with the dailydaily exam will exam will largely determine the grade or reward largely determine the grade or reward Not whether you pass or failNot whether you pass or fail But your reward received at the Big Final Exam But your reward received at the Big Final Exam

The Judgment Seat of Christ The Judgment Seat of Christ Where a believer’s works are judgedWhere a believer’s works are judged

1 Corinthians 3:10-151 Corinthians 3:10-15

1010 According to the grace of God which was given According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. one take heed how he builds on it.

1111 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1212 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

1313 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. sort it is.

1414 If anyone’s work which he has built on it If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. endures, he will receive a reward.

1515 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

God Tests His People!God Tests His People!

He tests the mind and the heartHe tests the mind and the heart He tested the Israelites in the wilderness He tested the Israelites in the wilderness

God fed them mannaGod fed them manna To see if they would obeyTo see if they would obey To see if they loved Him To see if they loved Him

Deuteronomy 13:3 - Deuteronomy 13:3 - “you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

God Tests His People!God Tests His People!

God testedGod tested Abraham – Genesis 22Abraham – Genesis 22 Gideon’s soldiers – Judges 7-9Gideon’s soldiers – Judges 7-9 Joseph – waiting God’s promises - Psalm Joseph – waiting God’s promises - Psalm

105:19105:19 Hezekiah – God withdrew from him so that He Hezekiah – God withdrew from him so that He

might know all that was in his heart - 2 might know all that was in his heart - 2 Chronicles 32:31Chronicles 32:31

God Tests His People!God Tests His People!

Job says that God tests man continually - Job says that God tests man continually - Job 7:17-18Job 7:17-18

Job says that when God has tested him he will Job says that when God has tested him he will come forth like gold - Job 23:10come forth like gold - Job 23:10

Isaiah says that God tests His people in a Isaiah says that God tests His people in a furnace of affliction like silver - Isaiah 48:10furnace of affliction like silver - Isaiah 48:10

Paul - It is God Who tests our hearts - 1 Paul - It is God Who tests our hearts - 1 Thessalonians 2:4Thessalonians 2:4

God Tests His People!God Tests His People!

God’s tests are very special for His God’s tests are very special for His peoplepeople

Main purpose of God’s tests = to show a Main purpose of God’s tests = to show a person’s real characterperson’s real character

James 1:2 - “count it all joy when you fall into James 1:2 - “count it all joy when you fall into testings”testings”

Peter tells us why - that the proving or testing Peter tells us why - that the proving or testing of our faith may result in glory for God - 1 of our faith may result in glory for God - 1 Peter 1:7Peter 1:7

A Three Part New Year’s TestA Three Part New Year’s Test Biblical advice Biblical advice

Lamentations 3:40 Lamentations 3:40 ““Let us search out (test) and examine our ways, And turn Let us search out (test) and examine our ways, And turn

back to the LORD”back to the LORD” 2 Corinthians 13:5 2 Corinthians 13:5

““Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified”in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified”

New YearNew Year Time to reflect, consider the past, plan for the future Time to reflect, consider the past, plan for the future Find a quiet place - honestly take the following test Find a quiet place - honestly take the following test Three part test - roots in the Sermon on the MountThree part test - roots in the Sermon on the Mount

The The AttitudeAttitude test test The The AffirmationAffirmation test test The The ActionAction test test

I. The Attitude TestI. The Attitude Test

James Allen James Allen ““As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” Aphorism = A tersely phrased statement of a Aphorism = A tersely phrased statement of a

truth or opinion; an adage; a sayingtruth or opinion; an adage; a saying Proverbs 23:7 Proverbs 23:7

““For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” Attitude is the issue!

I. The Attitude TestI. The Attitude Test

Herb Hodges “the beatitudes are good Herb Hodges “the beatitudes are good attitudesattitudes to to bebe in” in”

Each beatitude in Matthew 5 is based on an Each beatitude in Matthew 5 is based on an inward attitude which is intended to inward attitude which is intended to stimulate an outward lifestyle stimulate an outward lifestyle

Matthew 5:3-11Matthew 5:3-113.3. Blessed are Blessed are the poor in spiritthe poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of , For theirs is the kingdom of

heaven. heaven.

