Quiet Times Search

Test Time

Tests are given in many of life's situations:

• driving test
• drug test
• citizen test
• emission test
• products test
• work test

Deuteronomy 8:1-2 - what is really in your heart?

Judges 2:20-FF

• Your character needs to be tested
• "I want to be molded"

• Tested in how you give
• Test in what makes you happy

1 Peter 1:3-6

• Prove to you and him that your faith genuine
• We need to stop fighting God
• We will have challenges with:
  • character
  • commitment
  • hurt
  • weakness in the church
  • close friends leaves
  • persecution
  • death
  • illness
  • finances
  • relationships
  • dating
  • family not open
  • spouse
  • happiness
  • children
  • friends

Cause with fighting for

John 18:36

• Who have you been fighting?
  • The battle isn't the person in front of you
• If we are not fighting for our faith then something is wrong.

2 Timothy 4:7

• Fight for your faith:
  • Fight for Quiet Times
  • Fight for Reaching Out
  • Fight for Purity
  • Fight for Self Discipline

2 Corinthians 10:4-6

• Not with machine guns or cannons
• Fighting through prayer and studying the Word
  • Destroys arguments

To overthrow Satan in your life...You must first be a Zealot of God.

As a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert - Jeremiah 2:2-3

If you're writing a romanc, love is the goal - you must allow for the possiblity of betrayal
This is what God call us our turning away from him

Hebrews thought God would be satisfied with some religious rituals and rule keeping

You said, "I will not serve you!" - Jeremiah 2:20
You have forgotten me and trusted in false gods - Jeremiah 13:25-27

True love never fails
God will fight for his beloved

I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her - Hosea 2:14

• God goes to war to set his people free in Exodus
• War to get to the promise land - Exodus 17:16
• War to get into the promise land - battle of Jericho
• Wars to keep the promise land - battles with Canannites, Philistines, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Midianites
• Deborah, Gideon, David, Elijah goes to war

The theme of does not end with the Old Testament
I have come to bring peace but the sword - Matthew 10:34

The birth of Christ was an act of war
The enemy knew it and tried to kill him - Matthew 2:13

The whole life of Christ is marked by battle and confrontation

• Kick out demons with a stern command
• Rebukes fever and it leaves
• Rebukes a storm and it resides
• Confronts the Pharisees numberous times
• He wakes Lazarus from the dead
• Decends into hell and leads a train of captives free - Ephesians 4:8-9

Not just a theme of the Bible but the backdrop for the whole story

What is he fighting for? Our freedom and restoration
The glory of God is man fully alive

• Little Red Riding Hood - wolf
• Dorthy - Wicked Witch of the West
• Neo - powerful agents

• Broke bread in their homes and ate together - Acts 2:46
• The church meet in houses - 1 Corinthians 16:19
• House church at Nymph's house - Colossians 4:15

1. 2 Timothy 2:15 - We will be well equipped
2. 2 Timothy 3:17 - Workman who is not ashamed
3. 1 Peter 3:15 - Equipped for evangelism; able to answer questions.
4. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 - We will have the mind of Christ (ie. Able to handle difficult situations as Christ would handle them. )
5. Matthew 4:4-10 - We will be able to fight off temptation and Satan.

1. 2 Timothy 2:15 - We will be well equipped
2. 2 Timothy 3:17 - Workman who is not ashamed
3. 1 Peter 3:15 - Equipped for evangelism; able to answer questions.
4. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 - We will have the mind of Christ (ie. Able to handle difficult situations as Christ would handle them. )
5. Matthew 4:4-10 - We will be able to fight off temptation and Satan.

• Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
• Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
• Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
• Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?

• Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
• Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself

1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
   
2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
   
3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
   
4. Wedding ceremony = baptism

• Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
• Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
• Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
• Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
• Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
• v26 - Even his own life
  • What will you need to overcome?

• Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
• We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
• Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)

• The first must be last
• This is not how it is in the work place
  • Go ahead take my promotion
  • Kiss up to the boss
  • Fighting to be the best
  • Spend long hours at work

• Who will take care of me?
• They may not thank you

• The humble will be exalted
• Servants can not be prideful; humility is the badge the slave

• Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
• Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
• Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
• Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
• Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
• Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
• Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
• Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13

1. Not trusting God will take care of us - vs. 3
2. Too prideful and feel nothing can hurt us - vs. 6
3. Idolizing something above God in our lives - vs. 9

• This is true spiritually also, what we put in our minds will come out in our actions.
• This is why pornography is damaging (once the images are in our minds they can stay for weeks, months even years).
• The only way to refocus our minds is to concentrate on pure ideas.

• Begin your day with a positive message from God and that will help you overcome the temptations of the day (world).
  

• Make a conscience effort to not go the direction (path) of the things that tempt you.
  
• The inconvenience is well worth it.
  

• But we must stand ready to do battle with him.
• We can have the victory in this area if we have a fighting spirit (fight for purity).

Summary

Abram journeyed with his nephew Lot. Their servants argued, so Lot went to Sodom, Abram to Canaan. The LORD promised Abram the land.

Observations

Genesis 13:7 - So there were quarrels
When there are many things involved, sometimes because there are quarrels. Quarrels come from our evil desires within us [James 4:1]. It is not the amount of items but our heart toward them. In this day in age, there are many quarrel and we have many things. Right now Congress can not agree on much of anything. Are we fighting the good fight or just fighting each other?

Genesis 13:11 - Lot chose for himself the whole region of the Jordan
Lot had a choice, the better Lot wanted the "well-watered" land for himself but in the ended up with the land full of sin. When chose what is better for ourselves rather than others, we many times not get what we think we are getting. If Lot had the choice over again, he would have likely would chose to give the land to Abram but it instead cost him his life.

Personal Application

I have been very quarrelsome at work recently - there is a lot that frustrates me right now. I need to relax and count my blessings. It is not worth broken relationships or loss of life.

Summary

The Lord promised Abram an heir and many descendants. Abram believed. He was told that they would be enslaved but would then return.

Observations

Genesis 15:6 - Abram believed the LORD ... credited it to him as righteousness
Even though Abram had no kids for a long period of time, he believed the Lord would provide. He had this prayer for a long time - many, many days he prayed. But nothing. He he came face to face with God, He told him a son was coming and his descendants would be as many as stars in the sky. Abram chose to believe and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. How long do we pray before giving up?

Genesis 15:14 - I will punish the nation they serve as slaves
At the beginning of the chapter, God said he was Abram's shield [Genesis 15:1]. Here he expands on his promise - in the future, he will punish the Egyptians for making his people to become slaves. God will protect us. The judgement of our enemies might not come on our timetable, but it will come. We need to patient and be still, the Lord will fight for you [Exodus 14:14]

Personal Application

Sometimes I believe that perseverance is my strength but as I look at my prayers for the desires of my heart, I give up way easily. "But it has not happened in 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years" - I say. Abram waited until he was 100 years for his son to be born.

Remember the battle you entered

• Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
• Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

• Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
• Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
• Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
• Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.

1. What happened to Jesus after his baptism? What should you expect after your baptism?
2. How was Jesus tempted to question his relationship with God? God's plan for him?
3. How has Satan tempted you with doubts/insecurity/fears since your baptism?
4. How did Jesus use the Bible to fight temptation? How does the Bible expose Satan's lies?

1. How might the devil scheme against you?
2. What armor has God provided to keep you strong?
3. What is our only "weapon" against Satan (vs. 17)?

1. Why do some people like to quarrel about words and spread their own ideas around? Do you ever quarrel about words? Have you talked about it with another disciple?
2. How can you train yourself to be an approved workman?
3. Have you been involved in any discussions lately about God's word or the church that were pointless or even harmful?

