Bible Study: Strength to pass life’s tests

NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.

Bible Passage: Judges 3

Discussion Questions:

• What are some types of challenges that God allows in our lives to test our faithfulness to Him?
• What painful consequences of disobedience have you experienced in your life, and how did they drive you to the Lord?
• What can you do to encourage someone who is facing a test of faith?

Food for Thought:

Ask any student and they would say, “I hate tests.” No one likes tests, but they’re needed for school and for life. Tests reveal what we know and if we have learned what we have been taught. Some tests are harder than others, but they all reveal something about us.

For the Israelites after conquering and settling in the land that God promised, God tested them to see if they would keep His commands after all He had done for them.

In Judges 3, we see God testing the people by letting them live among their pagan neighbors. But the Israelites failed the test miserably and assimilated with their pagan neighbors, marrying their daughters and worshipping their gods. As a result, God sold them to the King of Aram, and they had to serve him for eight years.

But God’s mercy is great. When the people cried out to God, He sent Othnielas a deliverer to save them. Othniel judged Israel, battled for them and was victorious. The land had peace for 40 years.

This was part of the recurring cycle the Israelites dealt with throughout Judges. They sinned, God disciplined them, they cried out to God, and God raised a judge or deliverer for them. And only then did they have rest. This cycle continued.

But God knew this cycle was not sustainable for His people. His plan for an ultimate Savior and Deliverer, seen in Jesus Christ, was needed to redeem and restore a people prone to sin. He did it out of His mercy and love. He did it because He knew we couldn’t do it on our own.

We still go through tests and trials today to help us build perseverance and grow in maturity (James 1:2-4). But now, we know the Holy Spirit is with us to help and guide us. We rely on God’s strength to endure trials and resist temptation, knowing He is faithful, all-powerful and merciful towards us.

The Gospel Project

The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.

About the Author

• Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources

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