4.4. Blessed are Blessed are those who mournthose who mourn, For they shall be , For they shall be comforted. comforted.

5.5. Blessed are Blessed are the meekthe meek, For they shall inherit the earth. , For they shall inherit the earth.

6.6. Blessed are Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for those who hunger and thirst for righteousnessrighteousness, For they shall be filled. , For they shall be filled.

7.7. Blessed are Blessed are the mercifulthe merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. , For they shall obtain mercy.

8.8. Blessed are Blessed are the pure in heartthe pure in heart, For they shall see God. , For they shall see God.

9.9. Blessed are Blessed are the peacemakersthe peacemakers, For they shall be called , For they shall be called sons of God. sons of God.

10.10. Blessed are Blessed are those who are persecuted for those who are persecuted for righteousness' sakerighteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. , For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11.11. Blessed are Blessed are you when they revile and persecute youyou when they revile and persecute you, , and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

The Attitude TestThe Attitude Test

Which best describe your present attitude? Which best describe your present attitude? Thanksgiving, praise, celebration, positive attitudeThanksgiving, praise, celebration, positive attitude Indifference, apathy, tension, frustration, bitterness, angerIndifference, apathy, tension, frustration, bitterness, anger

Castle of Mansoul - Pilgrims’ Progress – John BunyanCastle of Mansoul - Pilgrims’ Progress – John Bunyan Diabolonians attack the CastleDiabolonians attack the Castle

Any one of these can capture the Castle of Mansoul at any timeAny one of these can capture the Castle of Mansoul at any time A whole hoard of invaders can hold Mansoul hostage at any A whole hoard of invaders can hold Mansoul hostage at any

timetime Emmanuel battles against the Diabolonians Emmanuel battles against the Diabolonians Mansoul may be in perfect peaceMansoul may be in perfect peace

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Not because he is passive and indifferentNot because he is passive and indifferent But because his inner character is controlled by Emmanuel - But because his inner character is controlled by Emmanuel -

the Lord Jesus Christ!the Lord Jesus Christ!

Peace of HeartPeace of Heart

John 14:27John 14:27 ““Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not

as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Peace is not the absence of conflictPeace is not the absence of conflict It is the confidence that comes from the control of a It is the confidence that comes from the control of a

Victor! Victor! Isaiah 32:17 Isaiah 32:17

““The work of righteousness will be peace, And the The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever”forever”

Take a few moments and remain stillTake a few moments and remain still Check your attitude Check your attitude Is there peace in your heart?Is there peace in your heart? Be sure that all of your life is yielded up to JesusBe sure that all of your life is yielded up to Jesus

II. The Affirmation TestII. The Affirmation Test

1 Thessalonians 5:11 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ““Therefore comfort each other and edify one Therefore comfort each other and edify one

another, just as you also are doing”another, just as you also are doing” How free are you?How free are you?

Free enough to positively affirm others?Free enough to positively affirm others? Free enough to receive affirmation from Free enough to receive affirmation from

others? others? How How skilledskilled are you in affirming others? are you in affirming others? How How boldbold are you in affirming others? are you in affirming others?

Our ModelOur Model

Jesus ChristJesus Christ Even His harshest Even His harshest rebukesrebukes contain affirmations contain affirmations Even His Even His commandscommands are affirmations are affirmations

““This is your responsibility--and you can fulfill it if you This is your responsibility--and you can fulfill it if you appropriate My grace and power!” appropriate My grace and power!”

Affirmation is a crucial form of encouragementAffirmation is a crucial form of encouragement Mark Twain, “I can run three months on just one tiny Mark Twain, “I can run three months on just one tiny

compliment!” compliment!” Matthew 7:12Matthew 7:12

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”

Everyone likes to be affirmed or complimentedEveryone likes to be affirmed or complimented Anis Shorrosh – “Lovely Loretta” – she glowed!Anis Shorrosh – “Lovely Loretta” – she glowed! MichelleMichelle

AffirmationAffirmation

The sports page - a star football player:The sports page - a star football player: ““One positive statement from my coach is One positive statement from my coach is

worth a hundred compliments from worth a hundred compliments from sportswriters” sportswriters”

Every parent/grandparent is a coachEvery parent/grandparent is a coach Every disciple-maker/teacher is a coachEvery disciple-maker/teacher is a coach

A player-coach!A player-coach! Every member of his team needs affirmation!Every member of his team needs affirmation!

