Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson One-
The Wilderness Test

Deut. 8:2 (NLT) Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would really obey his commands.
Deut. 8:3 (NLT) Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people need more than bread for their life; real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord.
Deut. 8:16 (NLT) He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.
Deut. 8:17 (NLT) He did it so you would never think that it was your own strength and energy that made you wealthy.

The word “wilderness” is defined as a desert place; a place uncultivated or lived in; a state of disorder Wildernesses are places of:

Difficulties

Pressures

Insufficient resources

Oppositions

One of the questions most asked in Church is “Why”.
In one of our beloved hymns, there are these lines:
We wonder why the test, when we try to do our best

We ask why…why is this happening to me.

It is asked when bad things happen to good people.

It is asked when great effort produces only poor results.

It is asked when the expected success is delayed.

It is asked when the wicked prosper while the righteous struggle.

“and we wonder WHY the test, when we try to do our best…”
• People tend to deal with difficulties better if they understand that what they endure serves a purpose.

• Knowing that the trials of their faith are not pointless makes the enduring bearable.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

The purpose of every test is:

To reveal what we understand

To reveal what we don’t understand
To reveal to us the applicability of the lesson
Why the Wilderness Test:

To humble you

To prove your Character

To teach you that you need more than bread

To discipline us for maturity or self-control

To reveal to us that it was not our own strength that made us prosper
The test occurs

So that we would not forget God.

So that we would learn to trust God.

So that our faith in God would grow stronger

So that we would have a platform from which we could minister to those who are around us.
How God tests us:

He allows us to LACK

He supplies our need in a manner in which we are not FAMILIAR.

He allows us to be DEPENDENT

He allows us to be STRESSED

He allows us to suffer PAIN
God is more interested in our CHARACTER than He is our COMFORT.

Man cannot see his weaknesses until circumstances reveal it.

Impatience is revealed when something hinders our progress.

Pride is revealed when we are forced to do something menial.

Stubbornness is revealed when we are forced to do something that we do not desire.
Our lack of faith is revealed when we are required to do more than what we are able.

Idolatry is revealed when we are required to sacrifice those things that matter to us.

Immaturity is revealed when we can’t have our way

Self-Will is revealed when we are required to do something against personal ambitions.

Self-Centeredness is revealed when we are forced to serve others

Matthew 12:35(KJVA) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Testing is
Inevitable
Continual
Necessary
Productive
Influential
Crafted by God

Dangers of the Testing
People become DISILLUSIONED
People become DISTRAUGHT
People become DISTRACTED
People become ANGRY
People become BITTER
People become HARDENED

Only two men were promoted to becoming a king without the struggle of THE WILDERNESS.

• King Saul—consumed by jealousy
• King Solomon—consumed by his own passions

While the TESTING is universal, how we respond is left up to our personal inclinations.

Blessings of the Wilderness Test

We see the SUPERNATURAL work of God.
We receive ASSURANCE of the care of God
We receive assurance of the POWER of God.
We receive assurance of the FAITHFULNESS of God.
We are transformed by a RENEWING of our minds.
• We will become mature Christians.
• We will develop the ability to endure.
• We will lack in nothing.

Jam 1:2 Consider [it] all joy, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you* encounter various trials,
Jam 1:3 knowing that the testing of your* faith produces patient endurance.
Jam 1:4 But be letting that patient endurance have a perfect work [or, full effect], so that you* shall be perfect [or, mature] and complete-lacking in nothing.

Our effectiveness and successes depend upon our responses to the various trials or testings.

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michale Wiltcher

Lesson 2:
The Time Test (or Patience Test)

Genesis 12:1-2 (NIV)
The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
[2] "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
Genesis 12:3-4 (NIV)
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
[4] So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.
Genesis 12:5-6 (NIV)
He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
[6] Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.
Genesis 12:7-8 (NIV)
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
[8] From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 12:9-10 (NIV)
Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.
[10] Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.


We love to focus upon the PROMISES…

I will make you a great nation

I will bless you

will make your name great

You will be a blessing

I will bless those that bless you

I will curse those that curse you

All of the people of the earth will be blessed through you


The Promise entailed for Abraham:

Personal blessings from God

Personal protection from enemies

Personal purpose to live out
Abraham was 75 years old when the promise was given. Abraham was 86 when Ishmael was born. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

And Abraham STILL lived in tents up until his death.

Before the fulfillment of the promises—comes the TESTING OF TIME.
The promises are not fulfilled IMMEDIATELY

To know what is in your heart TO SEE IF YOU WOULD KEEP HIS COMMANDS OR NOT.

To humble you TO TEACH YOU THAT MAN DOES NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF THE LORD.
The Reason for the TIME TEST is to:

Force the Believer to TRUST GO in all things.

