Bakersfield First Assembly

Bakersfield First Assembly

The Book of Job

The Question of the Ages—Why?

The ULTIMATE Test of Integrity

Job 2:7 (NIV) – [7] So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. [8] Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die! [10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1. Satan has the power to inflict people with sickness and disease.

2. Health problems will truly test our integrity.

3. Marriage will test our integrity.

a. The trials of life will test a marriage relationship.

b. Job’s wife commands him to just curse God and die.

c. Her statement is very revealing about her own relationship and belief about God.

d. Job’s wife reacts out of her own pain.

e. When Job needed his wife the most, she is not able to be there for him.

Job 19:17 (NLT) – [17] My breath is repulsive to my wife. I am rejected by my own family.

f. Now Job felt totally alone.

4. Our integrity is tested in how much we are willing to accept from God.

a. Job’s faith is absolutely amazing; he is willing to accept both good and bad from God.

b. Job has incredible faith in God, though his view of God may be a little distorted.

5. The ULTIMATE test of integrity is that when all is said and done, we have not sinned in what we say.

SEEK FIRST

The 96/15 Challenge

- WELCOME the LORD with Worship

- WAIT upon the LORD and Listen

- Read the WORD of God

- Release your WORRIES to Jesus

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) – [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not WORRY about your life… [33] But SEEK FIRST his kingdom…

“Jesus’ followers must settle the question of priorities and make the Kingdom of God their primary concern. To do that, we must consistently honor and represent the Kingdom. Then the way we deal with family, friends, work, leisure, etc., will all be transformed. What is most important to you? People, objects, goals, money, pleasure, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don’t actively choose to give him first place in every area of life.” (Life Application NT)

Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV) – [9] “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

“The Kingdom of God belongs to the present as well as the future… [it is] the rule, the reign, the government of God in this age in the hearts and lives of those who yield themselves to Him, and in the next age over all the world. (George Ladd, Gospel of the Kingdom)

Psalms 45:6 (NIV) – [6] Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your KINGDOM.

Daniel 7:13-14 (NIV) – [13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his KINGDOM is one that will never be destroyed.

Matthew 25:34 (NIV) – [34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the KINGDOM prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Revelation 11:15 (NIV) – [15] The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The KINGDOM of the world has become the KINGDOM of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

2. The Kingdom of God is conditional.

a. Repentance

Matthew 4:17 (NIV) – 17] From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the KINGDOM of heaven is near.”

b. Change

Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV) – [3] And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the KINGDOM of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the KINGDOM of heaven.

c. Humility

d. Being Born Again

John 3:3 (NIV) – [3] In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

e. Doing God’s Will

Matthew 7:21 (NIV) – [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the KINGDOM of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

3. The Kingdom of God is near.

Luke 21:29 (NIV) – [29] He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the KINGDOM of God is near.

4. The Kingdom of God is internal.

Luke 17:20-21 (NIV) – [20] Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the KINGDOM of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, [21] nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the KINGDOM of God is within you.”

Romans 14:17 (NIV) – [17] For the KINGDOM of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

5. The Kingdom of God is powerful.

Matthew 11:12 (NIV) – [12] From the days of John the Baptist until now, the KINGDOM of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

Matthew 16:19 (NIV) – [19] I will give you the keys of the KINGDOM of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV) – [20] For the KINGDOM of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

6. The Kingdom of God is invincible.

Daniel 2:44 (NIV) – [44] “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) – [28] Therefore, since we are receiving a KINGDOM that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

7. The Kingdom of God is inherited.

Matthew 25:34 (NIV) – [34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV) – [19] The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:3 (NIV) – [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the KINGDOM of heaven.

The Book of Job

The Question of the Ages—Why?

The ULTIMATE Test of Integrity

Job 2:7 (NIV) – [7] So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. [8] Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die! [10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1. Satan has the power to inflict people with sickness and disease.

a. We know from other places in Scripture that Satan in the source of some sickness and disease.

b. Sometimes, there is a connection between sickness and sin.

c. Through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, we have the promise of divine healing.

d. We are to pray for sick people to be healed.

e. Sometimes sickness is the result of Satan, sometimes sin, and other times just the result of living in a fallen world.

f. Ultimately, all sickness and disease will be done away with forever in heaven.

2. Health problems will truly test our integrity.

a. Job was struck with a terrible disease.

b. It can be difficult to maintain your integrity when you are severely suffering from such pain and sickness.

3. Marriage will test our integrity.

a. The trials of life will test a marriage relationship.

b. Job’s wife commands him to just curse God and die.

c. Her statement is very revealing about her own relationship and belief about God.

Job 1:11 (NIV) – [11] But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely CURSE you to your face.”

Job 2:5 (NIV) – [5] But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely CURSE you to your face.”

Job 2:9 (NIV) – [9] His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? CURSE God and die!”

d. Job’s wife reacts out of her own pain.

e. When Job needed his wife the most, she is not able to be there for him.