1. How can you fight the good fight?
2. How can a disciple "shipwreck" their faith?
3. Remember Hymenaeus (2 Timothy 2:17-18) and Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

1. Are you watching daily your life (as a disciple) and your doctrine (understanding the Bible)?
2. Has anyone noticed changes in you?

1. Why do some people scoff (mock) at the promise of Christ's return?
2. What will the "day of the Lord" be like?
3. Are you living as though Jesus could come back TODAY?

1. Will there be any "second chance" for those who are not ready to meet the Lord?
2. Why will this day be like "a thief in the night"?
3. What does it mean to be alert and self-controlled?

1. How does Paul feel about facing the Lord on judgement day?
2. Why is living for Jesus like fighting the good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith?
3. What kind of effort does it take to be this way to the end?

• Look at how God has overcome my shortcomings to help me grow.
• Build trust in God today by sharing a victory with a friend.

• Pride
• Complacency
• Self pity
• Desiring comfort
• Fear

1. Decide never to quit being a disciple.
2. Decide to admit your weaknesses every day.
3. Decide to obey the Bible when you get knocked down.

Must learn to become an intercessor = a man who shows his true dependence on God by faithfully fighting battles in prayer, both for himself and his family.

Many great men of the Bible did: Ezra 9:5-15; Nehemiah 9; Jeremiah 14:19-22

One praying man can make a major impact

• King Josiah read God’s Word for the first time, he realized that he and his nation would suffer

Do according to all that is written concerning us - 2 Kings 22:13

• Jeremiah: “Restore us to You, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days” - Lamentations 5:7, 21

When did you become a man? Men are often unsure.

Learning this can not only help us understand ourselves better but also help our sons become secure men as well.

When Jesus was twelve years old and His parents accidentally left Him
They didn’t find Him in a back alley playing with children. They found Him in the temple - Luke 2:46-47

After this event, the Scriptures say that He “kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” - Luke 2:52

In the Jewish community today, when a boy reaches puberty (around the age of thirteen)
Bar means “son of.” Mitzvah means “the law”

• When asked to give a financial contribution during a census, God required it of every man “twenty years old and over.” - Exodus 30:14
• When making vows to fund the sanctuary, God expected the “males from twenty years even to sixty years old” to give the most - Leviticus 27:3
• Men ready to fight in war for Israel were men who were “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 1:3
• Men who were held accountable and punished severely by God were, again, those “twenty years old and upward.” - Numbers 14:29

He may have become a responsible adult earlier than twenty, but by then he had no excuse.

God calls us to an appropriate and excellent standard: His.

To be a man is to fully own your roles as an adult, husband, father, employee, neighbor, and any other role you choose to undertake.

Continuing the “heart hindrances” that will push your chidren away.

6. Favoritism.
   • Less favored children become resentful.
   • It led Rachel and Leah to fight and Joseph’s brothers to hate him
7. Hypocrisy.
   • It will kill trust between you and your children
   • Identify hypocrisy in you, be quick to repent
8. Hurting their mother.
   • They will tend to take up offense for the woman who loves them
   • If you teach them to dishonor her, they will eventually dishonor you
9. Misunderstanding.
   • Is tied to kids feeling misunderstood and not listened to by their parents
   • If a matter is important to them, it should be important to you
10. Unrealistic expectations.
    • Kids will quickly be discouraged if they believe their parents have set them up to fail
    • Avoid comparing their weaknesses with another child’s strengths
    • Your child believes he can’t please you, he’ll eventually quit trying

You must keep your radar up to sense if you have your children’s hearts

Questions to continously ask:

• Have I ever wounded you and not made it right?
• Have I said one thing and done another?
• Have I made promises and not kept them?
• Is there anything you’re angry with me about? Is there anything you’re not telling me because you’re afraid?

Too many men foolishly refuse to apologize because they’re trying to save face and don’t want to look bad.

Summary

Rebebekah went back with Eliezer and she married Isaac.