Force the Believer to trust God TO FULFILL HIS WORD

Force the Believer to trust God to fulfill His Word IN HIS OWN TIME AND IN HIS OWN WAY.
• To Teach the Believer to Believe that God is God and Will Be God despite what I see or experience.
• To expose personal shortcomings of impatience
The Time Test gives the believer the opportunity for:

Faith to Grow

Faith to ENCOURAGE OTHERS

Purifying his MOTIVES and ATTITUDE

Development of MATURITY

Development of PATIENCE

Development of DISCIPLINE

Development of PURPOSE
The Time Test will reveal:

Man’s Plans can only FAIL

That God alone will get the GLORY

That God is a MIRACLE WORKING GOD

That God is FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD

That God's Power is Greater than the LAWS OF SCIENCE.
Abraham’s Time Test reveals:

Being chosen does not exempt us from testing

There is grace even in failure

Grace does not negate the price of failure
Signs you are failing the TIME TEST

You express doubt rather than faith

You work to substitute YOUR WAY for God’s Way

You become distracted

You murmur and complain

You quit in your responsibilities
Five things to do to pass the TIME TEST.

Do things that require FAITH

Never stop attending Church

Never stop worshipping God

Learn to serve OTHERS

Rejoice in the Promise EVERYDAY.
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

There is not a promise given by God that will not come to pass. He causes us to wait in order that we may develop maturity.
2Pe 3:9 (GW) The Lord isn't slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn't want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act.

In order to receive the promises, we must pass the Time Test

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson Three-
The Motivation Test

John 3:25 John's followers got into an argument with a Jewish man about a ceremony of washing.
John 3:26 They went to John and said, "Rabbi, you spoke about a man when you were with him east of the Jordan. He is now baptizing people, and everyone is going to him.“
John 3:27 John replied: No one can do anything unless God in heaven allows it.
John 3:28 You surely remember how I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am only the one sent ahead of him.
John 3:29 At a wedding the groom is the one who gets married. The best man is glad just to be there and to hear the groom's voice. That's why I am so glad.
John 3:30 Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.

Why do we fast, pray and sacrifice?

ARE WE SEEKING THE GLORY OF MEN HERE, ARE WE FASTING TO BE SEEN? ARE WE LIKEN UNTO THE PHARISEE?

The Motivation Test occurs when God exposes the Christian to inner and outer forces that INFLUENCE our decision-making process.
The Motivation Test will reveal the inner intentions, thoughts, values, and priorities that cause the type of DECISIONS we make.
In the Motivation Test we discover whether we do something for OUR GOOD or for the GLORY OF GOD.
The Motivation Test exposes the UNRIGHTEOUS drives that are hidden deep within our heart.
Lucifer fell because he wanted the throne of God and to be WORSHIPPED.

Korah wanted to be LEADER of the people of Israel.
Balaam wanted the RICHES of Balak
Demas loved the THINGS of this world.
Pharisees loved the praises of MEN more than the praises of God.

 


WE CAN DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE WRONG REASONS.

Paul said there were those who preached the gospel out of ENVY and RIVALRY. He goes on to say they are preaching out of selfish AMBITION. Their aim was to stir up trouble for the Apostle Paul.
Can you imagine out of ENVY and RIVALRY they are preaching a message of peace and love?
Why do WRONG MOTIVES occur?
A person put their own needs first…rather than the purposes of GOD.
A person put their own needs first…rather than the needs of other PEOPLE.

• They desire to be the center of ATTENTION—even at the expense of those around them.
• They have SELF-AMBITION of acquiring influence, power, or wealth.
• They have dreams becoming known or seen and admired by many.

Problems with IMPROPER MOTIVATIONS

We MANIPULATE PEOPLE for our own advantages

We MISTREAT PEOPLE for our own advantages

We STEAL glory that belongs to GOD

c. We STEAL glory that belongs to OTHERS.

d. We ARE SELFISH in our heart and SELF-PROMOTING in our spirit

We LIMIT our willingness to SERVE or SACRIFICE to those areas wherein it will provide us AN ADVANTAGE.
PEOPLE are willing to give as long as God repays THEM for their giving.
PEOPLE are willing to serve as long as people NOTICE and give ample praise.
PEOPLE are willing to sacrifice as long as they find an ADVANTAGE in the sacrifice.
PEOPLE are willing to worship as long as they find FULFILLMENT and BLESSING in the act.
 

Improper motives causes us to COMPROMISE values that were meant to guide us.
Improper motives cause us to be SEPARATED from God’s presence.
Improper motives cause us to be separated from God’s FAVOR.
Improper motives cause us to be LESS than what we could have been with God’s favor.
Improper motives cause us to be doomed to TEMPORARY successes that will not be seen in eternity.
Improper motives can cause us to be DOOMED eternally after judgment.
The advantages of a proper motivation.