Job 19:17 (NLT) – [17] My breath is repulsive to my wife. I am rejected by my own family.

f. Now Job felt totally alone.

4. Our integrity is tested in how much we are willing to accept from God.

a. Job’s faith is absolutely amazing; he is willing to accept both good and bad from God.

b. Job has incredible faith in God, though his view of God may be a little distorted.

5. The ULTIMATE test of integrity is that when all is said and done, we have not sinned.

Seek First

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) – [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not WORRY about your life… [33] But SEEK FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) – [38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are WORRIED and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The Cure for Worry

1. Welcome Him in.

“Welcomed” (hupedexato) means kindly received; she received him in a friendly manner, under her roof; and entertained him hospitably.” (Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Luke 19:6 (NIV) – [6] Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.

“Consider Martha’s situation. She received Jesus into her home and then neglected Him as she prepared an elaborate meal that He did not need! Certainly, a meal was in order, but what we do with Christ is far more important than what we do for Christ.” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

2. Sit at His feet.

“Mary of Bethany is seen three times in the gospel record, and on each occasion, she is in the same place: at the feet of Jesus. She sat at His feet and listened to His Word (Lk 10:39), fell at His feet and shared her woe (Jn 11:32), and came to His feet and poured out her worship (Jn 12:3).” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

Psalms 46:10 (NIV) – [10] “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalms 46:10 (NAS) – [10] “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Matthew 6:6 (NJKV) – [6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

“It is vitally important that we spend time ‘at the feet of Jesus’ every single day, letting Him share His Word with us. The most important part of the Christian life is the part that only God sees. Unless we meet Christ personally and privately each day, we will soon end up like Martha: busy but not blessed. (Weirsbe Bible Commentary)

3. Listen to His Word.

Isaiah 48:18 (NLT) – [18] Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.

“While the Master does appreciate all that we undertake for Him, He knows that our first need is to sit at His feet and learn His will; then in our tasks we shall be calm and peaceful and kindly, and at last our service may attain the perfectness of that of Mary when in a later scene she poured upon the feet of Jesus the ointment, the perfume of which still fills the world.” (Charles R. Erdman)

4. One thing is needed.

Psalms 27:4 (NIV) – [4] One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

“Jesus was telling Martha that the ‘one thing’ that Mary had ‘chosen’ was more important than the ‘many things’ Martha had chosen to do. The implication was that Martha should listen more and labor less. The ‘good part’ that Mary would not lose, was the blessing that comes to those who pay attention to the teachings of Jesus with an attitude of dependence on Him. (Thomas Constable’s Notes)

5. Choose the better.

“Our Lord prizes our affection above our service. Service may be tainted with pride and self-importance. Occupation with Himself is the one thing needful, that good part which will not be taken away.” (Believer’s Commentary)

Bakersfield First Assembly

eek First

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) – [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not WORRY about your life… [33] But SEEK FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) – [38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are WORRIED and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 (AMP) – [38] Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. [39] And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. [40] But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! [41] But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; [42] There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

The Cause of Worry, Part 2

1. Being overly occupied

2. Being too busy

3. Becoming distracted

4. Feeling overwhelmed by overcommitments

“Jesus did not come alone—he had twelve disciples with him who all needed to have their feet washed, to be made comfortable, and to have a meal prepared for them. A respectable hostess in the ancient world would extend all of these courtesies to his or her guests. The impression here, however, is that Martha was overdoing it. She wanted something extra special for the Master, but she let herself get to the point where she was worrying, overworked, and unable to enjoy these guests. In attempting to serve Jesus, she did not understand or attend to Jesus’ reason for being there.” (Life Application NT)

5. Thinking God doesn’t care

6. Feelings of unfairness

Luke 10:40 (NLT) – [40] But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem UNFAIR to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

Psalms 37:1 (NIV) – [1] Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong.

7. The need to control

Mark 3:20-21 (NIV) – [20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

“If we want greater happiness in life, it’s time to reevaluate what’s ruling our life. Is it power and the quest for control over people and things, or is it love?” (Leslie Vernick, Lord, I Just Want to Be Happy)

8. A habit of overthinking

“The evidence that overthinking is bad for you now is vast and overwhelming. If you are someone plagued by ruminations, you are unlikely to become happier before you can break that habit. I will go so far as to say if you are an overthinker, one of the secrets to your happiness is the ability to allay obsessive overthinking, to reinterpret and redirect your negative thoughts into more neutral or optimistic ones. I have found that truly happy people have the capacity to distract and absorb themselves in activities that divert their energies and attention away from dark or anxious ruminations.” (Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, The How of Happiness)

Psalms 73:2-3, 16 (NIV) – [2] But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. [3] For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked… [16] When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me…

9. Becoming anxious

Worry (merimnao) means anxious care, troubled; to think earnestly upon, to be cumbered with many cares; to have an anxious concern based on apprehension about POSSIBLE danger or misfortune; to have a distracting care, perpetually uneasy.