Observations

Genesis 24:49 - Tell me yes or no, then I know what to do next
After sharing his faith in verses 34 to 48 about how God blessed his faithfulness, Abramham's servers did not want to waste any time - he wanted a straight answer on which direction they would choose. Sometimes it is difficult to get a straight answer but he did not want them to waiver in this very important decision. Sometimes we guard our hearts to share because we do not want to sound "too religous" but Eliezer just shared his heart and was not concerned about their opinons.

Genesis 24:50 - The Lord has obviously brought you here, there is nothing we can say
There is no reason to fight the Lord. When they saw what had happen before them, they were conveicted that the Lord was speaking to them that day. Eliezer was full of faith and excitement for what the Lord had done and he could not help but to share it with them that day.

Application

The God should be obvious in our lives. Do people see God in us and if so is it obvious or is there doubt in their mind? In order for me to reach out to others, my life needs to show Jesus. When I speak and invite others to church/Bible study does it come as a surpise or an invitation or extention of what I am already doing?

Prayer

Pray to be real with people and to share my faith without reservation. 

I come to you in the name of the Lord - 1 Samuel 17:45

David spoke words of confidence

He knew that God had sent him and He never sends a man to fight without equipping and guilding him

Goliath had size, armor, weapons and a hard heart on his side
David had a slingshot, some stones, and an abolute faith in God (delights in enabling the impossible)

It was a hopeless situation - for the Giant

The moment David accepted God's call to fight, Goliath was as good as dead.

This is the Lords battle! - 1 Samuel 17:47

What "giants" in your life make you feel like the underdog? In Christ, can not only win over the giants but have an abolute rout.

Shall I not drink from the cup of suffereing the Father has given me? - John 18:10-11

When you fight spiritual battles, you have a variety of resources available

Your choice will always determine if you win or lose

Peter did the best he could; he went wrong by putting confidence in his own strength and abilty to get things done

Peter's problem was not a lack of willingness to follow Jesus but a problem of choice of weapons

Only when we receieved the holy spirit did he become a fearless and powerful preacher of the gospel

What weapons do you use to fight your spiritual battles?

Come and sleep with - she demanded. But Joseph refused - Genesis 39:7-8

Sometimes God calls us to stand up to temptation and fight like a man but other times he instructs us to run away

God calls us to avoid sexual temptation and to run from it

Joesph was likely attracted to the wife of his master Potiphar and she really wanted Joseph

He refused to betray his master and he had two options: resist the seduction or flee

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts - 2 Timothy 2:22

I have fought the good fight, I  have finished the race - 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul contemplated his own end, he knew:

• The futility of trying to earn God's favor
• Faithful service would prepare him for God's staggering blessings
• He had remained faithful to his calling
• What lay ahead of him beyond the executioner's sword

He felt at peace with his imminent death and did not see his life as his own - 2 Timthoy 4:6

Nothing in this life can compare with what awaits you in heaven as a follower of Jesus Christ

Let a curse fall on ayone who eats before evening - 1 Samuel 14:24

King Saul had many gifts and talents but he often lacked common sense

As his soliders prepared for battle, Saul gave them the orders to not eat anything during the daylight

King Saul reasoned that daylight was for fighting

He made the order simplete to save time but God provide no such direction

King Saul's rashness and impatience led to poor decisions and outright disobedience

The Israelites defeated the Philistines but it was not decisive thanks to Saul's foolish burden on the soliders

You have too many warriors with you .. Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength - Judges 7:2

God called Gideon to lead his army of 32,000 to meet the Midianite emenies

The vast majority of Gideon's army would not be going to battle and he lead them home

God wanted to keep Gideon and the Israelites humble to know their Source of their victory

• 10,000 were too afriad to fight
• All but 300 would go into battle with the Lord
• The enemy's men were too many to count  Judges 7:12

When you feel that you do not have the strength to fight your battle, you are in a good starting place