God is glorified by our ACTIONS.
God’s PURPOSES are fulfilled in the earth
People are blessed by our ACTIONS
Our heart and spirit is PURE and UNTAINTED.
Our blessed FUTURE in God is assured.
Acceptable motives

I am motivated by the DESIRE TO BE PURE IN HEART
I am motivated by the DESIRE TO BE OBEDIENT
I am motivated by the DUTY OF BEING A SERVANT
I am motivated by the DESIRE TO GLORIFY GOD
John was glad just to hear the VOICE of the Bridegroom.

John spent his life pointing others to CHRIST

John was willing to LOSE so that Christ may gain.

John died ALONE under the mistreatment of jealousy.

John is called the greatest PROPHET by Christ

God gives us the Motivation Test to:

Reveal our hearts and expose improper motives
 

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson Four-
The Failure Test

Joshua 7:2-3 (NLT)
Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the city of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. [3] When they returned, they told Joshua, "It's a small town, and it won't take more than two or three thousand of us to destroy it. There's no need for all of us to go there."
Joshua 7:4-5 (NLT)
So approximately three thousand warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai [5] chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.

Those that read the newspaper’s cartoons, we are familiar with the lovable Charlie Brown and his failures. He fails:

Baseball
Flying Kites
Winning the Little Red Haired Girl
Kicking a football.
Failure happens to everyone who tries…
Theodore Roosevelt once said that “The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.”

So it is with failure!

No one is immune
Top Fears People Face
1. Fear of Criticism
2. Fear of Rejection
3. Fear of Pain
4. Fear of Loss
5. Fear of Failure

While we cannot always identify with the Successes in life…all of us can identify with failing.

Failures in the Bible

Moses—fled to the wilderness for 40 years
John Mark—rejected by Paul
Simon Peter—denied Christ three times
Abraham—lied regarding his wife
David—committed adultery and murder
Samson—loved Delilah
Glorious current Failures

Charles Shultz—rejected by Walt Disney
Albert Einstein—kicked out of school
Thomas Edison—failed 10,000 times to create an incandescent light bulb
Abraham Lincoln—lost seven elections and failed in businesses twice
Ronald Reagan—lost the Republican nomination 1976 to Gerald Ford
Failure is a matter of perspective

Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs—and struck out 1,330 times
Hank Aaron hit 755 home runs—and struck out 1,383 times
Richard Petty won 200 races out of 1,185 starts
The great soccer player Pelee made less than 3% of the shots he took
Basketball great Michael Jordan made less than half of the shots he took
Responses to Failure

1. One—We tend to blame God.

Joshua 7:7 (NLT) Then Joshua cried out, "Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side!
2. Two—We tend to blame Others

Gen 3:12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
Gen 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
3. Three—We tend to blame Circumstances

Neh 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the burden carriers is weakening, and there is much rubbish, so that we are not able to build the wall.
The catch phrase of today’s society is “It’s not my fault!”

 


Five signs of impending failure

1.) One—a loss of focus

Jos 7:3 They went back to Joshua and reported, "You don't need to send the whole army to attack Ai--two or three thousand troops will be enough. Why bother the whole army for a town that small?
2.) Two– Over-confidence

Jos 7:4 Joshua sent about three thousand soldiers to attack Ai. But the men of Ai fought back and chased the Israelite soldiers away from the town gate and down the hill to the stone quarries. Thirty-six Israelite soldiers were killed, and the Israelite army felt discouraged.
3.) Three—Ethics Slip

Jos 7:11 I said everything in Jericho belonged to me and had to be destroyed. But the Israelites have kept some of the things for themselves. They stole from me and hid what they took. Then they lied about it.
4.) Four—Poor Self-Management or Self-Control

Jos 7:12 What they stole was supposed to be destroyed, and now Israel itself must be destroyed. I cannot help you anymore until you do exactly what I have said. That's why Israel turns and runs from its enemies instead of standing up to them.
5.) Five—Lost Love

Jos 7:13 Tell the people of Israel, "Tomorrow you will meet with the LORD your God, so make yourselves acceptable to worship him. The LORD says that you have taken things that should have been destroyed. You won't be able to stand up to your enemies until you get rid of those things.
 

Dangers of Failure

Failure causes in some an exaggeration of reality

Joshua 7:9 (NLT) For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe us off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?"
Failure causes some to give up their efforts

Act 21:14 Since we could not get Paul to change his mind, we gave up and prayed, "Lord, please make us willing to do what you want."
Failure causes some to never risk again

1Sa 7:13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
Failure causes some to prevent others from trying

Failure causes some to be resentful of those who do succeed

Gen 30:1 Rachel was very jealous of Leah for having children, and she said to Jacob, "I'll die if you don't give me some children!"
Four Things to know about failure

Failure does not have to be Final…you can try again
Failure does not have to be Fatal…you can be bigger than your failure
Failure does not have to be Fruitless…you can learn from your failure
Failure does not have to produce Fear…the world will not end because you failed
The purpose of the Failure Test

Failure reveals our need for God
Failure reveals our limitations
Failure can reveal a sinful nature
Failure maintains in us humility
Failure makes us value mercy and forgiveness
Overcoming Failure
1. One—Seek God for Divine Direction
2. Two—Get to the root cause of the failure
3. Three—regard failure as a learning process
4. Four—Be prepared to change strategies
5. Five—Never give up—EVER

 

Failure is not Failure if you can learn from it.