May God forgive us for not affirming people May God forgive us for not affirming people more!more!

Especially those God has placed in our lives Especially those God has placed in our lives for us to disciple!for us to disciple!

Affirmation or Rebuke?Affirmation or Rebuke? ““All of us work best in the sunshine of approval”All of us work best in the sunshine of approval”

A little boy to his fatherA little boy to his father ““Let’s play darts! I’ll throw, and you say, ‘Wonderful!’” Let’s play darts! I’ll throw, and you say, ‘Wonderful!’”

Jesus saw sinners, but He treated them like saintsJesus saw sinners, but He treated them like saints Adam Clarke – Methodist theologianAdam Clarke – Methodist theologian

Father warned Adam’s teacher - “He won’t do well” Father warned Adam’s teacher - “He won’t do well” The teacher, “He looks perfectly bright to me” The teacher, “He looks perfectly bright to me” Adam later testified that that one brief sentence spoken by Adam later testified that that one brief sentence spoken by

his teacher in a casual moment changed his life forever!his teacher in a casual moment changed his life forever! Daniel Daniel

2nd grade music teacher told him he could lead in singing 2nd grade music teacher told him he could lead in singing Killed his joy for music until this day! Killed his joy for music until this day!

Performance awards – many small – given publicly with Performance awards – many small – given publicly with affirmationaffirmation

Affirmation or Rebuke?Affirmation or Rebuke?

Rebuke has its placeRebuke has its place But “honey draws more flies than vinegar” But “honey draws more flies than vinegar”

TV today - always tearing people down - teaches us TV today - always tearing people down - teaches us to tear one another down, not build one another up!to tear one another down, not build one another up!

Many people open their affirmations withMany people open their affirmations with ““Now I don’t want to give you the big-head” Now I don’t want to give you the big-head” ““I don’t want to inflate your ego” I don’t want to inflate your ego”

Well, give me a chance, anyway! Well, give me a chance, anyway! God has a Giant Pin with which He bursts the God has a Giant Pin with which He bursts the

balloon of inflated ego! balloon of inflated ego! Be secure and free enough in Christ Jesus to Be secure and free enough in Christ Jesus to

give honest affirmationsgive honest affirmations

III. The Action TestIII. The Action Test

Jesus’ Example - Matthew 11:2-11Jesus’ Example - Matthew 11:2-11 As we read, feel the crisis of doubt and As we read, feel the crisis of doubt and

uncertainty which grips the heart of John the uncertainty which grips the heart of John the BaptistBaptist

John in the dark doubts what God has clearly John in the dark doubts what God has clearly shown him in the lightshown him in the light

He is in prisonHe is in prison His situation is “graveyard serious” His situation is “graveyard serious” He sends a message to Jesus, asking, “Are you He sends a message to Jesus, asking, “Are you

really the Messiah, or should we look for another?” really the Messiah, or should we look for another?”

Matthew 11:2-11Matthew 11:2-11

2. And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples

3. and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

4. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

5. The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

6. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”7. As they departed, Jesus began to say to the

multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Matthew 11:2-11Matthew 11:2-11

8. But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

9. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

10. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11. “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

III. The Action TestIII. The Action Test

Two things are attacking John the Two things are attacking John the Baptist in this passage – Baptist in this passage –

InactivityInactivity - a potential killer - a potential killer IsolationIsolation – if prolonged, a sure detriment – if prolonged, a sure detriment

It is very significant that Jesus didn’t It is very significant that Jesus didn’t give a direct answer to John’s questiongive a direct answer to John’s question

