Get the appExams Never End!Sample
THE TRIAL BY FIRE
We said in the first study that the word "dokimos" (approved) refers primarily to the assay of metals to determine their fineness. 1 Peter 1:6-9 compares the test of faith to that of gold. The Bible contains many passages that reflect this theme. The believer, therefore, should not be surprised by the trial by fire (1 Peter 4:12). Instead, we should grasp the significance of the trial by fire and prepare for it.
The characteristics of the trial by fire
- It is sudden (Acts 8:1 - "On that day"). We cannot choose the moment, but the Lord is not taken by surprise.
- It is intense (2 Corinthians 1:8,9). We may feel overwhelmed, but the Lord knows how to manage the intensity of the trial (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- It aims to destroy (Acts 8:3). The enemy wants to thwart God's work, but the Lord knows how to use the trial by fire to accomplish His designs. In this case, the persecution of believers led to the expansion of the church (Acts 8:4).
- It is limited in duration (1 Peter 5:10). The situation may seem to last forever, but then the Lord brings us “to a place of safety” (Psalm 66:12 GNB).
We should prepare for the trial by fire by:
- Exercising sincere love for the Lord and for brothers and sisters in faith (Romans 12:9-14 - note the mention of persecution in v.14).
- Strengthening ourselves in God's Word (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). The Lord's promises will comfort us, and the stories of believers who have been rescued by God will encourage us.
- Praying in the Spirit on every occasion (Ephesians 6:18-20). Jesus told the disciples to watch and pray so that they might not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41).
The trial by fire:
- Cleanses (Malachi 3:1-4). It burns waste and reveals the true priorities.
- Strengthens (1 Peter 5:10). Afflictions produce true character (Romans 5:3,4) because they teach us to be totally dependent on God.
- Demonstrates the quality of the work done (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). This passage is primarily about the judgment seat of Christ, where the work of every believer will be evaluated, but even trials in this life can reveal if the work is valid.
- Reveals the reality of faith (Matthew 13:20,21). Unfortunately, it is possible to be rejected after failing the trial by fire.
About this Plan
The title of 'Exams Never End', a play by Italian playwright Eduardo De Filippo, has become a motto that applies to life, not just school. By examining Biblical examples and comparing them to quality certification, we will see how faith is tested and strengthened through various challenges, including the trial by fire, the test of waiting, and the test of endurance. Finally, we will see the importance of daily self-examination in maintaining God-approved behavior and growing spiritually.
More
We would like to thank Andrew Walker for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005886272104
