Title of Message: Tests of Faith From John 6
Key Verse: John 6:19-20, Matthew 14:21-33, Psalm 25:4-5
Sermon Notes:
1. We learn in John 6 that Jesus gives His disciples tests.
Insights for passing tests from God:
2. Don’t ask God for them!
3. Recognize what a test is and isn’t.
a. Reaping what we sow is something that we have done to ourselves in our rebellion or ignorance against the counsel of God.
b. A trial/test is something that the Lord sends our way and in the end it is always constructive in our journey to growing up to maturity in Christ as men and women of God!
4. Don’t be surprised! (1 Peter 4:12)
5. Don’t be afraid! (James 1:2-4)
6. Keep rowing! Don’t doubt in darkness what God has clearly shown to you in the light.
7. Don’t light your own light! Don’t cheat! (Isaiah 50:10-11)
8. Heavenly tests always circle around faith!
Follow-up Questions from Sunday
Getting to Know You: Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. Read John 6:1-6. Why do you think Jesus was testing Philip and what do you think Jesus was testing him for?
2. When you read John 6:1-21, John recorded two amazing signs that Jesus performed (feeding of the 5,000 and walking on water) in less than 24 hours. These signs threw the disciples across a wide range of human emotions from excitement and anticipation to confusion, fear, and astonishment. What do you think Jesus was trying to teach them in all of this?
3. Read Matthew 14:21-24 and Proverbs 3:5-6. Pastor Frank believes Jesus went up on that mountain and was praying for the disciples in the boat. Do you agree or disagree? What do you think Jesus was praying for? When Jesus sees you and prays for you, what do you think He sees and prays for?
4. Read John 6:5-6, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:3-7 and Galatians 6:7-8. What do you think the difference is between being
tested by God and reaping what we sow in our poor decisions? Have you ever seen a person confuse these two? Please share.
5. When we read the Bible, we see that God at times tests all of us. What do you think is the point of God testing us and how do you think all of this plays out in eternity in Heaven?
6. How would you describe David’s attitude In Psalm 25:4-5 about God being his teacher? How does this challenge your thinking?
Taking it Home: What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?