IT'S THE TEST OF A LIFETIME!
- Key Verse
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you -- unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
We are promised that our faith will be tested, but we are also commanded to test our faith.
Reflections
I love tests! I know I'm nerdy, but when I was in college, I loved studying for an exam and then feeling so accomplished after taking it. When I taught physics, I loved making challenging tests and then preparing my students to do excellently on them. Tests allow us to see what we really know. In this final part of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, Paul is challenging the church to take the only test that really matters. Except this isn't a test about what we know, it's about who we know. In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks his disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" That is the most important question we will ever have to answer. So, do you know the answer? Would you pass this test?
For 16 years, I sat in church and never really thought about who Jesus is. Then at Young Life camp, I was finally asked the question, and the answer changed my life. Jesus Christ is everything: He is the mightiest warrior who has ever existed and the most selfless lover we'll ever know. He is the King of the universe, and yet He wants to be our very best friend. In Romans 10:9 we are promised, "[I]f you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Is Jesus your Savior? Have you given your whole life to Him?
Perhaps you pass that test easily! You've accepted Christ as your Savior and your eternity is secure. Awesome! However, your relationship with Christ should not stop there. Test yourself. Are you living out your faith in Jesus? Does your life reflect who He is and the glorious things He has done in you? Paul emphatically declares through his letters to the people of the Corinthian church: LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH! Don't just say you know who Jesus is; even the demons know that. Let the whole world know that Jesus changed your life! As it was once said, "Christ died for you; the least you can do is live for Him."
Discussion Questions
1. Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? If so, when? Try to remember the details of the day you were made new in Christ. If you haven't made that decision, make today the day that Jesus changes your life.2. Does your life reflect the fact that you love Jesus?
3. Find a fellow believer (preferably someone who knows you well) and ask that person if he or she sees any area of your life that does not pass the "test." What did the person say and what can be done to change it?
4. Think of someone you know who doesn't yet know Jesus. Have you shared the claims of Christ with him or her? If not, what is holding you back?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
2 Corinthians 11 - Galatians 2 (July 23-27)
Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33.
• Make a list of all the things that happened to Paul. Discuss which one you think would be the hardest.
• What does Paul say in verse 30?
• What do you think it means to boast in your weaknesses?
• Have each person make a list of your weaknesses and hardships that you have been through.
Now read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Romans 5:3-5.
• What are the blessings of hardships and weaknesses?
• What does it mean to trust the Lord in the hard times?
• What does it mean to trust Him in your weaknesses?
Activity: Go back over your lists. What is the weakness or hardship that you are struggling with most? Put everyone's name on a piece of paper and have each family member draw a name. This week, do different things to encourage that person in his or her toughest struggle right now. Find verses to encourage them and pray for them.
Cliff Stoops
July 25, 2012 06:21 AM
"Let the whole world know that Jesus changed your life!" This is a great point that I do not follow through on often enough. Thank you including it in the installment today.
Jessica Davis
July 25, 2012 06:26 AM
What an excellent start to Jude's and my day. Thank you for blessing us this early morning Randi & challenging me to check myself & know my king well. Also a great reminder to pray for Jude's salvation again, to always share Jesus with Him & that He is his ultimate protector.
James
July 25, 2012 07:44 AM
Wow! Amazing! Randi, it overwhelms me with joy to read what you wrote last year not knowing any of the challenges headed your way, and you responded exactly like you wrote here to every challenge. You are such an example to us of how to run toward Christ and use him as the only answer for whatever life brings. The answer to question 2 for you is YES! And we say you pass the test!
Elaine Word
July 25, 2012 09:13 AM
What an awesome devotion, Randi. What an awesome test that grants Eternal Life as a passing grade... I also love verse 11 that gives us the picture of the joys that are set before us. Just as you taught your students to pass the tests you had prepared for them to take... we must help those who do not know Christ to be prepared to know Him and trust Him so they can pass the test too. What riches lie in wait for those who know Him, those who pass the test. Thanks and many blessings to you and your ROYAL family.
Virginia
July 25, 2012 09:22 AM
What a great devotional to start the day and to be reminded of who our Savior is---our mighty warrior who protects and fights for us daily, who loves us enough to die for us, who created and runs the Universe, and best of all, wants to be our friend. What a priviledge to know Him and serve Him! So well said and motivating to trust He who is trustworthy and faithful in all things, all the time.
"Aunt B"
July 25, 2012 04:21 PM
Randi, You are a living example of meeting the challenges God places in front of us with dignity and Grace. Thank you for the beautiful reminder to live our lives in a way that others will know of our faith. Of course this is just the opposite of what Satan wants us to do which means it can be a tough journey but the destination is worth all the detours. The faith you have shown brings comfort and courage to all those on this journey we call life! Thanks for your message. Love to you and your beautiful family from your family in Nebraska.
Allison Koons
July 26, 2012 06:44 AM
Randi, thanks for the encouragement to live our faith out in every way. Not easy in a world that values compromise...but infinitely better than the nagging misery of holding back all He's worth. Given Who you believe and all He's taught you, I bet your physics class would be amazing!