Sermon Review (4)
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Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before. These are the nations: the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
Question
What are some challenges a Christian will face if their faith is never tested?
Lack of Growth
Lack of Growth
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Without facing challenges or tests of faith, it can be difficult for a Christian to grow spiritually.
A lack of growth can also lead to complacency
Without facing challenges, a Christian may become complacent and comfortable in their faith. This can lead to a lack of motivation to seek God's guidance, pursue spiritual disciplines, or actively live out their beliefs.
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Shallow Faith
Shallow Faith
As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
Lack of Trust in God's Provision
Lack of Trust in God's Provision
Testing can reveal our dependence on God and His faithfulness in providing for our needs
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Inability to Relate to Others
Inability to Relate to Others
Experiencing challenges can cultivate empathy and understanding towards others who are going through similar situations. If a Christian's faith is never tested, they may struggle to relate to and support others in their own trials.
Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic Expectations
But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.
Facing challenges helps Christians develop realistic expectations about life and the nature of their faith.
Without testing their beliefs, they may have idealistic or unrealistic expectations about God's provision, protection, or the absence of suffering, which can be shattered when faced with difficulties later on.
Remember the Rich Young Ruler?
‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.