Our Savior's Church - Lafayette
Discussion Guide

The Testing of Testing

Pastor Joseph Aranza
|
May 18, 2025

Main Idea

The central theme of Pastor Joseph's sermon was that testing is an integral part of our faith journey. He explained that testing is God's tool for building our character and faith, leading to steadfastness. By examining the lives of biblical characters and the teachings in James, he showed us that testing is not a punishment but a preparation for greater things God has in store for us. He encouraged us to embrace trials with joy, as they are opportunities in disguise, shaping us for our future roles in God's plan.

Scripture References

James 1:2-3, James 1:12, John 10:10, Mark 3:16, Matthew 3:16, Matthew 4:1, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 55

When life shakes your foundation, what spills out reveals what's within you; let it be the fruit of the Spirit.

Discussion Questions:

Prayer's purpose isn't to leave with answers, but to leave with His presence, which brings peace regardless of circumstances.

Summary

Pastor Joseph shared a powerful message with us at Our Savior's Church - Lafayette, titled 'The Testing of Testing.' He delved into the book of James, emphasizing how trials and tests of faith are not only inevitable but also serve a purpose in our spiritual growth. He reminded us that while God's plan may not align with our preferences, it's designed to produce steadfastness in us. Through the stories of biblical figures like Joseph, Job, and Jonah, Pastor Joseph illustrated that significant use by God often follows a period of testing. He also made a clear distinction between testing from God, which builds us, and temptation from the enemy, which aims to break us.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Reflect on the recent tests in your life and identify how they have strengthened your faith.

Seek out a spiritual family or community to support you through your testing seasons.

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