Avoiding the Pitfalls of Testing God
Delve into the dangers of testing God as highlighted in the narrative from Matthew and Deuteronomy. Understand the implications on trust, responsibility, and scriptural application when we try to force God's hand. Learn how to align with God's will without putting unnecessary tests in place.
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Are We Trusting or Testing God?
Matthew 4:5-7 (5) Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, (6) and said to Him, if You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will command His angels concerning You , and on their hands, they will bear You up; so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone. (7) Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.
Quotation from OT Deuteronomy 6:16 You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah. Moses is recounting the struggles of the children of Israel as they came out of Egypt and began to murmur and complain about not having water. They were not trusting God to take care of them, but instead tested God to try to force His hand.
Trying to force Gods hand? Jesus applied this principle to the situation He was facing. In the case of the devil tempting Him, it was not about wanting water and thinking to go back to Egypt; it was about whether or not God would keep Jesus from harm if He jumped off the pinnacle of the temple. The devil even quoted Scripture to make his case (just because Scripture is used is no guarantee it is being applied correctly).
How Can We Test God? We may test God by putting ourselves in unnecessary danger to see whether or not God will keep us safe We may make irresponsible decisions thinking that God will surely rescue us from our own stupidity We may test God by constantly worrying about every day life
How Can We Test God? Matt 6:25-33 (25) For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? (27) And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? (33) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Dangers of Testing God We no longer trust God We no longer submit to God We become irresponsible in our decisions We may use scripture but not apply it correctly
Trusting God does not mean No need for plans (We better prepare for heaven!) Do not make preparations for the future Do not take precautions in dangerous situations
God Takes Care of Us 1 Peter 1:5-6 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
God Takes Care of Us Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
God Takes Care of Us These passages and others similar to them is not God promising anyone that they would never have a hard time We must realize that we are part of God s plan in taking care of ourselves If we are suffering physically, then while we pray to God, we need to be doing everything in our power to remedy or solve our problem
Gods People Suffered What did Daniel do when threatened because of his prayer life? He trusted God (Dan 6:10) What did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego do when threatened to be thrown in a fiery furnace for not worshiping the king and golden image? They trusted God (Dan 3:12, 16-18)
Gods People Suffered What did Peter, John do when arrested and threatened for preaching the resurrected Lord? They trusted God and continued to preach the gospel (Acts 4:18-20) What about Paul when he threatened with imprisonment and death? He trusted God and continued to preach the gospel every chance he was given (Acts 25:11)
Final Thoughts Am I testing whether God will do something for me in the time-frame I desire, or am I trusting that God will work things out in His own time and in His own way? My faith must not be conditioned so that it is strong only when things go the way that I think they ought to go. Instead, I must trust God no matter what the circumstances of life may bring.