10. Being troubled

Troubled (thorubazo) means “to be bothered or distracted or disturbed;” it comes from a root word (thoruboo) meaning “to make a noise or uproar, be turbulent; a loud and ostentatious lamentation or wailing; to throw into confusion.”

Mark 5:38-40 (NIV) – [38] When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. [39] He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.

The Book of Job

The Question of the Ages—Why?

The Test of Integrity

Job 2:1-6 (NIV) – [1] On another day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. [2] And the LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” [3] Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” [4] “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. [5] But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” [6] The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

1. For integrity to be proven it must be tested.

2. The true test of integrity is not when it benefits you to have it, but when it costs you to keep it.

a. The fact that Job had not lost his integrity though he had lost everything else is the evidence of true integrity.

b. Incite (cuwth) means to entice, to mislead, to alure, to instigate.

1 Samuel 26:17-19 (NIV) – [17] Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?” David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.” [18] And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? [19] Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the Lord has INCITED you against me, then may he accept an offering…”

1 Chronicles 21:1-2 (NIV) – [21] Satan rose up against Israel and INCITED David to take a census of Israel.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

3. One purpose of suffering is to learn patient endurance.

Revelation 14:9-12 (NIV) – [9] A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, [10] he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. [11] And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” [12] This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

4. Satan is out to prove that our integrity is based solely upon the good things God does for us.

5. The tests of life are evidence of God’s confidence in us to pass them.

THE RISING CHURCH

“from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven

has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.” Matthew 11:12

NLT

1) THE RISING CHURCH IS AWAKE

“11  Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken

from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than

when we first believed [in Christ].  12  The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and

the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here.” Romans 13:11-12 AMP

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring

lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

2) THE RISING CHURCH IS HOLY

“that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or

any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:27 NKJV

3) THE RISING CHURCH IS A WORD CHURCH

2  Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently

correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 NLT

3  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome

teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them

whatever their itching ears want to hear.  4  They will reject the truth and chase after

myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT

3  Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all

share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the

faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.  4  I say this because

some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s

marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives…” Jude 1:3-4 NLT

4) THE RISING CHURCH IS A PRAYER DRIVEN CHURCH

“My house shall be called a house of prayer,” Matthew 21:13 NKJV

5) THE RISING CHURCH IS A BOLD CHURCH

Bold (antonyms): afraid, cowardly, fearful, shy, timid, weak

Bold (synonyms): courageous, fearless, heroic, confident, valiant, brave

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s

womb. 14  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is

marvelous—how well I know it. 15  You watched me as I was being formed in utter

seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16  You saw me before I was

born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before

a single day had passed. 17  How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They

cannot be numbered! 18  I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up, you are still with me! Psalm 139:13-18 NLT

14  You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth.  15  For he will be

great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with

the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.

Luke 1:14-15 NASB

“I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in

your homes.  21  I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of

repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.” Acts

20:20-21 NLT

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were

uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been

with Jesus. Acts 4:13 NLT

And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in

preaching your word. Acts 4:29 NLT

The Book of Job

The Question of the Ages—Why?

The Test of Integrity

Job 2:1-6 (NIV) – [1] On another day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. [2] And the LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” [3] Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.” [4] “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. [5] But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” [6] The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”

1. For integrity to be proven it must be tested.

a. Integrity (tummah) means completeness, fullness, innocence, simplicity; that which is ethically sound.

b. Integrity is the quality or state of being complete; unbroken condition; wholeness; the quality or state of being of sound moral principles; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity. (Webster’s)

Job 27:5 (NIV) – [5] I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my INTEGRITY.

c. Maintain (chazaq) means to strengthen, to prevail, to harden, to be strong, to be courageous, to be firm, to be resolute.

Proverbs 11:3 (NIV) – [3] The INTEGRITY of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

2. The true test of integrity is not when it benefits you to have it, but when it costs you to keep it.

a. The fact that Job had not lost his integrity though he had lost everything else is the evidence of true integrity.

b. Incite (cuwth) means to entice, to mislead, to alure, to instigate.

1 Samuel 26:17-19 (NIV) – [17] Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is that your voice, David my son?” David replied, “Yes it is, my lord the king.” [18] And he added, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of? [19] Now let my lord the king listen to his servant’s words. If the Lord has INCITED you against me, then may he accept an offering…”

1 Chronicles 21:1-2 (NIV) – [21] Satan rose up against Israel and INCITED David to take a census of Israel.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

3. One purpose of suffering is to learn patient endurance.

Revelation 14:9-12 (NIV) – [9] A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, [10] he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. [11] And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” [12] This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

4. Satan is out to prove that our integrity is based solely upon the good things God does for us.

5. The tests of life are evidence of God’s confidence in us to pass them.