Our Savior's Church - Lafayette
Discussion Guide

The Purpose of Testing

Pastor Joseph Aranza
|
April 27, 2025

Main Idea

In the message 'The Purpose of Testing,' Pastor Joseph Aranza from Our Savior's Church explained that trials and tests are integral to the Christian journey. Using James 1 as the anchor text, he reminded us that while testing is inevitable, it serves to produce steadfastness—faith that is firm and unwavering. Pastor Joseph clearly distinguished between testing, which comes from God to build us, and temptation, which comes from the enemy to break us. He shared personal stories and biblical examples, illustrating how God uses seasons of hardship not to punish us, but to prepare us for what He has planned. The message encouraged us to embrace trials with joy, trust God’s higher perspective, partner with spiritual family, and prioritize prayer as our lifeline during testing seasons.

Scripture References

James 1:2-4, James 1:12, John 10:10, Matthew 3:16-4:1, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 55:8-9, Philippians 4:6-7

What does James 1 say about the purpose of testing, and how does this change your view of trials?

Partner with spiritual family who can stand with you and pray with you when your faith feels weak.

How can you differentiate between a test from God and a temptation from the enemy in your life?

Discussion Questions:

Why is steadfastness so important in your faith journey, and how have past trials helped develop this in you?"

What role does spiritual family play during seasons of testing, and do you have people you can partner with in these times?

How can prayer help shift your perspective and bring peace in the midst of testing seasons?

Commit to daily prayer, presenting your requests to God and allowing His peace to guard your heart.

Summary

Pastor Jacob Aranza's Easter Sunday message at Our Savior's Church powerfully reminded us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the day that changed everything. He explained how sin, fear, guilt, and shame have haunted humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve, leaving us spiritually dead and separated from God. Yet, 2,000 years ago, Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life and defeated sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection. Pastor Jacob emphasized that this victory grants us spiritual rebirth and eternal life when we accept Jesus. Through compelling stories of real-life transformations, including those overcoming addiction and broken relationships, he illustrated that Jesus is still raising the dead — spiritually, emotionally, and relationally — today. Pastor Jacob invited everyone to turn from sin, embrace repentance, and receive the gift of salvation through faith in Christ alone.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Your obstacle might just be the opportunity God is using to prepare you for your next victory.

The purpose of prayer is not to leave with answers, but to leave with His presence.

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