Failure is only Failure if you quit without learning from the experience
Joshua 8:1 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the entire army and attack Ai, for I have given to you the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.
Joshua 8:18 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Joshua, "Point your spear toward Ai, for I will give you the city." Joshua did as he was commanded.
Joshua 8:19 (NLT) As soon as Joshua gave the signal, the men in ambush jumped up and poured into the city. They quickly captured it and set it on fire.
Joshua 8:22 (NLT) Then the Israelites who were inside the city came out and started killing the enemy from the rear. So the men of Ai were caught in a trap, and all of them died. Not a single person survived or escaped.
o Failure causes us to realize our need of God.
o Failure causes us to realize our need of mercy.
o Failure causes us to realize our need of giving grace.

God gives us the failure test in order to cause us to realize that we cannot trust in our own abilities, strengths, and gifts. To succeed, we need God’s favor and His divine help.

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson Five-
The Self-Will Test

Matthew 26:36 (KJV)
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Matthew 26:37 (NLT)
He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress.
[38] He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me."
Matthew 26:39 (NLT)
He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.“
Matthew 26:42 (NLT)
Again he left them and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away until I drink it, your will be done.“
Matthew 26:44 (NLT)
So he went back to pray a third time, saying the same things again.
Yet I want your will, not mine.
Your will be done

Please note that Christ is saying the same things again, and ending with YET, I WANT YOUR WILL, NOT MINE.


The Self-Will Test

Self-will is defined as PLEASING ONE’S SELF…especially in opposition to the wishes or desires of others.

Another word for Self-Will is STUBBORNESS self-pleasing, arrogant, overbearing
Titus 1:7 (NLT) An elder must live a blameless life because he is God's minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money
Dangers of Self-Will
Self-Will brings destruction into the life of an individual.
Pro 1:32 Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools.
Self-will stems from PRIDE and produces pride’s limitations.
Neh. 9:16 (KJV) But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
Proverbs 16:18 (GW) Pride precedes a disaster, and an arrogant attitude precedes a fall.

Pride blinds us to our own weakness
Pride keeps us from seeking help
Pride keeps us from making amends to people
Pride causes us to blame others for problems
A self-willed person cannot be TRUSTED

A person that cannot be TRUSTED cannot be used.
A person that cannot be used cannot be promoted.
A person that cannot be promoted is stuck with himself
Self-Will stems from UNBELIEF

2 Kings 17:14 (KJV) Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God.
Self-Will is exhibited in:

A refusal to listen to God
A refusal to submit to Authority
A refusal to receive Instruction
A refusal to receive Correction
A refusal to sacrifice for OTHERS

Recognizing the Self-Will Test

• When God asks us to do something that is contrary to our own desires or opposite of our plans…we are entering the SELF-WILL Test.

Examples of Self-Will Tests

Abraham to offer Isaac on an altar
Jonah to preach to Nineveh
Naaman to dip seven times in Jordan
Peter to cast his nets on the other side
Christ asked to face Calvary
Why the Self-Will Test

To reveal our own PERSONAL ambitions that are contrary to the purposes of God.
To reveal our SELFISHNESS
To break our SELF-WILL
People stuck ON themselves are stuck WITH themselves

A Self-Willed person is inflexible
A Self-Willed person is inconsiderate
A Self-Willed person is in constant conflicts
Most problems in relationships are due to Self-Will
2 Cor. 12:20 (NIV) For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Most Church issues and splits are the result of SELF-WILL

Even an ANGEL became a DEVIL because of self-will

Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
The Self-Will Test reveals the level of SUBMISSION of the individual

Everyone must answer to SOMEONE.

Life is full of people telling you what to do—

If everyone only did what he or she wished…chaos would reign.

Self-will is the opposite of SUBMISSION—the placing one’s self under the authority of another.
Submission to the will of God is what Christianity is all about.

“The Bible can be summed up in one word—SUBMISSION.”
             T. F. Tenney
Submission

1 Peter 5:5 Younger—submit to the elder
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have rule over you and submit yourselves
Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your own husbands
James 4:7 Submit yourselves to God
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man
1 Peter 5:5 Be subject one to another
The Self-Will Test screens out would be leaders

If you cannot submit to others, you cannot LEAD others.

If you cannot submit to authority—no one will submit to your authority.
The Self-Will Test will ensure Heaven is a perfect place.
No one but those who have submitted themselves to God and others…will enter.

