INTRO: The Believers Challenge

Testing- (Dokimazo) God allowing his people to pass through certain experiences, so that he may see, and prove to them, that their faith in him is genuine. The Purpose is Approval.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

Temptation- ( peirazo)Temptation is the pressure to give in to ungodly influences that lead you away from God and into sin. It is not a sin to be tempted. The Purpose is to Entice us to Sin.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Cor 10:13

ANALYSIS/ APPLICATION: Exercising the Power of Kingdom Authority.

1. The Authority of the Word of God.

It is written……
Every word of God is pure, he is a shield unto them that put there trust in Him.Pr 30:5

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

2. The Authority of Jesus Name.

If You are the Son of God,
All power is given to unto me in heaven and earth. Matt. 28:18

And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24

3. The Authority of the Holy Spirit.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. Matthew 3:16

to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ Acts 1:4-8