1. This morning we studied passages that relate to "faith" [faithfulness], one of the characteristics included in the fruit of the Spirit. 2. This evening we are studying passages that relate to God's faithfulness. 3. 1 Corinthians 10:13 is one verse which declares that "God is faithful." 4. This verse also states that God: a. will not allow His people to be tested above what we are able to bear b. will provide what His people need to bear the trials we face. 5. In our lesson we are examining several of God's servants who questioned God's faithfulness. 6. We are especially interested in the ways they bore the trials that caused them to question God's faithfulness.
Discussion:
I. JOB QUESTIONED GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
A. Even though Job was a righteous man, he suffered great trials (Job 1-2). B. When Satan afflicted Job, he did not immediately curse God. C. He eventually expressed his feelings (Job 3:1-6, 25), indicating that he had concerns about God's faithfulness toward him. D. Job never learned why he suffered so greatly, but he eventually regained his confidence in God's faithfulness (Job 42:1-2, 12).
II. ELIJAH QUESTIONED GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
A. After Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), Jezebel threatened to take his life (1 Kings 19:1-2). B. We learn from 1 Kings 19:3-4 that Elijah went into the wilderness and wanted to die. C. Elijah's comments [in 1 Kings 19:9-10] indicate that he questioned God's faithfulness toward him. D. Elijah learned in 1 Kings 19:18 that there was no need to question God's faithfulness. E. Elijah survived His trials, he continued serving God faithfully, and he was taken to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11).
III. DAVID QUESTIONED GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
A. David had great confidence in God's faithfulness (Psalm 21:1-4; 23:1). B. However, David's statements [in Psalm 22:1-2] indicate that he questioned God's faithfulness toward him. C. We must keep in mind that Saul made numerous attempts to kill David, and David avoided Saul a long time. D. According to Psalm 22:3-5, David had a change of mind.
IV. JEREMIAH QUESTIONED GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
A. Jeremiah had great confidence in God's faithfulness (Jeremiah 1:4-10). B. However, his comments [in Jeremiah 20:7-9a] indicate that he questioned God's faithfulness toward him. C. According to Jeremiah 20:9b-11, Jeremiah had a change of mind.
V. APPLICATION
A. The Bible emphasizes that fact that God is faithful and that He will provide what we need to bear up under the difficulties we face. B. What can we learn from Job, Elijah, David, and Jeremiah? 1. We learn from Job that we sometimes just have to hang on, even though we may not understand why a certain trial has come our way (James 5:11). 2. We learn from Elijah that we must communicate effectively with God. 3. We learn from David to reflect upon God's goodness from the past. 4. We learn from Jeremiah about the value of hiding God's Word in the heart.
Conclusion:
1. Let us always remember that "God is faithful." 2. Let us also remember that He will provide the blessings we need so we can remain faithful to Him (1 Corinthians 10:13).