Jude 1:16 (Msg) These are the "grumpers," the bellyachers, grabbing for the biggest piece of the pie, talking big, saying anything they think will get them ahead.

Jude 1:17 (Msg) But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen:

Jude 1:18 (Msg) "In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts."

Jude 1:19 (Msg) These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!

2 Peter 2:10 (Msg) God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures.

2 Peter 2:12 (Msg)These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end.

2 Peter 2:17 (Msg) There's nothing to these people—they're dried-up fountains, storm-scattered clouds, headed for a black hole in hell.

2 Peter 2:19 (Msg)They promise these newcomers freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for if they're addicted to corruption—and they are—they're enslaved.
The Self-Will Test—everyone will encounter it in order to see if we are willing to be submissive to authority, especially when it is not convenient or self-serving.

When we are willing to lay down our lives in submission, then we have passed the self-will test.
 

 

 

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson Six-
The Discouragement Test

1 Kings 19:1-2 (KJV)
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. [2] Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
1 Kings 19:3-4 (KJV)
And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
[4] But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
1 Kings 19:5-6 (KJV)
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. [6] And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
1 Kings 19:7-8 (KJV)
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. [8] And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
1 Kings 19:9-10 (KJV)
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? [10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts:
for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Discouragement is defined as the act of disheartening or depriving of courage; that which abates or destroys courage—to deprive of confidence.

At some point in life, everyone will face discouragement.

In moments of despondency Shakespeare thought himself no poet, and Raphael doubted his right to be called a painter.

One tends to dwell on DOOM, DISPAIR, and AGONY—at to this DEFEAT and DEPRESSION.
In the NT, discouragement was translated as:
To faint or to grow weary

2 Cor. 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Cor. 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Four Causes for Discouragement

1.) Fear—the expectation and apprehension of impending danger; dread or anxiety.

Psa 53:5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.
Psa 53:5 There they dreaded with dread, where no dread was; for God has scattered the bones of the one who besieges you; you have put them to shame because God rejects them.

Fear produces weakness. (in the Greek—feebleness or limp hands)

Zep 3:16 Jerusalem, the time is coming, when it will be said to you: "Don't be discouraged or grow weak from fear!
(GNB) The time is coming when they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not be afraid, city of Zion! Do not let your hands hang limp!

Hab 3:16 When I heard this message, I felt weak from fear, and my lips quivered. My bones seemed to melt, and I stumbled around. But I will patiently wait. Someday those vicious enemies will be struck by disaster.
Fear paralyzes one into INACTIVITY.

Job 32:6 and began to speak. I am young, and you are old, so I was afraid to tell you what I think.
2.) Fatigue—

Neh 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Neh 4:10 Meanwhile, the people of Judah were singing a sorrowful song: "So much rubble for us to haul! Worn out and weary, will we ever finish this wall?”

There are times that we all feel like we are tired and worn out. We take some time to rest or sleep and that helps to refresh us and restore our strength.
We become fatigued when our task is greater than our resources.
Fatigue affects us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Fatigue is commonly called BURN-OUT.
It occurs when we have depleted our strengths and have no reservoirs from which to draw more strength.
3.) Frustration—to break or to bring to nothing.

Ezra 4:4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,

Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Frustration leads to the loss of morale.

Isaiah 19:3 (GNB) I am going to frustrate the plans of the Egyptians and destroy their morale.
Frustration leads to burn-out

Hebrews 12:3 (GW)

Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don't become tired and give up.
Frustration leads to RASH ACTIONS.

Act 19:36 Then these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you, being calmed, to be so, and to do nothing rash.
4.) Forsaken—deserted, abandoned.

Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (CEV) Then about that time Jesus shouted, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?"

Feeling deserted
Joseph
David
Paul
5.) Failure—

Exodus 18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

Neh. 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
 

Why the Discouragement Test

1.) To cause one to find joy in God, not just circumstances
2.) To reveal that we are not self-sufficient—we need God and people
3.) To reveal our motivation—whether for self-glory or the glory of God.
4.)  To allow opportunity for OTHERS to minister
5.) To teach us to “wait” upon the Lord to renew our strength

The Hebrew word for wait is qa?va?h which means to BIND together by twisting; to expect: - gather (together), look, patiently, tarry,
 

Dealing with Discouragement

1.) Encourage yourself in the Lord—taking personal responsibility

1Sa 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
2.) Read the Bible promises of God

1Pe 5:12 Silvanus helped me write this short letter, and I consider him a faithful follower of the Lord. I wanted to encourage you and tell you how kind God really is, so that you will keep on having faith in him.
8,000 promises are available
3.) Listen for the Voice of God

1Ki 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

1Ki 19:13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
4.) Make Church attendance a priority.

Heb 10:25 Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.
5.) Never for get the power of PRAYER.