John needs immediate attention!John needs immediate attention! He said, “Go and tell John what you hear and He said, “Go and tell John what you hear and

see” see” Don’t tell him what I am saying; tell him Don’t tell him what I am saying; tell him

what I am doingwhat I am doing

The Mid-term ExamThe Mid-term Exam For Jesus, the “mid-term exam” was the test of For Jesus, the “mid-term exam” was the test of

actionaction Matthew 7:24 “Whoever hears these sayings of mine, Matthew 7:24 “Whoever hears these sayings of mine,

and and doesdoes them” them” Jesus didn’t seem to be very impressed with Jesus didn’t seem to be very impressed with

what people saidwhat people said He was more impressed with what they He was more impressed with what they diddid Believers are known by their fruits - John 15:1-11Believers are known by their fruits - John 15:1-11 True prophets can be distinguished from false True prophets can be distinguished from false

prophets by what actually happensprophets by what actually happens Matthew 7:21 - “Not every one who says to me, Lord, Matthew 7:21 - “Not every one who says to me, Lord,

Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father who is in heaven”does the will of my father who is in heaven”

When Simon Peter professed that he loved Jesus, When Simon Peter professed that he loved Jesus, Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep” - John 21:15-23Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep” - John 21:15-23

Action or Guilt?Action or Guilt?

God is still “doing” these things from God is still “doing” these things from Matthew 11 Matthew 11

His doing must not be kept secretHis doing must not be kept secret Do Do youryour actions line actions line youyou up with what up with what God is God is

doingdoing?? Often our own sin keeps us from thinking that Often our own sin keeps us from thinking that

God can use us to do the work of His kingdomGod can use us to do the work of His kingdom

May, 1982, “Guideposts”May, 1982, “Guideposts”

True story - British violinist Peter CropperTrue story - British violinist Peter Cropper The Royal Academy of Music in London honored The Royal Academy of Music in London honored

him by lending him a priceless 258-year-old him by lending him a priceless 258-year-old StradivariusStradivarius

While Cropper was performing in Finland, He While Cropper was performing in Finland, He tripped and fell on the Stradivarius and broke it tripped and fell on the Stradivarius and broke it

His dream was instantly turned into a nightmareHis dream was instantly turned into a nightmare Then a London violin dealer told him of a master Then a London violin dealer told him of a master

craftsman who could repair the Stradivariuscraftsman who could repair the Stradivarius The repairs were so perfect they could not be seenThe repairs were so perfect they could not be seen The soaring notes of the instrument were more The soaring notes of the instrument were more

beautiful than before beautiful than before The broken parts had been placed in the hands of The broken parts had been placed in the hands of

a master craftsman who applied his master touch!a master craftsman who applied his master touch!

Something terrible has happened!Something terrible has happened!

A fall has taken placeA fall has taken place All of our lives have been shattered by sin All of our lives have been shattered by sin But when they are placed into the hands of But when they are placed into the hands of

Heaven’s Master Craftsman, He takes the Heaven’s Master Craftsman, He takes the smashed pieces and puts them back together smashed pieces and puts them back together again again

And we are BETTER THAN NEW! And we are BETTER THAN NEW! How is your attitude? How is your attitude?

Jesus wants to remake it pure and righteousJesus wants to remake it pure and righteous How well are you doing with affirmation? How well are you doing with affirmation? Jesus wants to use you to affirm others and Jesus wants to use you to affirm others and

build them upbuild them up Do your daily actions place you in the Do your daily actions place you in the

mainstream of God’s Kingdom work? mainstream of God’s Kingdom work?

Interpreting the HymnInterpreting the Hymn

A father took his young son to churchA father took his young son to church The boy entered enthusiastically into the singingThe boy entered enthusiastically into the singing The congregation sangThe congregation sang

Rise up, O men of GodRise up, O men of God

Be done with lesser thingsBe done with lesser things

Give heart and mind and soul and strengthGive heart and mind and soul and strength

To serve the King of kingsTo serve the King of kings

The father thought he heard something differentThe father thought he heard something different He leaned over and listened carefully and He leaned over and listened carefully and

discovered that his son was singing, “Wise up, O discovered that his son was singing, “Wise up, O men of God!” men of God!”

The TestsThe Tests

The The AttitudeAttitude test test A lot like daily pop quizzesA lot like daily pop quizzes

The The AffirmationAffirmation test test A Lot like mid term testsA Lot like mid term tests

The The ActionAction test test A lot like final examsA lot like final exams

Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heartme. Test my motives and my heart