Neh 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

Neh 4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Neh 6:8 I sent a message back to Sanballat, saying, "None of this is true! You are making it all up."

Neh 6:9 Our enemies were trying to frighten us and to keep us from our work. But I asked God to give me strength.

1Kings 19:10 He (Elijah) answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you…

1Ki 19:14 Elijah answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"

1Ki 19:15 The LORD said: Elijah, you can go back to the desert near Damascus. And when you get there, appoint Hazael to be king of Syria.

1Ki 19:16 Then appoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat to take your place as my prophet.

1Ki 19:17 Hazael will start killing the people who worship Baal. Jehu will kill those who escape from Hazael, and Elisha will kill those who escape from Jehu.
 

Talking to God in prayer

1). Assures you that God is STILL IN CHARGE
2.) Assures you that God knows more about the situation that you do
3.) Assures you that God will bring about the end He has purposed.
4.) Assures you that the kingdom is bigger than you are
5.) Assures you that the kingdom will go on even after you are gone from the scene.
6.) Assure you that even in your discouragement, God has not forgotten you
7.) Assure you that even in your discouragement, you have a ministry to fulfill.

All of us will face discouragement. It is how we deal with discouragement that determines our successes and failures.

[Boaz]

Nine Tests That Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson 7-
The Misunderstanding Test

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

• Parents and their children of today consistently struggle to understand each other.

• We also struggle to understand those with whom we work or live around.

• Often misunderstandings arise that hinder progress, relationships, and our peace of mind.

Usually misunderstandings occur because of the Gaps that we have to deal with

• Generation Gap
• Social Gap
• Educational Gap
• Religious Gap
• Cultural Gap

Differences between individuals often lead to MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Misunderstanding is defined as

1. to fail to understand
2. to interpret incorrectly

Misunderstandings are common and can start a destructive cycle of disagreements, arguments and quarrels that may last for a short period or it could last a lifetime.
Misunderstanding can lead to the separation of close friends.
Act 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Act 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Act 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Misunderstandings hinders the work of the Gospel

Philip. 4:2 (Living)
And now I want to plead with those two dear women, Euodias and Syntyche. Please, please, with the Lord's help, quarrel no more--be friends again.

Philip. 4:3 (Living)
And I ask you, my true teammate, to help these women, for they worked side by side with me in telling the Good News to others; and they worked with Clement, too, and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Misunderstandings can result in mistreatment

Gen 37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother (Joseph), and conceal his blood?

Gen 37:27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.

Misunderstanding can result in loss

John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
 
John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Misunderstanding can lead to persecution.

Act 14:19 Some Jewish leaders from Antioch and Iconium came and turned the crowds against Paul. They hit him with stones and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.
 

Misunderstandings can lead to false doctrines

2Pe 3:16 Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. Some ignorant and unsteady people even destroy themselves by twisting what he said. They do the same thing with other Scriptures too.
 

Misunderstandings occur when people misinterpret or mistake the true significance of actions, words, attitudes, or motives.

Gen 37:8 And his brethren said to him (Joseph), Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Gen 37:10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
 

David's motives were misunderstood by his brothers:

1Sa 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
 

Why The Misunderstanding Test

To humble us as it reveals our own weakness
• We do not always communicate effectively
• We do not always see the big picture as God sees it

Showing us our weaknesses teachs us to rely on God and His Word and not just on our own abilities

Deu 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Being misunderstood brings humility in our lives

(It is hard to be proud when everyone misunderstands your motives, your words, or your actions)
The three greatest virtues of Christianity (St. Augustine)
Humility
Humility
Humility

Humility is an exclusive Christian Virtue
No other religion expects humility from its followers
People are consumed by Self-Interests

• It is a Me First generation
• If you don’t Toot your own horn—you won’t be noticed
• It’s everyone for himself...
• It is a dog eat dog world we live and work in

John 13:4 So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
John 13:5 He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.

 

Misunderstanding reveals PRIDE

When we are prideful, we have are prone to:

• Self-Importance
• Self-Indulgence
• Self-Sufficiency
• Self-Righteousness


 

Misunderstanding reveals the necessity of PATIENCE

Being misunderstood means that we often have to lay plans aside until the misunderstanding is resolved.

• Not everyone will agree with us
• Not everyone is as fast to understand as us.


 

Misunderstanding reveals the necessity of forbearance and forgiveness

Because of the differences we have as a people (education, social status, generational views, cultural differences, and different weaknesses)...we must be patient with the weak, and not be envious of those who are stronger
Col 3:12 God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient.
Col 3:13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.


Misunderstanding helps us to measure our maturity.

Jam 3:2 For we all go wrong in a number of things. If a man never makes a slip in his talk, then he is a complete man (mature) and able to keep all his body in control.


The Danger in dealing badly with Misunderstandings

Anger
Resentment
Unwise responses
Mental, Emotional, and
Spiritual baggage
Despair
Bitterness

Conflict and bitterness in the church may be the single most damaging matter to the work of God.
In the secular world, how one gets along with fellow workers is more important than experience, intelligence, gifts, and abilities.
Misunderstandings forces us to
Learn to speak more clearly
Be more tolerate with others
Be patient with the slower pace of others
Be humble in face of opposition
Control our responses to prevent worsening the circumstance
As misunderstandings occur often, and do such damage…it is important for a Christian to learn how to deal with misunderstandings effectively.
Everyone will be misunderstood at some point in his or her life. How one deals with misunderstandings reveals one’s

Character

Maturity

Ability to Lead
Failing the misunderstanding test often leaves us defeated and embittered.

Passing it brings us closer to the character of Christ
 

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson 8-
The Frustration Test
 

2 Cor. 11:16 (Msg)
Let me come back to where I started—and don't hold it against me if I continue to sound a little foolish. Or if you'd rather, just accept that I am a fool and let me rant on a little.
2 Cor. 11:17-18 (Msg)
I didn't learn this kind of talk from Christ. [18] Oh, no, it's a bad habit I picked up from the three-ring preachers that are so popular these days.
2 Cor. 11:19 (Msg)
Since you sit there in the judgment seat observing all these shenanigans, you can afford to humor an occasional fool who happens along.
2 Cor. 11:20 (Msg)
You have such admirable tolerance for impostors who rob your freedom, rip you off, steal you blind, put you down—even slap your face!
2Cor.11:21(Msg)
I shouldn't admit it to you, but our stomachs aren't strong enough to tolerate that kind of stuff. Since you admire the egomaniacs of the pulpit so much (remember, this is your old friend, the fool, talking), let me try my hand at it.
2Cor12:1(Msg)
You've forced me to talk this way, and I do it against my better judgment. But now that we're at it, I may as well bring up the matter of visions and revelations that God gave me.

Everyone who tries to accomplish something will face frustrations.
And the more effort one gives in trying to accomplish will measure the degree of frustration.

• Frustration is not the final answer…but only A step toward accomplishing your goals.

• Frustration is defined as to bring to nothing, to break, to nullify, to make void, to disappoint.

• Frustration is an EMOTION that occurs in situations where one is blocked from reaching a personal GOAL. The more important the goal, the greater the frustration.

• Frustration is simply caused whenever the results you are experiencing do not seem to fit the effort and action you exerted. Frustration will occur whenever your actions are producing less and fewer results than you think they should.

• Life is full of frustrations. From the minor irritations of losing your car keys to the major anxieties of continued failure towards a goal, frustration is not a pleasant emotion in any magnitude.

Sources of frustration may be internal or external.

Internal sources of frustration involve personal deficiencies such as a lack of confidence or fear of social situations that prevent one from reaching a goal.
External causes of frustration involve conditions outside the person such as obstacles or a lack of money or other resources.

Dangers of Frustration

• Frustration is an emotion that can spiral downward
• Frustrating problems are incredibly energy consuming
• Frustration may lead to downfall and deviation, because it wastes resources.
• Frustration can lead to obsession.


Effects of Frustration

• Frustration leads to bad decisions which makes the problem worse
• Frustration negates the progress achieved
• Frustration discourages any real advancement
• Frustration limits perceptions

 

Why the Frustration Test

• Frustration can indicate problems in character.
• Frustration reveals the need for patience.
• Frustration reveals if we are submitted unto God.
• Frustration reveals the need of TRUST.
• Frustration reveals the need of HUMILITY
• Frustration reveals the need of God’s direction

 

How to handle Frustration

1) Realize that difficulties are inevitable in life.

Job 14:1 As for man, the son of woman, his days are short and full of trouble.
o It is called LIFE—deal with it.
o It is called LIFE—get over it.
Don't whine and complain, it only makes matters worse.
Those that feel sorry for themselves usually draw others of the same mind-set
Frustration often leads to depression and a pity-party
God rarely attends a pity-party
2) Determine cause of frustration

Is the problem external or internal?

Why are things not working out?

Can anything be done to change the outcome?

Will more time make a difference?
3) Seek the counsel of God and listen

Folly of Balaam

Folly of King Saul
4) Do what you can and leave the rest to God.

5) Don’t make matters worse

6) Remember that this frustration too shall pass.

How we handle frustrations determines who we are, and where we are going.

How we handle frustrations reveals our maturity

How we handle frustrations reveals the level to which we can lead.

Your ability to lead is equal with your ability to stand frustration

(illustration) If you have a church of a hundred, you will have 1 person who feels that their calling is to keep you humble.

If you have a church of a thousand, you will have 10 people who feel that their calling is to keep you humble.
Your promises, your successes, and your leadership depends upon you passing the Frustration Test

 

[Boaz]

Nine Tests Every Christian Must Face
Rev. Michael Wiltcher

Lesson 9-
The Servant Test

1 Kings 19:19 (NLT)
So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field with a team of oxen. There were eleven teams of oxen ahead of him, and he was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and walked away again.
1 Kings 19:20 (NLT)
Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, "First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!"
Elijah replied, "Go on back! But consider what I have done to you.“
1 Kings 19:21 (NLT)
Elisha then returned to his oxen, killed them, and used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the other plowmen, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
2 Kings 3:11 (NLT)
But King Jehoshaphat of Judah asked, "Is there no prophet of the Lord with us? If there is, we can ask the Lord what to do."
One of King Joram's officers replied, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to be Elijah's personal assistant.“
2 Kings 3:11 (KJV)
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

Servant is defined as a person, male or female, that attends another for the purpose of performing menial offices for him and is subject to his command.
There are many who wish to serve God…but only in an ADVISORY position.

There are seven demands upon a servant:

1.) A surrender of FREEDOM

Luke 17:10 In the same way, when you have done all the things which are given you to do, say, There is no profit in us, for we have only done what we were ordered to do.

2.) A surrender of TIME

Luke 17:7 If your servant comes in from plowing or from taking care of the sheep, would you say, "Welcome! Come on in and have something to eat"?
Luke 17:8 No, you wouldn't say that. You would say, "Fix me something to eat. Get ready to serve me, so I can have my meal. Then later on you can eat and drink."

3.) A surrender of AUTHORITY

Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

4.) A surrender of EGO

John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

5.) A surrender of PREFERENCES

Mat 26:39 Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want."

6.) A surrender of PURPOSE

Mark 10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

7.) A surrender of RESOURCES

Mat 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Mat 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Mat 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

 

Servanthood is inevitable if you are to be effective in the kingdom of God.
Mat 20:26 Let it not be so among you: but if anyone has a desire to become great among you, let him be your servant;
Mat 20:27 And whoever has a desire to be first among you, let him take the lowest place:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man did not come to have servants, but to be a servant, and to give his life for the salvation of men.

Servitude will come before honor
• Joseph serves Potiphar
• Joshua serves Moses
• Samuel serves Eli
• David serves Saul
• Elisha serves Elijah
• Timothy serves Paul
• John Mark serves Simon Peter


 

Twelve Attitudes of a servant:

1.) A servant is TEACHABLE

3Jo 1:9 I wrote to the church. But Diotrephes likes to be the number-one leader, and he won't pay any attention to us.

2.) A servant is SUBMISSIVE

Mat 26:39 And he went forward a little, and falling down on his face in prayer, he said, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup go from me; but let not my pleasure, but yours be done.

3.) A servant is PATIENT

2Ti 2:24 (CEV) and God's servants must not be troublemakers. They must be kind to everyone, and they must be good teachers and very patient.

4.) A servant is DILIGENT

Matthew 24:46-47 (NLT) If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [47] I assure you, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.
Matthew 24:48-50 (NLT) But if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' [49] and begins oppressing the other servants, partying, and getting drunk— [50] well, the master will return unannounced and unexpected.
Matthew 24:51 (NLT) He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

5.) A servant is PRODUCTIVE

Matthew 25:29-30 (NLT) To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away. [30] Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

6.) A servant is LOYAL

Luke 16:13 (BBE) No man may be a servant to two masters: for he will have hate for the one and love for the other; or he will keep to the one and have no respect for the other. You may not be servants of God and of wealth.

7.) A servant has INTEGRITY

Galatians 1:10 (NLT) Obviously, I'm not trying to be a people pleaser! No, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant.

8.) A servant is SELFLESS

Act 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God

9.) A servant is PROFITABLE

1Co 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

10.) A servant is TRUSTWORTHY

Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Faithful in the Greek is pistos which means TRUSTWORTHY

11.) A servant is FOCUSED

1Co 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare on you, but for that which is right, and that you may attend on the Lord without distraction.

12.) A servant is PREPARED

Luke 12:47 And the servant who had knowledge of his lord's desires and was not ready for him and did not do as he was ordered, will be given a great number of blows;

A servant is FERVENT

Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence, boiling [fig., being fervent] in your spirit [or, in the Spirit], serving as a slave to the Lord,

Elisha’s Legacy
Chosen
Anointed
Obedient
Sacrificial
Servant
Patient

2Kings 6:12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.
2Kings 4:27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.

After Elisha’s death—his legacy continues

2Kings 13:21 And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.


The words we want to hear from Christ:

Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

God tests us to see if we have a servant’s heart, or demand that we be served.

The last lesson Christ taught to His disciples before Calvary was about being a servant. He used a towel and a pan of water to show who would be the greatest in His kingdom

We will be judged upon how we served.

We all long to hear, "Well done, thou good and faithful SERVANT"
What we hear depends upon how we do with the Servant Test.